Snapchat is different from other social media outlets.  It’s smaller than Facebook, but it packs a punch, especially when it comes to connecting with millennials (those aged 18 – 34).  In fact, that’s really the main reason why Snapchat is turning heads – to engage with this younger crowd who now make up ¼ of the U.S. population.  This social interface has nearly 200 million daily users who watch an average of 10 billion videos each day! They’re following influencers making videos on everything from food, to fashion, to music, to tech, culture, and more.  So, it’s not surprising that marketers are jumping on board to include this medium as part of their marketing strategies.

What makes Snapchat so unique is that its content is often unedited, unfiltered, and completely natural.  It’s an opportunity for people and brands to really show off what’s going on behind the scenes to show real life and every day activities.  So, why should marketers advertise on Snapchat, and how can they really use this network to build their brand? Let’s take a closer look.

Snapchat Advertising

Above all other reasons to take note, Snapchat has ensnared the attention of millennials.  And, that is reason enough to get your advertising game strong on this social platform. Beyond its audience, Snapchat is able to communicate and engage with users in ways that other social sites simply can’t.  So, when you advertise with Snapchat, you get the following benefits:

  • An engaged audience – If you’re seeking a captive audience, and let’s face it, that’s essentially the goal of any marketing or advertising campaign, then Snapchat is the place to be.  This is a platform where your followers will pay attention. For every 1,000 followers, 900 will actually watch your story and receive your message! Compare that to your basic email newsletter where there’s only about a 25% open rate.     
  • An audience who watches and listens – It’s no secret that the more senses that people engage, the better they’ll relate to and retain the information you share.  So, if you’re putting out ads with essential audio tracks, then Snapchat is your best chance for both viewing and listening.  Snapchat users watch over 60 percent of video ads with the sound on.  That’s a huge deal when you consider that most videos, a whopping 85 percent, on Facebook are glossed over while muted.
  • A chance to be authentic – With Snapchat, you can be real with your audience.  You can be funny, casual, or just downright silly. But, the point is that you get to have real conversations by talking directly with users rather than talking at them.  
  • A chance to be seen – With Snapchat, your content doesn’t get lost in the feed.  So, instead of competing with newsfeeds on other social platforms, you can simply send a snap for immediate viewing and feedback.  There’s less noise, and therefore less of a chance that your message will fall off the radar into oblivion.

Snapchat is different than other social networks, as it’s designed specifically for engagement, and that’s why it’s the ideal platform for advertising.  And, the best part is that you can really let your personality shine through. So, don’t be afraid to make your content fun, and allow your audience a chance to interact with your ads.  Get creative so that your brand will resonate within their minds, and make your content shareable. Soon, you’ll see your efforts being shared and talked about across other social platforms for the ultimate return on investment.