6 Uses of Snapchat for eCommerce Marketers

Since 2011, Snapchat hasn't stop evolving. With a planned $25 billion IPO, eCommerce businesses can no longer afford ignoring it.Many retail brands such as Warby Parker, Wetseal and Frank & Oak, have embraced this social network and quickly learning how to leverage it for their online business.Whether you're already using it or not, you need to plan on using it more effectively.If you're in involved in digital marketing, here are 6 ways you can use Snapchat for an eCommerce business:

1. Host Contests & Giveaways for Snapchat Followers Only

Contests & giveaways are great for interactions between your brand and the consumer. Snapchat users love the idea of winning something especially if it's easy to participate.For example, you can have followers take part in a giveaway by simply having them Snap a picture and send it to you or by responding to your Snaps with a text or video.You can hold a contest to name your next clothing collection or simply ask people to send in funny snaps of their dog to win some pet supplies.Whatever the case may be, giveaways and contests on Snapchat can help promote products and engage with customers.

2. New Product Sneak Peeks On Snapchat

Everyone wants to know what’s coming soon at Apple and the same goes for many retail brands. New styles and trends constantly evolve and change and your customers expect your business to do the same.eCommerce businesses can use Snapchat to notify customers of what's coming soon. Whether it’s a new ring collection or a new beauty cream, always include customers in what you’re selling to help build buzz ahead of your product/collection release.

3. Share Exclusive (Limited-Time) Snapchat Coupons

Who doesn’t love a percentage off or a freebie? Coupons may hold the key to converting potential customers into new customers, and enticing your existing customers to continue purchasing from your product line.Consider offering your Snapchat followers exclusive coupons for your online store. They may end up buying more than what they originally intended on buying because they are getting a discounted price.Make sure you mention that these coupons are exclusive to Snapchat followers and that they expire within hours or by midnight.  This will help in pushing them to take action immediately.  You can also offer limited quantity products at a discount to Snapchat users.

4. Show Behind the Scenes Footage

With online shopping, sometimes it is difficult to create the customer-business rapport that exists with physical locations. This is where behind the scenes on Snapchat can help.Give customers a sneak peek into the day-to-day operations of the eCommerce business.  Show them what goes behind the scenes when preparing product photoshoots, what goes into packaging customer orders or how your employees work together on projects.

5. Show-off Your Products on Snapchat

Creating visual content is becoming increasingly popular within the eCommerce industry. Not only is this a great way to market your merchandise, it also gives customers a better visual of products. Showcase items with Snapchat videos so customers get a better sense of how the product looks like and how it can be used.

6. Get Personal with Your Snapchat Audience

Every business has a story.  Why not share it with your Snapchat followers.People love to know more about the people behind the brand.  This works well for a small eCommerce businesses where the owner can share her highlights of her lifestyle such as travel destinations, restaurant food or family time.I hope this 6 uses of Snapchat will help you get started on this popular social network.Happy selling!