In a sea of social media platforms, Snapchat offers something different—ephemeral content that feels authentic and immediate. Unlike the polished feeds of Instagram and the endless scroll of TikTok, Snapchat encourages real-time interaction. This makes it a goldmine for influencers looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Gary Vaynerchuk, a leading social media expert, once said, "Snapchat creates a sense of urgency and intimacy that's hard to replicate on other platforms."
Snapchat is constantly evolving, adding new features to keep users engaged and creators empowered. Let's explore some of the latest additions and how you can use them:
Spotlight is Snapchat's answer to TikTok. This feature allows you to create short, engaging videos that can be discovered by a broader audience. Use it to showcase your creativity and reach new followers.
Snap Map lets your followers see where you are in real time. It’s a fantastic way to share your location during events or live experiences, making your audience feel like they’re right there with you.
Augmented Reality (AR) Lenses are a game-changer for content creation. These interactive filters can transform your snaps, adding a layer of fun and engagement. Neil Patel, a digital marketing guru, highlights, "Using AR lenses can significantly boost your engagement rates by making your content more interactive and fun."
Creating engaging stories is the bread and butter of Snapchat success. Here are some tips to keep your followers hooked:
Whether it's daily vlogs, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, having a consistent theme helps maintain viewer interest.
Experiment with different formats like time-lapses, boomerangs, and slow-motion videos. These can make your stories more dynamic and appealing.
Use Snapchat's built-in editing tools to add text, filters, and stickers. These elements can make your stories more vibrant and engaging.
Building a substantial following on Snapchat requires strategy. Here’s how you can do it:
Promote your Snapchat on other social media platforms. Share your Snapcode on Instagram, X, and Facebook to drive traffic.
Collaborations can introduce you to new audiences. Partner with other influencers in your niche to create joint content.
Use Snapchat Insights to track your performance. Identify what type of content resonates most with your audience and tailor your strategy accordingly.
Once you've built a solid following, it's time to monetize your presence. Here's how:
Collaborate with brands that align with your personal brand. Be transparent about sponsored content to maintain trust with your audience.
Offer exclusive content to your followers through private Snapchat stories. This can create a sense of exclusivity and drive engagement.
Share affiliate links in your snaps. Ensure the products or services you promote are relevant to your audience to maintain authenticity.
Alex Beadon used Snapchat to engage her community, leading to increased webinar sign-ups and course sales. Her strategy? Consistent, authentic content that resonated with her audience.
Fashion and beauty influencer Chriselle Lim leveraged Snapchat for behind-the-scenes content. This approach helped her connect with followers on a personal level and diversify her audience.
Shaun McBride, known as Shonduras, pioneered interactive, hand-drawn stories on Snapchat. His creativity led to significant brand partnerships and his own augmented reality app.
Fitness influencer Kayla Itsines shared daily workouts and motivational content on Snapchat. This strategy built a dedicated community and increased her following across other platforms.
Snapchat is not just a platform for fun and fleeting moments; it's a powerful tool for influencers and content creators. By leveraging its unique features, creating engaging stories, and implementing growth strategies, you can build a strong presence and monetize your efforts.
Ready to take your Snapchat game to the next level? Apply these tips, get creative, and watch your influence grow. For more personalized advice and strategies, sign up for a free consultation with our social media experts today.
Snap, share, and succeed!
Georgia Austin
AUTHOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEFGeorgia Austin is a writer who specializes in social media, marketing, and digital strategy. She is a graduate of Antioch College and earned her MBA at Boston College's Carroll Graduate School of Management, specializing in STEM Management. Her work has been published in numerous academic journals and mainstream publications. She lives in New England with her husband, two children, and three dogs.