Small Talk: Snapchat and Small Businesses

Ross Cohen • Oct 06, 2014

In the age of smartphones and instant gratification, keeping up with the latest trends in social media is imperative to the success of any business. As of 2014, approximately 88% of people research online before even considering shelling out for a particular product or service. This makes social media an invaluable tool, especially for businesses with small budgets.

Most business owners are aware of the importance of having a presence on Facebook and Twitter, even LinkedIn and Google Plus. But what about other, less conventional forms of social media? Do they have a role in the business world, specifically the small business world? Starting with Snapchat, let’s take a look!

10 Seconds or Less

Yes, 10 seconds or less is all you have with the super popular app, Snapchat. In fact, it’s the 3rd most popular social media app among adults age 18-34, just behind Twitter and Facebook. Available for both Apple and Android style phones, users send pictures and/or videos (known as snaps) that last up to 10 seconds. Once viewed, snaps disappear, removed from Snapchat’s server and our universe, forever.

The app also allows users to make a Snapchat story, where they can post any number of snaps (still just 1-10 seconds each) for all of their Snapchat friends to view repeatedly over the next 24 hours. After 24 hours, the story disappears, much like a regular snap would. In May 2014, Snapchat reported that over the course of just one day, more than 700 million snaps are sent and Snapchat stories are viewed over 500 million times.

Snapchat has been firmly planted in the social media spotlight since its initial explosion of popularity in 2012. Advertisers and brands alike are only now just beginning to grasp how this app, rooted in impermanence, can be used to boost a business. However, some early adopters have already seen success:

  • Grub Hub: In August 2013, this brand started using Snapchat to provide customers with coupons and deals via the “my story” feature. They also used the app to find a summer intern back in May.
  • Audi: Partnering with The Onion for SuperBowl XLVIII, Audi live “snapped” during the game to much success (gained 5,500 followers) and praise from the press.
  • World Wildlife Fund: Their infamous #LastSelfie campaign in early 2014 utilized the impermanence of Snapchat to hammer home the seriousness of endangered species across our planet.
  • Electric Daisy Carnival: This music festival packed with lights, carnival rides and electronic music kicked off the “Our Story” feature from Snapchat in the summer of 2014. Featuring snaps sent in from people at the event, EDC Live gave an in the mix and behind the scenes look for fans across the world.

Too Big For Small Business?

The brands mentioned above are all nationally and internationally known. This makes Snapchat a fantastic medium for reaching their vast and scattered target audiences. Question is, can this trendy, creative and unconventional app carry the same weight with the audience of a small, local business?

The truth is, it varies from business to business. Here are three questions you must ask yourself to decide if Snapchat is right for your small business:

  • 1. Does my business lend itself to a light-hearted, visual medium like Snapchat?
  • Our Advice: Snapchat works best for local restaurants and eateries, boutiques, home improvement related companies— any business where visuals entice people to buy.
  • 2. What is my goal with social media? Is it heavy on engaging current customers or focused on connecting with new customers?
  • Our Advice: Snapchat is more beneficial if you already have a larger, established following on Facebook and/or Twitter. It’d be a new way to interact with already loyal and knowledgable customers. This would get them talking about your company, potentially generating interest amongst new people (read: possible future clients).
  • 3. Most importantly, will Snapchat resonate with my target audience?
  • Our Advice: If you’re not interested in reaching a younger crowd, specifically age 18-34, then Snapchat isn’t worth it for your business.

Based on these questions, if Snapchat seems right for your business it can’t hurt to give it a try. Just remember, finding success on social media consists of trial and error. While it takes time to get it right, maybe all your small business needs is 10 quick seconds.

Additional Information:

By Ross Cohen 22 Feb, 2024
The Power of Google Ads for Lead Generation In the world of digital marketing, lead generation is the lifeblood of small businesses. But with so many options available, why should small business owners turn to Google Ads for lead generation? Immediate Impact: Results at Your Fingertips One of the most compelling reasons to choose Google Ads for lead generation is the immediate impact it can have on your business. Unlike search engine optimization (SEO) that takes time to build momentum, Google Ads delivers results almost instantly. The moment you launch a Google Ads campaign, your ads start appearing in search results, driving potential leads to your website. This instant visibility can lead to immediate inquiries and conversions. For small businesses looking to boost their leads quickly, Google Ads is the perfect tool. More Opportunity, Less Limitation Google Ads offers small businesses a world of opportunities that can be hard to match with other forms of marketing. It's a versatile platform that allows you to target specific keywords, demographics, locations, and even the devices your audience uses. This level of precision ensures that your message reaches the right people at the right time. Additionally, with Google Ads, you have control over your budget. You can set daily or monthly spending limits, ensuring that you stay within your financial comfort zone. This means you can tailor your lead generation efforts to suit your budget, making Google Ads accessible for businesses of all sizes. An Investment, Not an Expense Small business owners often hesitate to invest in advertising, viewing it as an expense rather than an investment. However, Google Ads challenges this perception. When you launch a Google Ads campaign, you're essentially investing in the growth of your business. Every dollar spent on Google Ads can potentially bring in leads and customers, leading to revenue that far surpasses your advertising expenditure. It's a cost-effective way to scale your business and see a tangible return on investment (ROI). Viewing Google Ads as an investment allows small business owners to unlock its full potential for lead generation. Transparency and Informed Decision-Making In the world of business, data is power, and Google Ads provides a wealth of it. The platform offers unparalleled transparency, allowing you to track the performance of your ads with precision. You can see exactly how many clicks your ads receive, the keywords that drive the most traffic, and even the cost per lead. This level of data allows you to make informed decisions about your lead generation strategy. You can identify what's working and what needs improvement, enabling you to refine your campaigns for better results. The transparency and data-driven nature of Google Ads empower small business owners to optimize their marketing efforts continuously. Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Small Business Lead Generation In conclusion, Google Ads is undeniably the best option for small business lead generation. Its ability to provide an immediate impact, offer vast opportunities, be an investment rather than an expense, and deliver transparent data makes it a standout choice. By leveraging Google Ads, small business owners can quickly boost their leads, reach a highly targeted audience, and see a tangible return on investment. It's a tool that empowers you to make informed decisions about your marketing strategy and drive your business towards growth and success. So, don't miss out on the incredible potential of Google Ads for lead generation—start harnessing its power today. To learn more about GetPhound's pay-per-click solutions, visit our Google Ads service page.
How To Pick A Blog Topic For SEO
By Ross Cohen 15 Dec, 2023
Discover the art of selecting the perfect blog topic for SEO as a small business owner. Learn the significance of answering common customer questions, providing DIY advice, and how it all connects to search-ability. Dive into the world of great ideas for an SEO blog topic and understand why patience is crucial in your SEO journey.
Sources of SEO Traffic
By Ross Cohen 20 Nov, 2023
In this blog, we discuss the various sources of organic SEO traffic. Small business owners, buckle up as we explore direct traffic, organic search traffic, referral traffic, email traffic, and social traffic, all seen in Google Analytics. Discover why each source requires unique efforts and how their combination creates a robust SEO campaign.
How SEO Works - GetPhound
By Ross Cohen 20 Oct, 2023
In this article, we'll demystify the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for small business owners. We'll explain how SEO works by illustrating the connection between activity, rankings, traffic, and business growth. Plus, we'll emphasize the importance of patience, as SEO is a long-term strategy that can significantly boost your online presence.
Can ChatGPT Really Write My Blog for Me
By Ross Cohen 05 Sep, 2023
Sure, ChatGPT can technically write a blog for you. But that's not the question you should be asking. What you want to know is whether the blog it writes uses any kind of smart SEO strategy at all...
By Ross Cohen 07 Aug, 2023
You’re running a Google Ads campaign, but where are your ads? You can’t see your ads showing in search results and have no idea why.
SEO TIPS FOR SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION (SMP) MARKETING
By Ross Cohen 18 Jul, 2023
These are our tried-and-true SEO tips for scalp micropigmentation (SMP) marketing. We've helped dozens of SMP practices get on the map and increase traffic to their website and ultimately business in their practice.
modern responsive website example
By Ross Cohen 12 Jul, 2023
The top 10 things that make a website look and feel modern in 2023. Our web experts delve into what elements give modern-day websites that fresh look and help businesses attract more customers.
By Kerry Sherk 17 May, 2023
Trying to boost a post but getting an error message saying “Boost Unavailable” or “This Post Can’t Be Boosted” or something similar? Wondering what the heck is going on and why you can’t just give Facebook your money?  There are a handful of reasons you can’t boost your post on Facebook (including a temporary glitch […] The post Why Can’t I Boost My Post? The Most Common Reasons for Failed Advertising on Facebook appeared first on GetPhound.
By Emily Lupinacci 22 Jul, 2020
Email marketing has come a long way since the early days of digital marketing. Thanks to development by companies like MailChimp and Constant Contact plus integrations from sites like Shopify, Zapier and Salesforce, it’s easy to send targeted, effective emails (and even automate the process!). The type of email you send will largely depend on […] The post 3 Email Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business appeared first on GetPhound.
More Posts
Share by: