a guide to

SNAPCHATMARKETING

SNAPCHAT has taken the social media worldby storm since its arrival on the scene in 2011. The app started as a simple way to share photos and videos with friends. The unique twist? This content vanished immediately after viewing, and users get to set the viewing time from between 1-10 seconds.

Since its inception, Snapchat has gone through many rounds of updates. These include the addition of My Story, which allows users to share photos and videos to their entire friends list (which are available for unlimited viewing within a 24 hour span), the countless added filters, from time to speed to some rather flattering photo edits.

However, the biggest change to Snapchat is arguably who is using it and how. Serious news organizations like CNN have their own story set ups, TV networks like Comedy Central broadcast funny clips and restaurants use the app to flaunt off their fanciest dishes. In essence Snapchat has become a marketer’s playground, allowing them to get more creative with their content in a completely new format.

GREATESTthings to happen on

SNAPCHAT

WHY?

Okay, so, we’ve covered the what but why should SMB marketers start capitalizing on this new form of marketing? Well, there are a slew of reasons, starting with the ultimate seller for any SMB: affordability.

Unless you are looking to create a filter or be featured in the live section of Snapchat, marketing on this platform is completely free of charge. With the right level of promotion to help your business gain followers, you have a channel at your disposal that will constantly update your audience of new developments.

According to Contently, 100 million visitors access Snapchat every single day. That is more than the combined populations of California, New York AND Texas. Every single second boosts 8,796 photo shares, reported Curated, and the platform itself is set tobring in $100 million annually. The proof, as they say,is in the pudding.

Via tearingwings.tumblr.com

Via oceanic-daisy.tumblr.com

HOW?

Despite the countless benefits of leveraging Snapchat in your SMB marketing strategy, there are some difficulties in effectively using the platform. The 10-second time limit creates a unique obstacle and marketers must be completely on-point with their content due to this framework.

Let’s take a look at some quick tips for how to nail a successful Snapchat marketing campaign.

Via thurfbortt.tumblr.com

Via darkerskies.tumblr.com

Via shamrocksandfreckles.tumblr.com

Via meg-the-brave.tumblr.com

Via hilarioushumorfromouterspace.tumblr.com

Via hellahealy.tumblr.com

KNOW YOUR TARGET

Forbes contributor Jayson DeMers explained that one of the most important elements of Snapchat marketing is knowing your audience. Snapchat, by nature, is a casual platform. It is meant for fun and quick communication.

Sit down and strategize how you can use this type of environment to engage your audience. Should you go all out with filters and drawings? Or should you keep it simple with a clear and crisp quick video?

As always, your audience is the most importance element of your strategy. Keep them in mind in order to create effective and targeted Snapchat content.

Via mannah-hontana.tumblr.com

Via whiterice47.tumblr.com

Via jeffgoldblum236.tumblr.com

Via tylerchokely.tumblr.com

Via bb16derricklevasseur.tumblr.com

Via perlaleza.tumblr.com

PINPOINT RELEVANT USES

Snapchat can be a GREAT format for marketing but you need to make sure you are using it only when it makes sense. Put simply: Don’t go Snapchat crazy. Snapchat videos can be great to provide a sneak peak of a new product or service your team is cooking up – tease your viewers a little with a quick snapshot of what’s to come.

Behind-the-scenes footage also works great for the Snapchat platform. Use the app to give your customers a glimpse into your daily routine. Don’t, for example, release your new detailed menu on your My Story. It makes no sense to put that on a disappearing photo app. The takeaway? Keep your Snapchat marketing limited to things that workwith the platform.

Via tisbaylee.tumblr.com

CAPITALIZE ON THE VIDEO

In the past we have covered the effectiveness ofvideo content in marketing. Snapchat provides theideal option for marketers looking to get out some video without the professional bells and whistles. While pictures are certainly an effective tool, videos allow your products and services to come to life, explained DeMers.

You can create a visual message and talk through a product at the same time. Marketers should absolutely be capitalizing on this easy solution to incorporating video content. It is accessible to a large audience and shows your product in the best light at a low cost - sounds like a triple threat to us.

Via izifunny.com

Via reddit.com

Via xaxor.com

Via xaxor.com

Via Twitter: @LeakSnapchats

SHOW OFF YOUR PERSONALITY

Snapchat is a platform for personality. Its casual manner really gives SMBs a chance to show off their character. Consumers love to interact with brands on a more human level, noted DeMers, and Snapchat is the perfect arena for these types of encounters. His advice? Use the social media app for more than just promotional deals.

Introduce your customers to your team or show some candid moments at work. The more you engage your audience on these casual levels, the better.

Something else we can help you with?Just ask, cheers@movingtargets.com

We love marketing, we do this every day.

Veteran Experience.Modern Perspective.

movingtargets.com800.926.2451