Optimize Social Media Posts: 5 Snapchat Tips
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

  1. Use Snapchat for Business
  2. How to create engaging content
  3. Optimize your Snapchat profile
  4. How to use Snapchat Stories
  5. How to track Snapchat metrics

Wondering how to optimize social media posts for Snapchat? You're not alone. As Snapchat's popularity continues to soar, more businesses are keen to get on board. But let's face it, Snapchat is a different beast compared to other social platforms. Its unique features and user demographics require a different approach. Don't fret! We've got you covered with five practical tips to help you make the most of this vibrant platform.

Use Snapchat for Business

Snapchat isn’t just for selfies and funny filters — it’s a powerful business tool if used correctly. So, let's get started on how to optimize your Snapchat for business.

Set Up a Business Account

First things first, you need to set up a business account. Why? Because a business account gives you access to features not available with personal accounts. You can create sponsored content, gain valuable insights, and connect with your target audience more effectively. And the best part? It’s free!

Understand Your Audience

Understanding your audience is key to optimizing your Snapchat strategy. Unlike other platforms, Snapchat users are typically younger — around 71% are under 34 years old. So, your content needs to resonate with them. Consider their interests, their language, their habits. Tailoring your content to your specific audience will help you connect and engage with them better.

Strategize Your Content

Now that you've set up your account and understand your audience, it's time to strategize your content. Snapchat is all about short, engaging, and fun content. Think creative images, short videos, and interactive quizzes. Here's an insider tip: use Snapchat’s unique features to your advantage. For example, you can use the geofilter feature to create a custom filter for your business. This is a fun way for users to interact with your brand and spread the word about it.

Interact With Your Followers

Social media is all about interaction. Snapchat is no exception. Respond to messages, engage with user content, and make your followers feel seen and heard. This will not only foster a stronger relationship with your audience but also enhance your brand’s visibility on the platform.

There you have it! You're well on your way to understanding how to optimize social media posts for Snapchat. But remember, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more tips on creating engaging content, optimizing your profile, using Snapchat stories and tracking metrics.

How to create engaging content

Now, let's dive into the heart of Snapchat — the content. Remember, Snapchat is all about in-the-moment, raw, and fun content. So, how can you create engaging content that hits the mark? Let's explore.

Keep It Short and Sweet

With Snapchat, less is more. Because Snaps disappear after they’re viewed, you need to make a strong impression — fast. Keep your messages brief, your videos short, and your images impactful. Aim to get your message across in 10 seconds or less, because that's all the time you have on Snapchat!

Be Authentic

Snapchat is not the place for polished, corporate content. Users come to Snapchat for real, unfiltered experiences. So, let your hair down, show your quirks, and give your followers a glimpse of the real you or your brand. Authenticity resonates with Snapchat users, and this will help you build a loyal following.

Use Snapchat's Unique Features

From lenses and filters to Bitmojis and stickers, Snapchat offers a host of unique features. Use them to make your content more engaging. For instance, you can use a fun lens to turn a regular selfie into an eye-catching Snap. Or you can use a unique geofilter to show your followers where you are.

Offer Exclusive Content

Everyone loves a sneak peek or exclusive deal. Use your Snapchat to offer content that your followers won't find anywhere else. This could be a behind-the-scenes look at your business, a special discount code, or a preview of an upcoming product. This not only makes your followers feel special, but it also gives them a reason to keep coming back for more.

Creating engaging content is an art. But with these tips, you're well on your way to mastering how to optimize social media posts for Snapchat. But hold on, we're not done yet! Stay tuned for more on optimizing your profile, using Snapchat Stories, and tracking metrics.

Optimize your Snapchat profile

Alright, now that you have a handle on creating engaging content, let's move onto your Snapchat profile. It's the first thing people see when they find you on Snapchat, so it needs to shine.

Choose a Clear Profile Picture

Your profile picture is the face of your account. It should be clear, on-brand, and easily recognizable. You could use a logo, a headshot, or any image that represents you or your brand accurately. Remember, you want people to instantly recognize who you are when they see your profile picture.

Have a Descriptive Username

Your username should ideally be your name or your brand's name. If that's not available, choose something related that's easy to remember. You want your followers to be able to find you easily when they search for you on Snapchat. Remember, no spaces or special characters are allowed in Snapchat usernames, so get creative!

Make the Most of Your Bio

Your bio is where you tell your followers who you are and what you do. Keep it short, concise, and catchy. You could include a tagline, a brief description of your brand, or what followers can expect from your Snaps. You have 80 characters to make an impression, so choose your words wisely.

If you're using Snapchat for business, you can add a link to your website in your bio. This is a great way to drive traffic to your site. Simply click on 'Edit My Profile', then 'Website' and enter your website's URL.

Optimizing your Snapchat profile is a crucial step in learning how to optimize social media posts for Snapchat. A well-optimized profile not only attracts more followers, but it also helps to establish your brand on the platform. But that's not all there is to Snapchat optimization! Up next, we'll discuss how to use Snapchat Stories to boost your reach and engagement.

How to use Snapchat Stories

Now that your Snapchat profile is all spruced up, let's dive into the world of Snapchat Stories. Stories can be a powerful way to connect with your audience, showcase your brand personality, and boost engagement.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is key to creating Stories that resonate. Are your followers interested in behind-the-scenes content? Do they love tutorials or product reviews? Knowing what your audience wants helps you create Stories that they'll love to watch—and that's what optimizing social media posts on Snapchat is all about.

Create a Content Plan

Don't just post random Snaps to your Story. Instead, create a content plan. This could include a mix of behind-the-scenes content, user-generated content, promotional posts, and more. Having a plan helps ensure you're posting varied, engaging content consistently.

Use Snapchat's Tools

Snapchat offers a range of tools to jazz up your Stories. You can add text, stickers, filters, and more. These tools not only make your Stories more engaging, but they also allow you to add a unique touch to your content.

Engage with Your Audience

Remember, social media is all about being social. Don't just post Stories and forget about them. Respond to any comments or messages you receive. This not only boosts engagement but also helps build a stronger connection with your audience.

Stories are a key part of learning how to optimize social media posts for Snapchat. They allow you to share engaging, timely content with your followers, helping to boost your reach and engagement. But the learning doesn't stop here. Up next, we'll talk about tracking your Snapchat metrics to measure your success.

How to track Snapchat metrics

Alright, now that you're creating stellar Stories, let's talk about tracking your performance. Keeping an eye on your Snapchat metrics is key to understanding what's working and what needs a tweak. So let's get to it!

Understand Snapchat Metrics

Firstly, you need to understand what each metric means. For instance, "Story Views" tells you the number of times your Story has been viewed, while "Screenshots" can be an indication of how engaging your content is. Knowing what each metric signifies will help you make sense of your Snapchat data.

Track Your Story Views

The first metric you should be watching is your Story Views. This lets you know how many people are actually viewing your Stories. If the number is low, it might be time to switch up your content or posting times.

Monitor Screenshots

Screenshots are a great way to gauge engagement. If people are taking the time to screenshot your Snaps, it's a good sign that they're finding your content valuable. Keep an eye on this metric to see how your content is resonating with your audience.

Watch Your Completion Rate

The Completion Rate shows you the percentage of people who watch your entire Story from start to finish. A high completion rate is a good sign that your content is engaging and holds your audience's attention.

Tracking your Snapchat metrics is a major part of learning how to optimize social media posts for Snapchat. By monitoring your performance, you can better understand what your audience loves and how to create more of it. But remember: metrics are just one piece of the puzzle. Always keep your audience's interests at heart and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of content. Happy Snapping!

If you're looking to optimize your social media presence, particularly on Snapchat, don't miss the workshop 'Navigating Social Media As A Photographer' by Bryony Coles. Although it's geared towards photographers, the tips and insights shared in this workshop can be applied to any creative field. Learn how to make the most of Snapchat and other social media platforms to showcase your work and connect with your audience.