These days, keeping up with social media’s constant algorithm changes is hard enough (we’re looking at you Zuckerberg), but in case you’ve missed it, there’s a new kid on the social block that’s breaking the rules and pushing the social status quo.
If you’re anything like me and you can’t go more than five minutes without checking your Snapchat, you know it’s bound time to incorporate work with play and include Snapchat into your marketing strategy now.
Snap-what? If you’re not familiar with the app, here’s what you need to know:
A person or brand can send photos and videos (called Snaps) to their friends and followers. These Snaps can then be viewed for up to 10 seconds before they disappear.
Your Snaps can also include funny filters, face-swapping effects, text, emojis and other playful functions.
Want your Snaps to last a little bit longer? Add your snaps to your story and let your followers watch it over and over again for up to 24 hours.
Now that you’ve got the how-tos down-pat, here’s how you can include Snapchat into your strategy mix: 
#1 IT’S REAL, RAW AND INSTANT
Brands and content creators are using Snapchat to produce daily stories that engage and excite audiences! With it’s hilarious (and addictive) filters, text, emojis, videos and more, it’s becoming a more instant way to really connect with your customer and demographic. Users are moreplayful, silly and just want to have fun! Word of advice. Just roll with it.
#2 IT TAKES YOUR AUDIENCE BEHIND THE SCENES
Who doesn’t love that special feeling of an exclusive preview right before anyone else? Create and share exclusive content on the platform to your audience that they might not receive on other digital platforms.
You can use Snapchat to share behind-the-scenes into your office, photoshoots, sneak peek of exclusive collections. Best part of it all? You can snap and share as much as you like without appearing too “spammy” – in fact, the more the better!
Forget waiting for the next Keeping up with the Kardashians episode – you can see exactly what the “krazy sisters” are up to on their Snapchat right now.
#3 IT’S THE NEXT SOCIAL GAME CHANGER
Given the app’s insane popularity, it’s hard to believe that Snapchat only launched four years ago. Over 150 million people now use Snapchat to watch 10 billion videos every day! That’s 10 billion opportunities to build awareness of your brand and connect with your audience. Not to mention, top-tier publications such as Cosmopolitan, National Geographic and Refinery29 have caught onto the trend with their very own “Snap Discover Channels.”
#4 EVERYBODY’S DOING IT
Well you know what they say, “if you can’t beat them, join them!” At the end of the day, numbers don’t lie and with 41 percent of users aged 18-34, that’s a whole demographic just waiting to be tapped into! What’s even more impressive, half of all new users signing up for Snapchat are over the age of 25 (okay, maybe your parents aren’t on it just yet, so that makes the platform still cool right?).
#5 IT’S FUN!
Unlike its older siblings, Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat is by far the most casual social media platform. Businesses that are actively posting know their audiences want to see colour, action and upbeat fun. Don’t be afraid to be silly, real and creative!
With that in mind, always keep your brand values and integrity at the forefront before hitting “Add to story.” Those crazy post-work drinks on Friday night? Maybe keep your phone away.
