The thing I like most about Snapchat would have to be the simplicity. Using Snapchat reminds me of what Facebook used to be. I say this because Snapchat is slightly mysterious like Facebook was when it came around just for college students. Remember those days? I know that Facebook has evolved since then by leaps and bounds, but I miss the simplicity. There’s something about being part of a big thing before it becomes a big thing. Most importantly, as a marketer, I’ve been using Snapchat in order to learn how to strategically leverage it for business. One of the most challenging parts of working in social media comes with the arrival of new platforms and how to get justification for using them on behalf of organizations. I’m pitching a case for Snapchat soon, and it got me thinking about all of my favorite ways to use it.
– Don’t believe that Snaps disappear
I don’t believe that anything posted on social media ever really “disappears”. Use that same caution when uploading snaps. Screenshots are easy to obtain even if your snap does disappear. Remember that SAE fraternity racist rant? Following the SAE fraternity revelation, a football player posted a snap with his immediate reaction. CNN videotaped his reaction and even had him on air being interviewed. I’m positive he didn’t expect that snap to ever make the news. Or how about the girls who robbed Dairy Queen then bragged about it on Snapchat? Yeah, not a good idea. I’m sure that won’t be the last time that a snap lives on forever. My point here, exercise caution with what you post.
– Follow the right group of people
Following the wrong folks on Snapchat is like showing up to a party with boring people and who wants to do that? It happens often where I run into a group of people who talk about how they just don’t get Snapchat. I ask them who they are following and the reason why they aren’t enjoying the platform is easily found. I follow a combination of family, friends, brands, Viners and bloggers who are just having a good time. I learn from or find entertainment from each of them.
– Check out the Discover Tab
The Discover tab has an assortment of things to engage with. From Cosmopolitan articles to Comedy Central Clips. I even watched a Madonna music video premiere a while back. If posting snaps isn’t your thing, some of the exclusives happening on the Discover tab are best for you.
– Watch scripted shows
Yep, you read that right. You can watch scripted shows on Snapchat. The first ever scripted series is “Literally Can’t Even” written by two daughters of Hollywood legends.
– The Live Event Feed
Whenever a live event is happening, there’s a special Snapchat feed for that.
I’ve watched snaps happening live at events like Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage, Fourth of July, Valentine’s Day celebrations, college Cheerleading Nationals, March Madness and even St. Patrick’s Day live from Dublin. It’s fun to see what people are doing across a themed holiday or event. I love watching the Atlanta snaps live daily.
On my Snapchat I like posting food, what I’m up to day in and day out and also what I’m reading.
Favorite Celebrity follow – Brandy (thenextbrandy). She’s on Broadway and snaps her workouts and daily shenanigans. She sings, works out, acts and makes jokes during her snaps. Love her sense of humor!
Favorite Cooking snaps – Fadia Kader (fadiakader) I like her step by step snaps of recipes. They inspire me to get in the kitchen and try something new.
Favorite Vlogger follow – Fit Men Cook (fitmencook) I like watching Kevin go through his daily routine from the gym to the kitchen.
Favorite Blogger follow – Gabi Gregg (gabi.gregg). I love her confident snaps. It’s nice to see a true behind the scenes view of her life. Her outfits are gerat too.
Favorite thing to Discover – Warner Music Group for the scoop on new music and new music videos and Cosmopolitan for fun stuff.
Favorite Company – GE (generalelectric), they have the most fun snap stories. They take themes and make them into informative stories. One of my favorites was about wind powered energy. They made it cool! Whoever makes them deserves an award. Seriously.
Favorite Restaurant – Taco Bell (tacobell), I love the way that they use Snapchat to promote new product launches and tell unique stories.
What’s your favorite thing to do on Snapchat?
