By now you have probably heard about Snapchat, but don’t really see the value in it as a business owner. I mean, it is only for millennials and ‘kids’, right? Wrong, actually, the largest growing demographic and businesses are really starting to pick up. I want to walk you through ten benefits from using Snapchat for your business.

Before we get started on breaking down the list of ten, I want to put out a disclaimer. *Snapchat is NOT for every business* What do I mean? Well, if you are already on a lot of other social networks and not able to keep up with posting please do not add another.

You do need Snapchat if you are having a tough time relating to your audience and keeping them engaged. Or, if your other social efforts are doing really well and you want to enhance them.  

Let’s get down to business!

1. Behind the scenes footage to showcase.

Snapchat allows you showcase your business in a way no other network does. You can show a side of the business that no one sees. Sometimes you are in the moment and about to launch a new video or picture online, Snapping as you are creating or brainstorming allows us to all view your business from another perspective. We crave authenticity in a brand.

2. Use a Promo Code for the users only on Snapchat. 

When you are able to offer a feature on Snapchat only, you allow users to feel special and start to build brand loyalty with the relationship you are creating, VIP access, if you will.

3. Using your product in action. 

If you sell a physical good, Snapchat allows you to showcase your product and tell the ‘story’ of it. We as consumers want to do the research and know more about the companies and products we choose to spend our money on now more than ever. On Snapchat you take customers away from online reviews or videos and allow them to see firsthand.

4. Employee food doodle or Selfies.

What do food doodles and selfies have to do with each other? They are both personable and relatable. We often only see brands in a professional setting and never learn too much about them. When you’re able to take a picture of your food or draw on the image(a commonly used feature on Snapchat) to showcase who you are. You could even take a selfie, this allows users to relate to the business and say “Wow, I do the same thing” We ALL do business with people we know, like, and trust.

5. Providing value.

Everyone has that one item that they pay a little more for. Whether it is a haircut or a simple type milk you drink. We do this because we have a perceived value of the product or service. When you can provide value on Snapchat, you will create customers for life. For example, if you are a chiropractor, tell your customers what that popping noise is in our fingers and whether or not we should be concerned. Give us tips, hit the pain points to questions we may have and kill all objections.

6. Promoting another biz from the story. 

On Snapchat it is popular to meet with other businesses around your community and help share their information to your followers. You could send them to their website, Facebook, or even a location. This system works two-fold, you can have other businesses promote you, some that you may have not ever reached before. A great example is to take a selfie with another person and then tell your followers to add this person, then in the next snap put their username.

7. Local story exposure. 

Do something to be exposed. This one can be kind of confusing at first glance so I will give you another example. In Allen, Texas every year they have what is called Allen Celebration USA, It is a big event geared towards bringing families and community together. On Snapchat if you were a business you would want to promote this because these are your local advocates and people you can actually meet offline.  Encourage your followers to finally come and meet you, this would be huge.

8. Telling your users to spread the word. 

If you are launching a new product, promotion, or service, you have a highly engaged audience who can share your message. You could tell them to screenshot a message and post on Facebook or show up to a location with friends to receive a discount or prize.

9. You’re able to keep consistency. 

The biggest problem a lot of small business owners have is not having a real consistent social media presence.  With Snapchat, you are free to showcase what you are doing at that moment. Yes, they do want to know you are heading into a meeting or on your way to the store to pick up a new tool.

10. Feature real customers. 

Let your customers shine. Have them send you pictures or videos using the product and post it to your Snapchat. Everyone loves to feel special, when your brand showcases them on Snapchat they will remember you.

Business has, and always will be about building relationships and telling your story. Whether you are a candy shop, CPA, or a realtor; Snapchat can help you grow your business. When you allow your audience to get to know who you on a personal level you add depth to the relationship you create a story that others really want to hear. As always, if you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, we are more than happy to help you.