I would like to welcome i3 Media to NAG! They would like to share some Snapchat marketing tips with us today. Questions? Comments? Leave them below!

Snapchat has gone from being a fun photo-sharing app in its early days to a valuable digital marketing tool that simply can’t be ignored. As of February 2017, Snapchat had an average of 301 million active monthly users. Social media marketing is a continually growing trend; one which is increasingly heading away from traditional social networks like Facebook and expanding outwards to encompass platforms like Snapchat which are still on the rise.

If you’re not familiar with Snapchat, it is basically a social media app which allows users to take and share photos and videos which are viewable for only ten seconds before disappearing. The addition of messaging, filters, special effects and face-swapping technology has combined to create a fun and playful app which is still seeing an increase in levels of popularity. Initially used primarily by the younger generation (60% of Snapchat users are aged 13-24), older people are now beginning to find their feet with the app, with over 50% of new users being over the age of 25.

Despite being around since 2011, Snapchat is still at the stage of effectively transitioning from a purely user-focused social media platform into one that successfully navigates the inclusion of paid ads and digital marketing techniques without compromising on user experience. This stage is often a difficult one, a hurdle where many platforms tipped for great success often fail. However, Snapchat is an example of a social media outlet that is not only doing it right but is also doing it incredibly well.

Fast-Paced and Constantly Evolving

The attraction of Snapchat is in its simplicity. In a fast-paced online environment, Snapchat is the king. It is instant, immediate, and is always evolving. In fact, it probably wouldn’t be wrong to say that Snapchat is the fastest paced social media platform out there at the moment.

So what does that mean for brands and businesses looking to take advantage of the app’s popularity and growing user base?

The beauty of Snapchat marketing is in the fact that it is always adapting to come up with fresh and exciting ideas that benefit both brands and users. From branded filters and Geofilters to insider event coverage to adding branded content into Snapchat stories, there are plenty of ways for businesses to try their hand at Snapchat marketing.

Bearing that in mind, what are the best ways to make Snapchat work for your business?

Brand Awareness

If you want to capture user’s attention, Snap Ads are ideal. But what are Snap Ads? They are ten-second video ads that appear between stories, giving interested users the option to swipe upwards to see further content.

Engagement

Geofilters are one of Snapchat’s key marketing trends. The app offers the choice of either on-demand or sponsored Geofilters – both of which are beneficial for different marketing campaigns.

Geofilters are art graphics that show up over the top of a Snap when selected. As the name suggests, they are location specific, meaning that only users in a specified location can use the filters at any given time. Geofilters are a fun way for users to show their network where they are and what they’re doing, as well as a brilliant way for businesses to get the word out about their brand or any special events.

Purchase Intent

Get people fully interacting with your brand or business through the use of sponsored lenses. Users can add your customised filters, lenses or special effects to their snaps, including interactive features like raising eyebrows or sticking out their tongue to trigger an animation.

It’s fun, engaging, and gets people talking and thinking about your business.

If Snapchat, social media marketing and an influx of buzzwords have got you confused, it may be worth enlisting help to make sure that you are reaching the full potential of digital marketing on social media. Digital marketing needn’t be confusing or time-consuming, but when done right, it can bring a massive boost to your business.

The bottom line? Snapchat is a prime example of social media marketing done right.