How To Use Snapchat For Business

Any business that exists in the 21st century has probably experimented with social media marketing. Marketing through social media sites allows businesses to communicate quickly and effectively with customers, especially younger demographics. Smartphone and tablet use has risen a great deal recently, leading to not only a continued rise in the efficacy of social media marketing, but a new branch of this type of marketing catering to users of specific apps. One of these apps, Snapchat, has gained a great deal of popularity, but has seen very little use by businesses as a marketing strategy. This article will discuss what Snapchat is and how it can be used to benefit a business.

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a very simple app to use and understand. A user is able to snap a photo and send this photo along with a line of text to another Snapchat user. The line of text is optional, so the app can essentially be referred to as a picture messenger. In addition, Snapchat picture-messages can only be sent to those who are "friends" with each other, creating a desirable opt-in design. What makes Snapchat unique is the utilization of an expiring message. The message can only be viewed for up to 10 seconds before it expires and is no longer viewable. There is no option within the app to save the message, either. While that may seem like a poor method of marketing, the popularity and widespread use of Snapchat negates the need for anything more than a brief message or picture. 

Using Snapchat for Marketing

There are many ways to implement Snapchat in a business, this article will discuss:

• Coupons
• Exclusive Deals
• Event/Product Hype
• Dynamic Marketing Efforts

Coupons

Crafting the optimal coupon for Snapchat is slightly different than creating a deal to distribute on other means of social media. Since the message expires after 10 seconds, it is important that coupons be both a quick read and offer a deal that does not require any sort of complicated redemption. Vouchers that are shown in the store are not acceptable, but easy to use methods of redemption can be employed. A fun option, for example, is a Snapchat message requesting a customer say a certain phrase while in a store, to receive a special deal. The most important thing to remember when sending coupons is the expiration time of 10 seconds, so the picture and message that are sent must be simple and memorable.

Exclusive Deals

An advantage to Snapchat is the inherent privacy of a message. Unlike other forms of social media marketing, where messages are usually public, it is very easy to tailor a message and send it to only a specific group on Snapchat. This allows a business to send promotions and offers to select customers based on any criteria that the business chooses to use. This is an excellent way to gain followers. For example, a start-up could offer a special promotion to those who choose to follow the business’ Snapchat profile and immediately gain several followers on Snapchat. Eventually the business can offer exclusive deals to its Snapchat followers.

Event/Product Hype

Promotion of an event or product is an area where the 10-second expiration of messages on Snapchat can be useful. Rather than flooding an inbox with new information about an event or product, a business can send pieces of information to Snapchat followers over time. This reinforces a business' name with customers, without feeling like advertising. This type of promotion can be combined with special offers or deals to reward or gain followers.

Dynamic Marketing: Experimenting With Snapchat

In addition to the methods listed above, Snapchat allows a business to experiment with dynamic marketing and employ creative and entertaining methods of communicating with customers. The only real restriction of a Snapchat is the 10-second expiration time, but with the correct utilization, that restriction can quickly turn into a benefit for a business. Out of all the new app-based ways of communicating with customers, Snapchat is surely one of the most creative and versatile methods. 

Byline: Amy Thomson writes about technology, career-success, and education. When she’s not writing she is skydiving over the Rocky Mountains.