Snapchat for Business: Do's and Don'ts
With over 100 million active daily users, it’s no secret that Snapchat has become the fastest growing social media platform in 2016. With so many active users, businesses are using Snapchat to engage with their clients on a different level.
The app gives you full creative access to tools like filters, geotags, text, emojis, music and so much more. Using Snapchat for business sounds like a no-brainer; however, with more access comes more responsibility. Here are my 3 Do’s and Don’ts on using Snapchat for Business.
DO
Use Snapchat if your market is young. Think about your clients and ask yourself where they socialize online. 77% of college students use Snapchat daily. If that’s your market, use it.
DON'T
Jeopardize your professionalism. It’s important to stay accountable to your brand and maintain the same level of professionalism you show face to face. The power of social media is underestimated and snapping the wrong video or photo can not only cause you embarrassment, but be dangerous in serious cases.
DO
Create a personal filter! It’s a great marketing initiative that allows your followers to use your company's custom filter while they are visiting your store or office. It's almost like a visual "Check-In."
DON’T
Be scripted. The idea of Snapchat is to show real-time, authentic updates. It’s your daily story and it should be organic and feel authentic.
DO
Go behind the scenes! Take your followers to places they wouldn’t normally have access to. If your business is a restaurant, start a snap series of your daily salad preps or introduce your followers to the kitchen staff. Make it personable and start building relationships.
DON'T
Do it alone. Get your team involved and switch things up. If you have multiple departments or offer a variety of services, let your staff in on the fun and let them Snap their own stories. It's great way to team build and make work more interesting.
Using Snapchat, within the appropriate industry, can be a great additional social media space to engage with your clients. Like all other social media platforms, it’s important to know how to use it and use it professionally as a business.
Always keep in mind that your business profiles are not your personal profiles and it’s important to maintain professionalism at all times. It’s also crucial to know the legalities behind using social media for your industry.
Take a minute and think about your clients and your market. Ask yourself if bringing Snapchat to your business is a smart move, I think you’ll be surprised.