Every business needs Snapchat if they want to give their followers a much more engaging experience that goes further than the products and services you offer. Snapchat gives you the ability to show off behind the scenes of your company, and get really creative in doing so. From using a caption to creating a customised filer, Snapchat is the perfect way to showoff your brand’s personality, which is why we’ve come up with 5 reasons why your business needs Snapchat!
2016 was the year when Snapchat reigned supreme. From seeing how you’ll look forty years down the line to the cute puppy filter that everyone has used, this yellow-iconed app has been everywhere. You’d be forgiven for thinking that Snapchat is only for teens or bored millennials but, in truth, you could actually be missing out on a big opportunity.
On a daily basis, the app is bringing in 150 million active users, with 400 million snaps sent every day; some serious stats considering there were only 5 million users in December, 2013. Even though a relatively large portion of users are between the ages of 13 and 17, over half of all new users are actually above the age of 25. Need convincing further? Your business NEEDS snapchat, and here are five ways to use it.
1. Snap Ads
This recently introduced feature is one to watch, literally. These short video clips are sandwiched between snaps when the user is watching ‘Discover’ stories, meaning there is almost a natural progression onto the ad. Although you have the option to skip the adds, they appear in full screen and with sound, grabbing the attention of whoever is watching. Research has also found that vertical videos have a nine times higher completion rate than horizontal videos; in short, there are some seriously strong factors in your favour if you’re considering using Snap Ads.
To help push viewers in your direction even more, business owners can also choose between three destinations the ‘swiping up’ action can lead to. These include transitioning to an extended video, a prompt to install another app and even to a website or article, all without leaving the safe space of Snapchat.
Spotify’s ‘Year in Music’ Snap Ad within the app’s Discovery stories earned a total of 26 million views and a 30% increase on subscriber intent. Pretty impressive, right?
2. Sponsored Lenses
Just like the notorious puppy filter, Snapchat’s ever-changing filters and lenses are providing endless entertainment for mobile users worldwide. The lenses use animations which lay over the top of user’s images and videos, customising their face and surroundings. These filters are simple yet effective and, most importantly, engaging for potential customers.
Taco Bell, for instance, turned people’s heads into giant stuffed tacos for Cinco de Mayo. A bit weird? Maybe. But, according to AdWeek, Taco Bell’s tasty lens was viewed 224 million times. Sometimes it’s the simple things that have the biggest effect.
3. Geofilters
These clever filters come in two forms. The first being On-Demand Geofilters which cost as little as $5. At the other end of the scale are Sponsored Geofilters which, unsurprisingly, can cost thousands of dollars.
If you’re trying to watch your pennies, these filters work wonders for gaining recognition and only need a small investment to get going. They actively promote your business or product by making it easier for your audience to engage, meaning you can sit back and let the app do the work for you. Hubspot recently created a special Geofilter for their office featuring their trademark orange hue. Employees were actively encouraged to snap the highlight of their day using the Geofilter, simultaneously promoting the company’s culture and easy-breezy work environment.
4. VIP Access
Whether you’re hosting a live event with special guests or attending an awards show, Snapchat offers a great tool for social leverage. Regardless of where your audience is, they’ll receive exclusive access to the moments as they unfold. No need to be on the guest list here!
The NBA took advantage of this fun idea during the 2014 All-Star Game finals where avid fans were able to get up close and personal with players during the super showdown. Not only are you given the chance to let your creative side show, you encourage your audience to stay hooked and keep an eye out for more behind-the-scenes updates.
5. Push Incentives
Everyone loves free stuff – even more so if you’re the winner of said ‘stuff’. Promoting your business’ competitions and prize draws has never been easier thanks to Snapchat. Giveaways and promo codes have almost become a given on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, and Snapchat is no different.
In the US, 58% of college students admitted that they are more likely to purchase from a company if they receive a coupon via Snapchat. Only a good thing, I’m sure you’ll agree! If you’re not already using this to your advantage, hop on the trend straight away to avoid excluding such a big audience.
Hopefully, after reading these five snippets of information, you and your business will be snapping away in no time and reaping the benefits of this global sensation. If you would like to have a chat with one of our social media gurus, why not get in touch and see how far your business could go.
