How to Use Snapchat for Building Your Blogging Brand
Standing out in a crowded online space is the holy grail for bloggers, who continually need to concoct fresh strategies to be heard above the noise. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter often get most of the spotlight. But hold up, what about Snapchat? This blog brand building tool is a secret powerhouse waiting to be unleashed - it's packed with the goods to make your blog stand out. Daily, Snapchat's 375 million active users thumb through short, relatable snippets that forge a bond between bloggers and their followers, making connections feel downright human.
Why Snapchat?
Snapchat is not like other social media platforms. It’s fast-paced, ephemeral, and incredibly interactive. What does this mean for bloggers? It means a chance to be real, to show the unfiltered parts of your brand, and to invite your audience into moments that other platforms might miss. Plus, since the content disappears, it pushes users to engage now, creating a sense of urgency that can drive loyalty and interest.
Who’s on Snapchat?
Snapchat’s largest user demographic is between 15 and 25 years old, making it ideal for bloggers looking to reach younger audiences. Additionally, around 75% of its users are 34 or younger, so if your blog targets millennials or Gen Z, Snapchat could be a great fit. Imagine being able to connect with this audience in a way that feels authentic and even exclusive. That's what Snapchat can offer.
Step 1: Establish Your Brand Persona
Before diving into Snapchat, ask yourself: Who is my brand, really? What personality do I want to convey? Unlike other platforms where polished content often reigns supreme, Snapchat allows for more laid-back and casual communication. Define your voice. Do you want to be funny, edgy, educational, or perhaps all three? Once you nail this down, you’ll have a much easier time crafting content that resonates with your audience and showcases your blogging brand in a fresh, exciting way.
- Pro Tip: Stick to a consistent tone. This will help your followers recognize your “voice” even on a platform known for its quick, spontaneous style.
Step 2: Create Content That Tells a Story
Stories are what make Snapchat unique. Not only are stories sequential and short-lived, but they’re also an invitation to experience your day, thoughts, or experiences alongside you. As a blogger, you can use this to your advantage. Document your daily routines, share sneak peeks of upcoming content, or take your followers on a journey.
Here are a few ways to make your Snapchat stories stand out:
- Behind-the-Scenes: Show what goes into creating your blog content. Your audience will appreciate the authenticity.
- Teasers for Blog Posts: Create curiosity by sharing snapshots or clips that hint at your latest posts. You could even add a countdown sticker to build anticipation.
- Quick Tutorials: Are you a beauty blogger? Film a quick tutorial. Fashion blogger? Show off a mini haul or OOTD (Outfit of the Day). Travel blogger? Share quick travel tips from your current destination.
- Polls & Q&A: Snapchat has a polling feature that allows for instant feedback. This is an excellent way to engage your audience and understand their preferences better.
Don't forget about Snapchat security. Any of your efforts will be in vain if you don't take care of protection. For securing Snapchat account, you should use both built-in functions and external services. Only a comprehensive approach will give a good result.
Step 3: Get Creative with Lenses, Filters, and Stickers
Snapchat’s filters, lenses, and stickers are some of its most well-loved features. They allow you to experiment with your content in fun, interactive ways. Did you know that around 70% of Snapchat users use lenses every day? This is a huge opportunity to inject some creativity into your posts.
Consider creating a custom filter or lens that reflects your brand. If you’re launching a new product, a branded filter can generate buzz and increase awareness.
Step 4: Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
One of the best ways to build your Snapchat following is to let your audience know you’re active there. You can do this by cross-promoting on other platforms, such as Instagram Stories or Twitter. You can even use foreign social networks, but this requires a Chrome VPN or other form of VPN. Share your Snapcode – that yellow, scannable QR code unique to your account – and invite followers from other platforms to add you on Snapchat for exclusive content they won’t find anywhere else.
When you post a new blog, tease it on Snapchat and direct users to your other platforms. This is a great way to drive traffic and build a multi-platform presence that keeps your audience engaged.
Step 5: Analyze and Adjust
Snapchat’s analytics are an excellent tool to help you understand what works and what doesn’t. Want to know what really gets your followers going? Look no further than your metrics. Identify the posts with the highest views, longest watch times, and most interactions – those are the ones that really speak to your audience. Keeping tabs on your Snapchat data is like having a roadmap to blogging success – it shows you where to tweak your approach for maximum impact.
Key Metrics to Watch
- Story Views: The number of users watching your stories gives you insight into your overall reach.
- Snap Completion Rate: This tells you how many users watch your story from start to finish.
- Engagement Rate: Pay attention to user interactions, such as swipes, taps, and screenshot captures, to gauge interest.
Step 6: Partner with Other Snapchat Influencers
Finally, collaborate with others in your niche. Find Snapchat influencers who complement your blogging brand and arrange shoutouts or collaborations. This kind of partnership is mutually beneficial and can expose you to a whole new audience.
Imagine you’re a food blogger – a quick Snapchat story with a popular food influencer could quickly introduce you to their followers, potentially bringing them to your blog as well.
The Verdict: Is Snapchat Right for You?
Holding out for a killer way to connect with 20-somethings? Snapchat could be the ace up your sleeve, providing the fresh format you need to captivate this attention-starved demographic. With Snapchat, the boundaries disappear, allowing you to engage with your followers in the here and now, sharing honest, stripped-down glimpses of your brand's daily life.
In a world full of perfectly edited photos and curated feeds, Snapchat offers something refreshingly different. It’s about capturing the now – moments that are real, fleeting, and unfiltered. If this appeals to you, start snapping today, and let your blogging brand shine in a whole new light.