In 2016 Social Media is changing quicker than we can keep up with. Every so often our most cherished social media outlets introduce developments to their apps, to out-do the other with the latest and greatest smartphone additions.
Front-runners such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat continue to evolve with monthly app updates, keeping us as consumers on our toes, but also offering innovative ways for brands to make their mark.
As a self-proclaimed Social Media Guru (justified by my many hours of daily scrolling, tweeting, posting and liking) I have outlined key hacks on our favourite Social Media apps that you should be taking advantage of now.
- Creating your own Snapchat Geofilter
Since February of this year, Snapchat has allowed users to create personalised geo filters. It’s finally time to put an end to flower crowns and puppy faces (thank goodness).
Snapchat allows users to design, submit and purchase their geofilter design to become live at any chosen time lasting from 30 minutes up to a month in a particular geographic area. Obviously, the longer the duration or larger the area the more it will cost, but geofilters start at just under $100.
Now popular with consumers for events like weddings and birthdays, brands are also cleverly incorporating geofilters for their special events and launches. Encouraging attendees to take a snap using the filter is a fool proof, and relatively cheap marketing technique. Snapchat even provides you with personalised metrics after use to measure the success of your investment.
- The Snapchat Instagram Story
Never underestimate the power of a good Instagram story.
Instagram has recently introduced an outlet similar to Snapchat where users are able to upload stories to their Instagram account. Revolutionary, I know. An addition that should not be overlooked, an Instagram story extends a brand’s presence and humanises the brand making it relatable and accessible to audiences. Your audience can now follow your posts as well as your live story content by tapping on your Instagram profile picture or going through the story feed on the Instagram home page.
Prior to posting an Instagram story, a brand should brainstorm and plan each and every shot to be uploaded. Ideally setting time aside for creative concept planning and visual storyboarding prior to posting. It may sound like a lot of work, but a little bit of extra effort will truly benefit the audience’s perception of your brand.
- Facebook Live
Give the people want they want, some good old #BTS action.
Facebook Live is anothe
r great way to engage with audiences and show a different side to a brand or company. Facebook Live acts as live broadcast to your followers or friends on Facebook.
Audiences love viewing the live and raw element of product creation that isn’t just a snap that lasts 10 seconds. Good examples for the use of Facebook Live would be behind the scenes of an event or photo shoot or even having the camera rolling whilst working in the office. Live interviews or discussions also work really well and as an added bonus, Facebook Live archives your content, which stays on your profile for viewers to see after the broadcast so there is never a missed moment.
