Snapchat is giving small businesses the opportunity to connect with customers like never before.
Between hosting takeovers, contests, and special events, your company can leverage Snapchat in plenty of different ways to engage your followers and build loyalty to your brand. That's why we asked six entrepreneurs the following question:
Q. What’s one unique and fun way I can engage my company’s followers on Snapchat?
1. Host a takeover
Let a Snapchat influencer take over your account! Give an influencer access to your account and allow them to create stories that will enhance your brand's personality. It's simple, authentic, and followers love it. The best part? You will increase your following and build relationships with a new audience. —Priya Thatte, Digital Umami
2. Highlight special events
Snapchat is perfect for real-time social media marketing because it can give your audience direct access to live events. If you’re hosting a live event, Snapchat is a great tool for publicizing it. It gives your followers direct access to the event, no matter where they are. —Jessica Baker, Aligned Signs
3. Pose trivia questions
Pose difficult trivia questions on Snapchat that can't be found on Google. Then ask followers to submit their answers on your website. If any of your followers get the answers correct, send them a reward! —Ajmal Saleem, Suprex Learning
4. Don't use it to advertise
The best way to engage followers on Snapchat is by treating it as more than "just another" ad platform. Host a conversation with your fans. Share some cool stuff with them–stuff they’ll find interesting that may not even be directly related to your brand. People don't use Snapchat because they want to be sold to; they use it because they want to have fun. Remember that. —Steven Buchwald, The E2 Visa Lawyer
5. Be interactive
Engage followers by posting a question and offering to feature the submissions. This is highly effective when you have more than 1,000 followers. You should also find an angle that naturally fits with your company. As a college polling app, we go around campuses and "mock interview" students. —Adam Halper, Whatsgoodly Inc.
6. Share limited time offers
Considering that Snapchat features expiring content, promotions that are frequent and only available for a limited time could get your customers to proactively tune into your snaps and keep following you. —Justin Moodley, LASANAN
