Spend $350 and get $375 in ad credit with SnapChat Ads.

Snapchat Ads, they let you get your brand right in front of millions of users. We're talking about different ad formats, from the classic Snap Ads, which are those full-screen video ads that pop up between stories, to filters and lenses that users can play with. Which, let's be honest, is a clever way to get them engaging with your brand without them even realising they're seeing an ad.

One of the big advantages of Snapchat is its targeting. You can get really specific with who sees your ads, based on things like age, location, interests, and even their behaviour on the app. This is proper laser-focused advertising, which means you're not wasting money showing your ads to people who aren't interested. It's like fishing with a sonar, right?

Then you've got things like Story Ads, where you can create a series of snaps that tell a story about your brand. Collection Ads are great for e-commerce, letting people swipe through products and buy them directly from the ad. And don't forget augmented reality (AR) lenses, which are a total game-changer. People can try on your products virtually, which is pretty wild.

According to Snapchat's own stats, daily active users are in the hundreds of millions, and they open the app multiple times a day. That's a lot of eyeballs on the platform, and potentially a lot of customers for your business. Plus, they reckon Snapchatters have a higher purchase intent than users on other platforms. Which, if that's true, makes it worth paying attention to.

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Snapchat's ad platform can be a bit tricky to get your head around at first. There's a learning curve, and you need to get your creative right. A badly made Snap Ad is just going to get skipped, so you've got to make it engaging. And tracking your results can be a bit fiddly, too.

However, if you're after 'social media advertising', 'targeted ads', or just want to reach a younger audience that's not on Facebook, it's well worth a look. Plus, they’re always adding new features. A few years ago, Snapchat released local lenses, letting local businesses create location-based filters. Clever, right? "Mobile advertising" has become even more important in recent years, and it's crucial to reach those on their phones.

All in all, Snapchat for Business is a solid platform if you know what you're doing. It's not a magic bullet, and it takes effort, but it can deliver some serious results if you're targeting the right people with the right message. "Advertising campaigns" are not easy, but Snapchat simplifies the process.

First off, setting it up isn't too bad, the Ads Manager looks a bit daunting at first, but once you’ve had a play, it's not too tricky. Targeting is where it gets interesting. You can really drill down to who you want to see your ads, which is great if you know your target audience inside out.

The ad formats are pretty good, I mean, Snap Ads are quick and punchy, Story Ads let you tell a bit more of a story, and the AR Lenses? That’s where you can get really creative, and let's face it, people are loving them!

Now, I tried running a few different campaigns. One was for a new product we were launching, aimed at students. We used a Snap Ad with a short, snappy video, and targeted students in specific universities. The results were pretty decent, we saw a good click-through rate and a fair few sign-ups.

Another campaign was for brand awareness, using a branded filter. That was a bit hit-and-miss. It got a lot of impressions, but it was harder to track whether it actually led to anything concrete. It’s more of a “look at us” exercise, I reckon.

One thing I did notice is that you need to get your creative spot on. If your ad looks rubbish, people are just going to skip it. You need to grab their attention in the first few seconds, and make sure it’s relevant to them. No point in showing them something they’re not interested in, is there?

And don't go with a generic message with advertising, or it'll fall flat.

Also, tracking your results is crucial. The Ads Manager gives you a load of data, so you can see what’s working and what isn’t. Don’t just set it and forget it, keep an eye on it and tweak it as you go.

Now, is it perfect? No, of course not. It can be a bit expensive, especially if you're targeting a really specific audience. And it's not always easy to see a direct return on investment, especially with brand awareness campaigns.

However, if you're after reaching a younger demographic, and you're willing to put in the effort to get your creative right, then Snapchat for Business is definitely worth a look. It's not a magic bullet, but it can be a valuable tool in your marketing armoury. And let’s face it, every little helps, doesn't it?

What is Snapchat for Business?

Snapchat for Business is a platform that allows businesses to advertise to Snapchat users through various ad formats like Snap Ads, Story Ads, Filters, and Lenses. It offers precise targeting options to reach specific demographics and interests.

How do Snapchat Ads work?

Snapchat Ads work by allowing businesses to create and display ads to Snapchat users. These ads can be in the form of videos, images, or interactive experiences, and they appear within the Snapchat app between user-generated content.

How much does Snapchat advertising cost?

The cost of Snapchat advertising varies depending on factors such as the ad format, targeting options, and campaign duration. Snapchat uses an auction-based system, so the price can fluctuate based on demand.

How do I set up a Snapchat Business account?

To set up a Snapchat Business account, you need to visit the Snapchat Ads Manager website and create an account. You'll need to provide your business details and payment information to get started.

What are the benefits of using Snapchat for business?

The benefits of using Snapchat for business include reaching a younger audience, utilising engaging ad formats, precise targeting, and the potential for high engagement rates.

What kind of businesses should use Snapchat ads?

Businesses targeting Gen Z and Millennials, particularly those in e-commerce, retail, and entertainment, can benefit from Snapchat ads. It's also suitable for businesses looking to increase brand awareness and engagement.

How do I track the performance of my Snapchat ads?

You can track the performance of your Snapchat ads through the Snapchat Ads Manager, which provides data on metrics such as impressions, clicks, conversions, and cost per acquisition (CPA).

What are the different types of Snapchat ads?

The different types of Snapchat ads include Snap Ads (full-screen vertical video ads), Story Ads (a series of snaps that tell a story), Collection Ads (for e-commerce), Filters, and Lenses (augmented reality experiences).

How can I target a specific audience on Snapchat?

You can target a specific audience on Snapchat using demographic data (age, gender, location), interests, behaviours, and custom audiences based on your customer data.

Can Snapchat ads drive sales and conversions?

Yes, Snapchat ads can drive sales and conversions, particularly when using ad formats like Collection Ads and AR Shopping Lenses. It’s important to use the Snapchat Pixel to track conversions and optimise your campaigns.

Snap Ads: These are full-screen, vertical video ads that appear between user stories, perfect for grabbing attention and conveying a clear message quickly. They're skippable, so make sure your ad hooks viewers within the first few seconds.
Story Ads: A series of snaps that tell a cohesive narrative about your brand, allowing for a more in-depth and engaging interaction with your audience. Use them to showcase product features or share behind-the-scenes content.
Collection Ads: Ideal for e-commerce, these ads let users swipe through multiple products within a single ad unit, driving traffic directly to your product pages. Think of them as a mini-catalogue within Snapchat.
Filters: Branded filters that users can overlay on their snaps, increasing brand visibility and encouraging user-generated content. Great for events and special promotions.
Lenses: Augmented reality experiences that let users interact with your brand in fun and creative ways, from virtual try-ons to interactive games. These can be wildly popular if done right.
Audience Targeting: Precise targeting options based on demographics, interests, behaviours, and location, ensuring your ads reach the most relevant users.
Snapchat Pixel: A piece of code you can add to your website to track conversions and build retargeting audiences. Essential for measuring the effectiveness of your campaigns.
Ad Manager: A centralised platform for creating, managing, and tracking your Snapchat ad campaigns. It offers real-time data and insights to optimise your performance.
AR Shopping Lenses: Allow users to virtually try on or interact with your products through augmented reality, enhancing the shopping experience and driving purchase intent.
First Story: Guarantees your ad is the first one users see when they open Snapchat, maximising visibility and impact. It’s a premium option, but worth considering for major campaigns.

Head over to the Foundra site: Click on our special link to get to the Snapchat deal. It's waiting for you.
   
Sign Up for Snapchat Ads: You'll be redirected to the Snapchat Ads Manager. If you don't already have an account, you'll need to create one. Just fill in your business details and payment info.
   
Create Your First Campaign: Once you’re in the Ads Manager, click on "Create Campaign."
   
Choose Your Objective: Pick what you want to achieve. Are you after website visits, app installs, or just brand awareness?
   
Set Your Budget and Schedule: Decide how much you want to spend and when you want your ads to run.
   
Target Your Audience: This is where you get specific. Choose your audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviours.
   
Design Your Ad: Create your Snap Ad, Story Ad, or Filter. Make sure it's eye-catching and relevant to your audience.
   
Submit for Review: Snapchat will review your ad to make sure it meets their guidelines.
   
Launch and Track: Once approved, your ad will start running. Keep an eye on the metrics in the Ads Manager to see how it's performing.