Affiliate Marketing on Snapchat For Beginners (2023)

Remember the good old days when Snapchat was the talk of the town? It was so popular that even Facebook tried to snatch it up for a cool $3 billion, but got rejected. Ah, memories. But let’s face it, Snapchat’s heyday seems to be fading away. Just take a look at how people’s interest in this photo and video messaging platform has declined over the past five years. Ouch.

So, does that mean Snapchat is a lost cause for affiliate businesses? Not so fast, my friend. Believe it or not, Snapchat still holds some intriguing opportunities for affiliate marketing campaigns. The catch is, you’ve got to know what you’re doing.

Discover the Unique Appeal of Snapchat

Snapchat may not be grabbing the headlines like it used to, but it still boasts a significant user base that continues to grow. While its growth has slowed in recent years, the trajectory remains upward, and experts predict continued expansion until at least the end of 2024. Unlike global giants such as Facebook, Snapchat’s audience is concentrated in a select few countries. The United States, in particular, stands out as a stronghold, accounting for nearly one-third of the platform’s total users.

Granted, Snapchat may not have the largest audience among social networks—it doesn’t even make the top ten. However, size isn’t everything. What matters are the demographics, and this is where Snapchat shines for affiliate marketers. The platform appeals to a specific group of users who possess significant purchasing power. With over three-quarters of 13 to 34-year-olds in the US actively using Snapchat, it captures the attention of Generation Z and Millennials. Together, these cohorts wield a combined direct spending power of over $1 trillion, making them a demographic that cannot be ignored.

Another key factor is user engagement. According to Snapchat’s own data, a staggering 265 million people use the app on a daily basis, with the average user opening it a remarkable 30 times per day. So, what keeps them coming back? Well, unlike certain platforms we won’t mention, people genuinely enjoy using Snapchat. 

A study commissioned by Snapchat itself revealed that users describe their experience as “silly,” “creative,” “adventurous,” and other positive adjectives. In contrast, words like “anxious,” “isolated,” and “overwhelmed” are commonly associated with Facebook and Twitter. The positive and enjoyable nature of Snapchat keeps its users hooked.

But it doesn’t stop there. Snapchatters aren’t just passive consumers of video content; they are ready to spend their hard-earned money. In fact, Snapchat users are a whopping 60% more likely than the average person to make impulse purchases. This makes Snapchat marketing an irresistible opportunity for affiliate marketers.

So, if you’re wondering why Snapchat deserves your attention, the answer lies in its unique appeal. With a growing user base, a youthful demographic wielding considerable spending power, and an engaging and enjoyable user experience, Snapchat presents a compelling proposition for affiliate marketers. Don’t miss out on tapping into this vibrant platform to connect with your target audience and drive conversions.

What Is Snapchat Affiliate Marketing?

Snapchat is an ideal platform for affiliate marketers seeking to earn commissions effortlessly through referrals. Unlike several other social media platforms, Snapchat doesn’t impose restrictions on the use of affiliate links, making it an excellent choice for running successful affiliate marketing campaigns. Even with a small following, you can start benefiting from Snapchat’s affiliate marketing opportunities.

Organically adding affiliate links on Snapchat is a breeze, and you can do it in three different ways: through snaps sent to your followers, in your Snapchat Stories, or in one-on-one chats. It’s as simple as clicking the “link” button, searching for your desired URL online, and including it with just another click.

Let’s dive into how this works in practice, so you can get a better idea of the potential it holds for your affiliate marketing efforts.

For your regular snap post, here’s what you need to do, once you’ve decided to overlook my irrelevant imagery:

  1. Click the “link” button.
  2. Search for your preferred URL online.
  3. Click again to include it in your snap.

When it comes to your Snapchat Story, the process is just as straightforward. You can seamlessly integrate affiliate links and reach a wide audience.

And don’t forget about the power of one-on-one conversations. With Snapchat, you can take a more personal approach and engage in direct messaging with potential customers, allowing you to build stronger connections and tailor your promotions to individual interests.

Compared to other platforms like Clubhouse, Instagram, and TikTok, Snapchat offers a lot more flexibility and freedom. While these platforms often impose limitations on the types of links you can use and how they can be added, Snapchat lets you unleash your creativity and reach customers in various ways.

So, whether you prefer the reach of regular posts and Stories or the intimacy of one-on-one chats, Snapchat provides you with numerous opportunities to connect with your audience and drive affiliate sales.

Affiliate Marketing on Snapchat For Beginners

How to Leverage Snapchat for Affiliate Marketing

If you’re looking to make the most out of Snapchat for your affiliate marketing efforts, here are some tips to help you succeed.

1. Building Your Following

Building a following on Snapchat may seem challenging due to its personal nature, but it’s not impossible. Take inspiration from influencers like Kylie Jenner, who has amassed millions of followers. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Head to your profile page.
  2. Tap on “Add friends.”
  3. Select “All contacts” to add your existing connections.

By following these steps, you can begin growing your audience with friends, family, and colleagues. However, don’t stop there; expand your reach by leveraging your presence on other social networks. Gary Vaynerchuk, known for self-promotion, often encouraged his Twitter followers to follow him on Snapchat. 

You can also tap into your email list by asking people to search for your username or including your Snapchat QR code in your emails for easy access.

2. Offer Incentives and Engaging Content

To entice more users to follow you, provide them with an incentive that gives them a clear reason to do so. Consider offering discount codes to new followers or highlighting the exclusive deals, new products, or unique content they can access by following you. 

Additionally, take advantage of Snapchat’s popular augmented reality (AR) feature. By integrating AR elements into your snaps and stories, you can drive engagement from your audience. While creating your own Snapchat Lens is an option, you can also incorporate popular lenses to create a familiar and engaging experience for your followers.

3. High-Quality Visual Content

Snapchat users crave high-quality visual content, including videos. But what if you’re not a videographer or lack time to create video footage? Fortunately, several websites offer high-quality, rights-free stock videos that can save you time and effort. Check out platforms like Life of Vids, Pexels, Pixabay, Pond5, and Videvo to find suitable video content for your snaps and stories. By utilizing these resources, you can focus more on crafting compelling messaging instead of worrying about content creation.

4. Crafting Compelling Messaging

When it comes to messaging on Snapchat, simplicity and conciseness are key. Avoid bombarding people with excessive details. Instead, speak directly to your customers, tailoring your message to their demographic information such as location, age, and gender. Clearly communicate what they’ll gain from clicking your affiliate link. If it’s a physical product, use a simple call-to-action like “buy now.” For abstract services, describe the benefits they’ll experience by engaging with your campaign.

5. Advertising on Snapchat

Unlike other social networks where running ads might not be financially viable for many affiliates, Snapchat offers a more cost-effective option. Compared to platforms like Facebook, Snapchat ads tend to be cheaper. Consider allocating some budget for Snapchat advertising to broaden your marketing message’s reach and target a wider base of potential customers. Running multiple ad sets and campaigns will enable you to target different customers with various video and copy combinations, maximizing visibility and generating more clicks on your affiliate network links.

By following these tips and leveraging Snapchat’s unique features, you can effectively use the platform for your affiliate marketing endeavors, reaching a broader audience and driving engagement with your content.

Advertising on Snapchat

 

Pros Of Snapchat Affiliate Marketing

1. Highly engaged audience

One of the key strengths of Snapchat is its highly engaged user base. Users tend to access the platform multiple times throughout the day, providing ample opportunities for exposure to your affiliate products. This level of engagement can potentially translate into higher conversion rates.

2. Young audience with buying power

Snapchat primarily attracts a younger demographic, and this demographic often possesses significant buying power. If your target audience aligns with Snapchat’s user base, you have the opportunity to reach a tech-savvy and influential audience who are more likely to make purchasing decisions.

3. Varied link incorporation

Snapchat offers multiple ways to incorporate affiliate links into your content. Whether it’s through snaps, stories, or other features, you can experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your affiliate marketing efforts.

4. No link masking or mandatory landing pages

Unlike some other platforms, Snapchat doesn’t require you to mask your links or direct users to specific landing pages or articles. This flexibility allows you to promote affiliate products more directly and seamlessly, potentially improving the user experience.

5. Affordable ad costs

When compared to many other social media platforms, Snapchat generally offers more affordable ad costs. This affordability opens up opportunities to drive traffic to your affiliate products without breaking the bank, enabling you to maximize your marketing efforts.

Cons Of Snapchat Affiliate Marketing

1. Limited reach with older demographics

If your target customers skew towards older age groups, there’s a good chance that they are not active Snapchat users. It’s important to consider whether your desired audience aligns with the platform’s user base to ensure your affiliate marketing efforts are reaching the right people.

2. Smaller user base than other platforms

While Snapchat boasts a significant user base, it still falls behind giants like Facebook and Instagram in terms of overall reach. This means your potential audience size may be smaller on Snapchat, requiring you to carefully evaluate if the platform aligns with your marketing goals.

3. Decline in popularity

Snapchat’s position as the “coolest” social media platform has been overshadowed by the rise of competitors like TikTok and Clubhouse. The app has experienced a decline in interest and may not carry the same level of trendiness it once did. This shift in perception could impact the effectiveness of your affiliate marketing campaigns.

4. Short content format

Snapchat’s content format revolves around short snippets, typically lasting around 10 seconds. While this brevity may be suitable for certain types of products, it may not be ideal for promoting more complex or detailed affiliate products. Consider whether the limited time frame aligns with your marketing objectives.

Is Snapchat a Good Affiliate Marketing Platform for Your Brand?

When it comes to running affiliate campaigns on Snapchat, things aren’t simply black and white – they’re more like shades of gray. Whether or not Snapchat is suitable as an affiliate platform depends greatly on your brand and audience.

If your customers are young and your products can be effectively showcased in bite-sized content, then Snapchat could be a great fit for your wider marketing strategy. Moreover, the relatively low cost of Snapchat ads allows you to scale your campaign and expand your reach, as long as your profit margins are high enough.

However, there are downsides to consider as well. What if your target audience is older? Or if your products require complex messaging that can’t be effectively conveyed in 10-second videos? What if your customers are primarily located in countries where Snapchat usage is relatively low? It’s important to keep in mind that a significant portion of Snapchat’s user base is in the US, and countries like Germany and the Philippines may have lower penetration rates, which could be crucial for the brands you collaborate with.

Snapchat shouldn’t be immediately disregarded as an option. However, its suitability depends on whether it aligns with your target audience.

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