Snapchat, the photo-messaging application that allows users send and view pictures for up to 10 seconds, continues to increase in popularity. The app, released in 2011, blew up among young smart phone users in 2012, and continues to be one of the hottest apps available. While some may argue Snapchat is just a fad, it seems Facebook disagrees. Snapchat owners recently turned down Facebook’s offer to buy the app for $3 billion.
With Snapchat showing no signs of slowing down, and users sending 350 million photos per day, it can be used as a major marketing tool for businesses willing to put in a little work.
Snapchat Marketing Ideas
1. Send a Snap, Get a Perk
Encourage fans and customers to send a photo of themselves with your product, trying your product, in your store or otherwise interacting with your brand. In exchange, send users a 10 second Snapchat of a coupon they can use on their next purchase. This type of Snapchat marketing was used at the beginning of the year by 16 Handles and is considered the first time a business used Snapchat for marketing.
2. Send Top-Secret Announcements
Announce on social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to add your brand on Snapchat and users will receive a secret announcement. You can use this to announce new products and company announcements. Taco Bell once used Snapchat to announce their new Beefy Crunchy Burrito (yum!).
3. Start a Scavenger Hunt
Let your social media followers know that you will be hosting a scavenger hunt and winners will receive one of your products or services. Send out clues, monitor all the photos you receive, and whoever follows all clues to the end wins! These types of contests can require a lot of work, but are great opportunities for community interaction.
4. Just say ‘hey’!
After you’ve gained a Snapchat following, send a quick hello to your fans. Be careful not to send too many photos, however. Just a quick “hi” every once in a while will work.
Contest Risks
While using Snapchat can be a fun way to engage followers, there are always risks. Because photos only last up to 10 seconds, it can be difficult to send out promos or keep track of contest submissions. Solve this problem by making rules and tasks extremely simple and by taking screen shots when necessary.
For more tips on using social media for business, check out this blog post. Happy Snapchatting!