Snapchat.
It’s possible that when you hear this term, the only visualization that comes to your mind is an app crafted for teens to share funky content using some crazy filters. Also, that this platform has no potential to be a brand builder.
However, this is farthest from the truth. In 2024, brands are using Snapchat marketing for eCommerce to not only increase their exposure but also generate traffic.
Snapchat is home to 422+ million daily active users who swear by the platform making it one of the fastest growing platforms. If you’re a brand not using it, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
And, we are here to change that with this complete guide to Snapchat marketing for eCommerce where we will tell you what, how, when and everything else about it.
What is Snapchat marketing for eCommerce?
Snapchat is a social media platform that allows users to connect, interact and share content with one another. Users can share images, videos and text messages that disappear after a certain time along with features such as stories, memories, stickers and filters to express themselves. And brands are now catching up!
Snapchat marketing for eCommerce is about utilizing these aforementioned features to increase brand awareness, foster customer loyalty, and drive traffic to online stores.
Why Snapchat marketing for eCommerce?
Now that you know what Snapchat marketing is, let’s take a look at why we think eCommerce businesses should add it into their growth strategy:
Best Platform to Target Younger Audience
It’s not a secret that teenagers and gen z are fast becoming the audience that brands want to reach because of their potential to spend significantly in coming years and stay connected to the brand for a long time. And, Snapchat is the ideal place to target them as one fifth of its users are aged between 13 to 17 years.
Along with that more than 38% of the users of this platform are between 18 to 24 years. If you’re a brand whose target audience lies between 13 to 24, then you must focus on Snapchat marketing strategies.
High and Consistent Engagement
The best part of Snapchat is that it keeps their users hooked. Snapchat users open the app more than 40 times daily. This allows brands with multiple opportunities to catch their attention.
One of the major reasons behind users being constantly on the platform are the multiple Snapchat features such as stories, AR, filters, and memories etc.
Image Credit: Hubspot
Visual and Authentic Content
90% of Snapchat users feel comfortable, happy and connected while using the platform and one of the main reasons is the authenticity of the content being posted on the platform.
From behind the scenes to interactive activities and from how to use tutorials to user generated content, the variety and quality of content on Snapchat makes the platform a visual treat for the users. It also adds authenticity to the platform and allows brands to explore multiple ways to engage with the audience and build loyalty.
Unique and Creative Advertising Options
Along with organic and non-branded ways to engage and connect with the audience, Snapchat offers a variety of advertising options for brands to leverage.
Snap ads, lenses, story ads, product ads and filters are a few of the ways that brands can advertise on this youth-centric social media platform. If leveraged strategically, these options have the potential to grab users attention and can work wonders for the brands.
Credit: Hubspot
Credit: Hubspot
Influencer Collaborations
Influencers are making a huge mark on Snapchat with their presence. They hold a lot of value in their followers’ eyes which makes them a big part of most eCommerce Snapchat campaigns.
With a great number of influencers on the platform, brands can market their products through influencer partnerships. Such collaborations increase the brand reach and also boosts credibility among the audience.
Snapchat Analytics
Snapchat offers analytics features on the platform. With these features you can judge your brand’s performance on the platform based on metrics such as story views, screenshot and replies on your snap. These metrics allow brands to understand what’s working and keep improvising based on the analysis.
eCommerce Integration
This platform makes shopping really easy as people can reach the brand in just 1-2 clicks. Snapchat gets effortlessly integrated with major eCommerce platforms such as Shopify. With CTA on the post or the content, Snapchat allows people reach the respective brand through their stories in just a few clicks. Snapchat offers seamless eCommerce integration and it makes Snapchat marketing for eCommerce a joy for brands.
Early Mover Advantage
Snapchat is relatively a new social media platform as compared to the mainstream ones and brands are still exploring it. And, this is the best time to establish brand presence and get an early mover advantage.
With so much potential and phenomenal growth predicted in the next few years, eCommerce visibility on Snapchat should be one of the top agendas for the brands looking to outrun their competitors.
Tips to Ace Snapchat Marketing for eCommerce
Here are the best practices to make the most of this youth-centric social media platform:
Set Your Objectives Right
The most crucial step towards acing a platform is clear and correct objectives. Each platform is unique and comes with its set of pros and cons. Having clear goals for each platform makes it easier to leverage the platform to its potential.
Your goals define your brand’s approach towards the platform making your strategies and efforts focussed. With such an approach, you’ll be able to make the best of your presence on Snapchat.
Know Who You Are Talking to
Your brand’s tonality and voice depends on who the people your brand talks to. So, it’s absolutely essential to understand your target audience.
For example: Snapchat is a youth-centric platform, especially gen z and teens and your Snapchat marketing strategies should cater to that audience. Knowing your target audience is a must-have if you want to foster a community that you can rely on.
Create A Business Account
As a brand, you need a well-optimized business account on Snapchat to get the best out of the platform. Having a business account gives you access to analytics and advertising features that you most certainly need. It helps to have a profile picture that represents your brand, it could be your logo or mascot or anything that helps people recognize you.
As a brand, you must have an interesting bio that reflects your vision. It’s pretty simple to make an account on Snapchat.
Step 1: Download the app from the app store or play store.
Step 2: Sign up with basic details such as username, password, birthday etc.
Step 3: Get your snap code
Pic Credit: Snapchat
Use Snapchat Ads
Organic presence helps brands to reach their target audience, however it takes time to actually make an impact. The quicker way to do the same is to leverage Snapchat’s advertising features.
45% of the users are likely to recommend a brand after watching an advertisement on the platform and 34% of the users are more likely to purchase products advertised on Snapchat. This shows the platform’s credibility and the way users trust the platform.
With multiple ad formats such as snap ads, lenses and filters, you can use targeted ad campaigns to reach specific demographics and interests, driving traffic and conversions. Targeted ads are the easiest and the quickest way to increase eCommerce brand visibility on Snapchat.
Rely On Influencers and UGC
Like most of the other social media platforms, influencers play a huge role in grabbing audience attention. Users trust the influencers on the platform and you can leverage that trust to put your brand in their mind through collaborations.
Along with influencers, user generated content should be a part of your Snapchat marketing for eCommerce. UGC adds authenticity as people connect with real people and this helps them connect with the brand as well.
Make the Most of Analytics
Snapchat provides insights about your profile such as snap views and replies and shares. You should use these insights to modify your eCommerce Snapchat campaigns or your content strategy. It’s critical to stay on top of everything that’s working or not working on your page. This will help you pivot based on the latest trends and stay ahead of the competition.
Best Brands Using Snapchat Marketing for eCommerce
A lot of brands are setting an example on how to utilize Snapchat. Here are a few of them that you can take inspiration from:
Warby Parker
Warby Parker, operating in the U.S and Canada, a spectacle retailer, uses Snapchat for showcasing products, promoting campaigns and also to connect the audience with the leadership team. It posts multiple stories and even promotes these on other platforms such as Instagram and Twitter increasing its reach.
Credit: Hubspot
Nike
One of the world’s leading athletic footwear and apparel brands, Nike uses Snapchat to launch new products, share inspirational stories and much more. It has also used the platform’s unique features such as AR mirror to deliver engaging experiences to the users.
One of Nike’s campaigns called ‘Swoosh High’ used AR lenses that allowed users to try the products and offer an immersive experience. Nike also uses behind the scene content to build trust and loyalty among the audience.
Taco Bell
Just like its offerings, Taco Bell’s Snapchat is equally interesting. It uses behind the scene sneak peek, product releases, quirky filters and lenses to keep its young audience engaged. Along with that, the brand also uses advertisements to tempt its user base with exclusive offers and discounts.
Credit: Snapchat
Ready to start with Snapchat marketing for eCommerce?
While aforementioned tips and tricks can help you get started with the platform, you need expertise to actually create an impact.
We have the experience of working with multiple brands for their Snapchat marketing strategies and we can help you too. If you want to beat your competition and leverage this platform, get in touch with us.
