Businesses typically can be hesitant to use Snapchat in their digital marketing strategy.
And there is no right or wrong with that position because every business (and its goals and resources) is different.
Created in 2011, Snapchat features image and video messaging between users.
More than 280 million people use Snapchat daily, and the overall audience skews younger, with about 69 percent of teenagers saying they use the app.
In addition, more than 5 billion (image or video) snaps are created each day.
At the very least, it’s important for every brand to understand both the challenges and opportunities of Snapchat from your perspective.
Opportunity #1: You can reach a younger audience
If your brand is targeting a younger audience, then Snapchat needs to be included in some way in your overall strategy.
Snapchat is the most popular social media network among teenagers, with Instagram and TikTok following closely behind it. Considering the direct messaging capabilities, ephemeral content (that expires after 24 hours) and the fun filters and stickers available in snaps, this fact makes sense.
Challenge #1: Lack of ROI measurement
Snapchat has had notoriously lackluster analytics options available for brand marketers.
So much so that many brands have had to get creative to see if their Snapchat efforts are making an impact. Examples include:
- Snapchat-only promo codes so that you can track usage in another system
- Requesting direct messages in a promotion
On the micro-level, the app does not have a way to track clicks and views inside of Snapchat stories and posts.
But on the macro-level, you can get a feel of overall growth and engagement.
That being said, when analytics are such a critical part to successful digital marketing strategies, it’s hard for many businesses to invest time and resources into a platform where the ROI can be vague at best.
Opportunity #2: One-on-one engagement
While one-on-one engagement might sound like a challenge at first (sounds like limited reach, right?), it really is an opportunity for your brand to build better, more trusting relationships with your audience.
Trust is a huge contributor to converting your audience into paying (and even loyal) customers.
And in a world where conversational marketing is becoming increasingly important, Snapchat can fill that role.
Because snaps are delivered to the individual, the app boasts a more personal experience by default. In addition, the app really embraces behind-the-scenes and day-in-the-life content, which can make the engagement you generate even more impactful.
Challenge #2: Time limitations
Time impacts two different aspects of Snapchat.
First, video clips have a 10-second limit, so if you need to show more than that, you must string together a series of clips to convey your message.
Second, media content disappears after 24 hours, so your Snaps have a limited window to reach and engage your audience. This constraint also typically increases the need to post more content more frequently.
Of course, some would argue that this is the draw of Snapchat—bite-sized content that’s always fresh.
Either way, you must plan accordingly when expanding your brand presence to Snapchat.
Opportunity #3: Snapchat now includes discoverability
Not part of the original app, the Discover feature allows users to explore premium content from publishing partners.
Sharing content on Snapchat Discover can increase brand awareness and reach, but becoming a Snapchat publishing partner is not a straightforward process. It involves an official agreement with Snapchat to post content on Discover that will engage audiences.
Your brand might try the Snap Map feature instead. This is where nearby users using available location services can discover your geotagged content.
Previously, many brands had to share their Snapcodes on other platforms to help anyone (who also was on Snapchat) find them.
Challenge #3: Lack of typical engagement actions
If you’re looking for engagement actions (like shares and likes), you won’t find them on Snapchat.
The app just doesn’t operate that way. For example, a user can only re-share content by taking a screenshot and uploading it to other platforms.
This clearly puts a damper on the overall reach of your Snapchat content when others’ actions don’t necessarily lead to a boost.
Ultimately, Snapchat may or may not work for your brand. Examine the potential ROI and determine whether you have the resources to achieve your goals for the app.
While you’re considering whether to dive into Snapchat, think about your digital marketing process. Is it everything you want it to be? DailyStory features automation, audience segmentation and more. Schedule your free demo with us today.
