No hashtags, retweets, or the ability to tag friends. So how in the world do you build your following on Snapchat? With a simple profile, and no suggestions for whom you should add, Snapchat can be SO confusing at first. But just like a puzzle, this social media platform can be solved, and will greatly benefit you when you do.
Today, we are sharing a few ways you can build your following on Snapchat and kick your frustration out the door.
1. Understand How To Use Snapchat
Before diving into building a following on Snapchat, you must truly understand how to use the social media app.
If you just create an account and start fumbling through it, you won’t appreciate the depth of the app. The are so many cool hidden functions that you might miss at first, if you don’t understand how to use them.
Make sure to take the time to learn how to use Snapchat.
2. Build Your Tribe
A common complaint we hear with Snapchat, is that it is not intuitive. With most social media platforms, you rely on the app to recommend people to follow. When you don’t have anyone to follow, this is super helpful. Snapchat doesn’t do this. And that’s ok. This gives you full control over who finds you and can help target your ideal client.
Snapchat is not for likes, retweets or hearts – it is for building a tight knit community of people who feel like they know you.
When you grow a following of loyal fans, they become the foundation to your success. Click To TweetAs Seth Godin says, “nstead of always being on the hunt for one more set of eyeballs, true leaders have figured out that the real win is in the turning a casual fan into a true one.”
So, how do people find you if they can’t search for you within the app? Well, there are several ways you can do this.
Word Of Mouth
Think of Snapchat as your digital business card. When networking with people in person, ask them if they are on Snapchat. If they are, add them on the app! This is the perfect opportunity to further your connection with the person after they have left the conversation. Use Snapchat as a way to stay top of mind with that person.
When connecting with people or clients online, be sure to ask them to add you on Snapchat, even if they are not planning to use your service or buy your product at that moment. This will build trust and add rapport to your relationship.
Leverage Existing Social Media Networks
Unlike Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where your content is archived and lives forever online, Snaps have an expiration date. Therefore, it is in your best interest, to use these other social media networks to promote your Snapchat.
The more you promote your Snapchat outside of the app, the more exposure your snaps will get. This is the most effective way to build your following on Snapchat.
Add Your Snapcode To A Directory
The website Snapchat.codes is a directory that allows you to preview a Snapchat user and take a photo of their Snapcode.
A Snapcode is a unique scannable code that makes adding new friends easier. Your personal Snapcode can be located by clicking on the ghost in the center of your profile screen. If you scan someone’s Snapcode, you will automatically follow that person. You can submit your own Snapcode in your industry’s niche, so that people can find and follow you.
3. Follow People Back
Remember your manners and don’t overlook the power of saying thank you. People want to feel special. They want to know that you genuinely care about their support. Get in the habit of showing your appreciation for your followers.
Life's Golden Rule - treat others as you want to be treated. Click To TweetSnapchat makes this incredibly easy for you to do. When someone follows you, simply follow them back.
Take it one step further and send them a personal thank you video. This will build a deeper connection with your followers, and make them feel important.
4. Create Content Consistently
Even if you have zero followers, you should be posting content consistently. With Snapchat, this means at least once a day.
You can’t be discovered without content, right?
Send your best snaps to the people you follow, or upload them as a story. You can do this even if they aren’t following you back.
Pick a time, each day to snap something. Whether that be what you ate, what you did or something you thought was funny. The key is to highlight the things you do throughout the day to give your followers an insight look to your life.
As people start to follow you, you can create content that you know they will love. Give them something to remember you by and get them excited to see your name in their feed.
5. Vary Your Content
As much as people love consistency, they also love variety. People want to be entertained. The easiest way to do this within Snapchat is to use a combination of photos, video, text art and emoticons.
Don’t limit yourself to Snaps strictly about your profession.
Treat Snapchat like your personal reality tv show and let people into your life. Click To Tweet6. Collaborate With Other Snapchatters
Don’t be afraid to reach out to somebody YOU follow and ask to collaborate with them. Tell them you are a huge fan and have been following them for a while. Reach out with an idea for collaboration and don’t get discouraged if they say no. It may simply just be the wrong time, and you can approach them again later.
7. Archive Your Snaps
Download your content from within Snapchat. After you’ve shared your story, save it to your camera roll. This will come in handy when promoting on your other social media platforms. You can share your snaps on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Did you find this guide helpful? Be sure to share it on Pinterest! We LOVE Snapchat and want to see your beautiful faces on there with us.
My work just started using snapchat and I’ll have to show this to my coworkers! I didn’t know about the snap directory!
awesome tips! I have been trying to share my snapchat stuff more.. to get more followers :)
This! So helpful – love that directory part. Never heard of it until I read your piece. Seriously thanks for sharing.
I really love snapchat, but I’ve slacked off on it so bad lately I need to start using it again. I’ve kind of been forgetting to snap I’ve been so busy!
This was super helpful… thank you!
I’ve never heard of snap code! thats interesting! I’m kjk1103 on snap!
Xx
Kali
http://www.lovelaughexplore.com
@love_laugh_explore
https://www.facebook.com/lovelaughexplore/
This is super helpful! I’m fairly new to snapchat and love it but still figuring it out. Going to add you now!
Great tips for beginners like me. Thanks for sharing! I love it!
I need to start promoting my snaps on other social media platforms- that’s smart!
What great tips, I just got into snap chat and I’m not use to making stories all the time!
http://xoxobella.com