Great to be here on Better Than Success! Since this is my first opportunity to talk to you about social media, a quick introduction is in order. I’m Ileane and Nikki, the CEO here, is my daughter. I started blogging and using Twitter to promote my blog, Basic Blog Tips, back in 2009. That was a long time ago in “social media years” and even though Twitter is my favorite social network, I was very intrigued by the mystique surrounding Snapchat and I decided to give it a try.
Snapchat Surpasses Twitter
I’m really glad I started using Snapchat, especially after hearing the news that 150 million people are using the app every day. That’s actually more daily users than Twitter with just under 140 million. Considering, Snapchat launched in April of 2011 and Twitter came out in 2006, that’s pretty impressive growth! Look at it this way, if Snapchat continues on this same growth trajectory before you know it we will be comparing it to Instagram instead of Twitter.
Even FLOTUS has joined Snapchat!
Closing the Generation Gap
Times are a changing and chances are, your target audience is probably on Snapchat already, but if not they soon will be! The latest stats from comScore indicate usage of the app is shifting and going mainstream:
Three years ago, Snapchat’s app was only being used by 5% of smartphone users age 25-34 and 2% of users age 35+, according to comScore Mobile Metrix. Today its penetration among these two age demos is an impressive 38% and 14%, respectively.
Big brands are starting to pay attention too! Cool features like Snapchat Stories, On-Demand Geofilters and the newest update called Memories help to keep the app fresh and attractive to both advertisers and users.
Getting Started with Snapchat
Whenever you see a post from me here on Better Than Success you can pretty much count on the fact that before it’s all said and done there will be a tutorial! In this case I have an entire YouTube series that I call Snapchat for Seniors. If you’re not a “senior” don’t let that stop you from watching because even the teenagers are getting a kick out of some of the tips I share.
Feel free to skip around if you’re already familiar with the Snapchat interface, but these tutorials are moderately paced so that even a first time user can jump in and start snapping!
I’ll show you how to:
- Create your Snapcode profile gif
- Add a funky Snapchat filter to your selfie
- Use Snapchat’s new Memories feature
- Share Your Snapcode movie on Instagram to get more followers
- Take “hands-free” Snapchat movies
- Chat with your friends one-on-one
- Amaze your friends by sending them a gif in a private chat
- Track your stats and see who is watching your snaps
- Have an amazing time connecting with your friends and followers
Here’s an example of a mashup of my old snaps that I posted on Instagram.
You can click here to follow more of my Snapchat shenanigans at ileanesmith. And keep your eye out for more tutorials from me in the weeks ahead.
If you’re interested in setting up your own Snapchat On-Demand Geofilter (these are great for promoting local events), give us a call for a quote at 215/550-5054
Happy Snapping!
