How to Market on Snapchat: Guide for Businesses

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Snapchat is a powerful social media platform with over 750 million monthly active users, making it an excellent channel for businesses to reach younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. With its unique features like Stories, AR lenses, and Spotlight, Snapchat offers creative ways to engage users and promote brands.

Why Market on Snapchat?

Before diving into tactics, let’s look at why Snapchat is worth your marketing efforts:

• Young, engaged audience: 60% of users are aged 13-24.

• High engagement: Users open the app 30+ times per day.

• Interactive ad formats: AR filters, shoppable ads, and Stories drive engagement.

• Exclusive reach: Less competition than Instagram or TikTok.

Now, let’s explore how to market effectively on Snapchat.

1. Set Up a Business Account

To get started:

• Download Snapchat and create a Business Account (not a personal one).

• Fill out your profile with a branded username, logo, and bio.

• Link to your website or other social media.

Pro Tip: Use Snapchat Ads Manager to run paid campaigns.

2. Use Snapchat Stories

Stories disappear after 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency. Use them to:

• Share behind-the-scenes content.

• Promote limited-time offers.

• Run polls and Q&A sessions.

• Tease product launches.

Example: A clothing brand can post “Sneak Peek” Stories of new collections before launch.

3. Create Engaging AR Lenses & Filters

Snapchat’s Augmented Reality (AR) lenses are a game-changer for brand engagement.

• Sponsored lenses: Users can interact with branded filters (e.g., trying on virtual makeup).

• Custom geofilters: Location-based filters for events or store promotions.

Brands like Coca-Cola and Nike have successfully used AR lenses for viral campaigns.

4. Run Snapchat Ads

Snapchat offers several ad formats:

• Single Image or Video Ads (5-10 secs).

• Story Ads (appear between organic Stories).

• Collection Ads (shoppable product displays).

• Dynamic Ads (personalized product retargeting).

Best Practices:

• Use vertical videos (Snapchat is mobile-first).

• Keep ads short, fun, and visually appealing.

• Add a clear CTA (e.g., “Swipe Up to Shop”).

5. Collaborate with Snapchat Influencers

Partnering with Snapchat influencers can amplify your reach.

• Look for influencers whose audience matches your target market.

• Have them showcase your product via takeovers, Stories, or AR filters.

Example: A beauty brand can collaborate with a makeup artist for a tutorial using their products.

6. Use Snapchat Spotlight for Viral Content

Spotlight is Snapchat’s answer to TikTok’s For You Page.

• Post short, entertaining videos (up to 60 seconds).

• Use trending sounds and hashtags.

• Brands can gain massive exposure if their content goes viral.

Pro Tip: Add branded elements subtly (e.g., logo watermark).

7. Engage with Your Audience

Snapchat is all about authentic interactions.

• Respond to Snaps and messages.

• Run exclusive Snapchat-only promotions.

• Encourage user-generated content (UGC) with branded hashtags.

Example: A restaurant can ask followers to Snap their meals for a chance to be featured.

8. Track Performance with Snapchat Insights

Monitor your campaigns using:

• Snapchat Insights (for organic content).

• Ads Manager (for paid campaigns).
  Key metrics to track:
  ✔ Views
  ✔ Screenshots
  ✔ Swipe-ups
  ✔ Engagement rate

Snapchat marketing is all about creativity, authenticity, and engagement. By leveraging Stories, AR lenses, ads, and influencer partnerships, brands can effectively connect with younger audiences.

Snapchat may not be the first platform businesses think of, but with the right strategy, it can be a highly rewarding marketing channel.