Today’s small business owners all share a common goal: to get more for their dollar and find the best strategies for small business marketing. A newer app in the marketing world is Snapchat. This app is much more than a simple photo and video sharing app. Since its debut in 2011, it primary use has been for fun, but Snapchat is evolving into a marketing tool that has a lot to offer businesses. Marketers who strive to find an out-of-the-box way to reach their target audience, especially those with a younger demographic, are especially seeing the benefits of using the app. It’s the marketing wave of the future – 77 percent of college students are using Snapchat to send 400 million messages daily.
Some businesses may struggle to use this app as a tool to connect with a buyer persona. Just like the Facebook marketing campaign checklist you used to perfect marketing on that platform, there are some things you need to know about Snapchat. Remember that the app caps the length of how long its videos and photographs are available on the app. This means a video will disappear and never be seen again by the visitor unless you use Snapchat Stories, which enables the combination of multiple snaps that stay together for a full day. Here are some things to know about Snapchat as you use it marketing your business.
Understand Your Audience
Even if your target audience is comprised of executives, it’s important to grasp the Snapchat environment. Since 2011 when the app was first used, it’s been one that encourages casual communication via the use of photos and videos. People use Snapchat to shoot pictures of their vacation, meals, and other daily activities and share with friends. Usually, they aren’t documenting professional behavior.
This makes it critical to note the relaxed attitude that surrounds the app. As you or your marketers create a strategy for Snapchat, you need to settle on a tone of voice and persona that will be used consistently. The language you use should be simple to understand and posts should be light and fun to portray your team as approachable.
Embrace the Time Limit
Some people may consider the Snapchat time limit a hurdle, yet marketers can still work their magic with this app. It’s actually a great way to offer teasers to your Snapchat followers. The photos and videos last for just a few seconds unless Snapchat Stories is used, and that makes Snapchat the perfect way to give people a preview of what products are services are to come and leave them wanting more.
Portray Your Business Personality
Similar to all types of social media, Snapchat lets you share and portray your company missions and its true intentions. The media you share over Snapchat can paint your visitors an accurate picture of your business and its offerings. You should always work to let your personality shine through into your photos and videos to encourage people to connect to your brand on a personal, human level. It’s essential to humanize your brand on social media.
Snapchat is also a great place to show off much more than just content, but what happens behind the scenes at the office. Invite team members to contribute to your efforts to mix things up. Soon you will notice a difference as your following grows.
Snapchat is a great marketing tool that’s simple to use. There are several reasons every business should be on Snapchat. The app provides a simple and effective opportunity to connect with people who fit into your target audience. Just remember that there’s more to it than simply downloading the app. Use these insights to ensure you’re unlocking the potential of Snapchat and maximize your marketing strategy.
Do you use Snapchat to market your business? If so, what success has it brought your business?
About the Author:
Megan Totka is the Chief Editor for ChamberofCommerce.com. She specializes on the topic of small business tips and resources. ChamberofCommerce.com helps small businesses grow their business on the web and facilitates connectivity between local businesses and more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce worldwide.
Photo via Flickr
