Snapchat Marketing Strategy: How to exposure at snapchat

If you’re not using Snapchat as part of your marketing mix, you’re leaving money on the table. Plain and simple. In today's ultra-competitive, digital-first world, businesses that want to stay relevant—especially to Millennials and Gen Z—must meet their audience where they live. And guess what? They're living on Snapchat.

With 300 million daily active users, Snapchat isn’t just for sending quirky snaps to friends. It’s a goldmine for businesses to connect with younger audiences in an engaging, authentic way. So, if you’re not leveraging Snapchat marketing yet, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Let me walk you through how to craft a Snapchat marketing campaign that drives real results.

Why Snapchat Should Be in Your Marketing Playbook

1. Reach the Right Audience

Snapchat is where the under-34 crowd hangs out. If you’re targeting Millennials or Gen Z and you’re not on this platform, you’re missing out on a captive audience that’s ready to engage.

2. Create FOMO with Ephemeral Content

Snapchat's disappearing content creates urgency. People need to act fast, which can push your audience to engage quickly. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is real, and you should be tapping into it.

3. Unique Ad Formats That Don’t Scream ‘Ad’

Snapchat's ad formats blend into the user experience. This makes your marketing messages less intrusive, more native, and—here’s the kicker—more effective.

The Roadmap to Your Snapchat Marketing Campaign

1. Set Up a Business Account

First things first, you need a business account on Snapchat. No shortcuts here. Head to Snapchat Ads Manager, create your account, and set yourself up to start running ads. This also unlocks analytics so you can track your performance.

2. Clarify Your Campaign Goals

If you don’t know where you're going, how will you know when you get there? Do you want brand awareness, traffic, lead generation, or conversions? Define these goals upfront to guide your strategy.

3. Understand Who You’re Talking To

Snapchat's audience values authenticity and fun. This isn’t the place for overly polished, corporate content. Be real, be engaging, and most of all—be human.

Snapchat Ad Formats That Pack a Punch

1. Snap Ads

Think of these as your bread-and-butter vertical video ads. They’re full-screen, immersive, and can include a swipe-up CTA that takes users to your website, app, or a longer video. Use these to tell quick, engaging stories that catch attention.

2. Sponsored Lenses and Filters

Want to let users ‘try on’ your product or interact with your brand in a playful way? Lenses and filters are where it’s at. They encourage user interaction, which leads to organic sharing, boosting brand visibility without the hard sell.

3. Story Ads

Get your content featured in Snapchat’s Discover section through Story Ads. You can show a series of short videos or images that build a narrative and hook your audience from the get-go.

4. Collection Ads

These are perfect for e-commerce brands. Show off multiple products in one ad, and make it easy for users to swipe up and shop directly on your website.

Snapchat Marketing Best Practices 

1. Be Real, Not Perfect

The magic of Snapchat is in its authenticity. Users want raw, behind-the-scenes content. Show your brand’s personality, flaws, and all. Leave the corporate polish for LinkedIn.

2. Leverage Influencer Marketing

Influencers have already built trust with their followers. Partnering with a Snapchat influencer can skyrocket your campaign, as their followers are more likely to engage with branded content.

3. Get Hyper-Local with Geofilters

Running a local promotion or event? Snapchat’s geofilters let you target users in a specific area, making it perfect for businesses with a brick-and-mortar presence.

4. Go Big with Augmented Reality (AR)

Snapchat is a pioneer in AR marketing. Whether you’re creating a virtual ‘try-on’ lens for a fashion brand or a playful AR game, these features boost engagement and stickiness.

Measure Your Snapchat Marketing Success

You can't improve what you don't measure, right? Here are the key metrics to keep an eye on:

• Impressions: How many times your ad was viewed.
• Swipe-Ups: The number of users who swiped up to take action.
• Engagement Rate: The ratio of interactions (like swipe-ups) to total impressions.
• Story Completion Rate: How many users stuck around to watch your entire ad or story.

Keep a close eye on these KPIs and optimize your content accordingly. Remember, in marketing, data is your best friend.

Case Studies: Snapchat Marketing Done Right

1. Gatorade's Super Bowl Lens

Gatorade created an interactive lens that let users simulate the iconic Gatorade dunk. It wasn’t just fun—it was highly effective, racking up over 165 million views during Super Bowl weekend.

2. Taco Bell’s Taco Head Filter

For Cinco de Mayo, Taco Bell released a lens that turned users' heads into tacos. The campaign went viral, receiving over 224 million views in a single day. That’s brand exposure you can’t ignore.

3. Gucci’s AR Try-On Lens

Gucci partnered with Snapchat to allow users to virtually try on their sneakers. This seamless blending of technology and retail not only drove user engagement but also translated into real sales.

Final Thoughts: Is Snapchat Worth Your Time? Absolutely.

Snapchat is a powerful tool, but only if used right. Brands that tap into the platform's raw, authentic vibe will win big, especially with younger audiences. With its unique ad formats, influencer partnerships, and ability to create FOMO with disappearing content, Snapchat offers a direct line to a highly engaged user base.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, experiment, and watch your brand thrive on Snapchat.

FAQs

Is Snapchat Marketing Suitable for All Businesses?
It’s most effective for brands targeting younger audiences, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. However, any brand that can create engaging, visual content can benefit.

What’s the Cost of Snapchat Ads?
Snapchat offers ad packages starting as low as $5 a day, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

What Makes Snapchat Different from Instagram?
Snapchat’s core strength is its temporary content and AR capabilities, while Instagram focuses more on permanent, polished posts. Snapchat is more about raw, real-time engagement.

Can I Use Snapchat for E-Commerce?
Absolutely. With features like Collection Ads, Snapchat is a great platform for driving direct product sales.

How Can I Track the Success of My Snapchat Campaigns?
Snapchat Ads Manager provides robust analytics, allowing you to track impressions, swipe-ups, engagement, and more.