By: Amanda Friedman

Snapchat is a popular, interactive social media app that has grown exponentially since its inception in 2011. Most users share moments of their lives with friends through the app, but digital marketers and businesses are utilizing it to connect with their fans. If you are considering expanding your brand's digital presence to include Snapchat, you should keep these tips and tricks in mind:
1. What are your goals in using Snapchat?
One of the first things you should decide is your purpose on Snapchat. Posting stories is the easiest way to get your snaps out to anyone who has added you on the app. However, there are several things to consider before committing to Snapchat:- Who is your target audience and is Snapchat the best way to reach them? Your target audience’s Snapchat activity is the most important consideration for your decision to use Snapchat. In the initial public offering documents of Snap Inc., it was reported that 85% of the app's daily users are between the ages of 18 and 34. There are younger and older users, but reaching them may be a struggle, especially for a new or small brand that may find traditional social media, like Facebook, to be more effective.
- Who will follow you, and how will you get them to add you? Once you have a target in mind, getting them to connect with you is the next step. Every Snapchat user has a unique Snapcode, a personalized image that can be saved, shared and scanned within the app to add that user. If your business has an established group of fans already, share your Snapcode or username on those social media outlets to reach as many people as possible.
- How often will you post? Keep in mind the 24-hour limit of stories. Keeping a consistent schedule can be hard, especially when Snapchat posts disappear after a day. Have a content calendar, or, at the very least, maintain an organized idea of what posts will best represent your brand. Having a clear vision of the content will give your Snapchat, or any social media profile, a clean and professional look.