Local businesses that seek to increase their social media exposure should explore the latest geofilter Snapchat has slyly implemented. The new geofilter, individuals discovered Tuesday in New York City, identifies nearby businesses in white text at the bottom of your Snap.
The new geofilter was discovered shortly after Snapchat announced the launch of a new, unrelated update. (See “Limitless Snaps Allows Users to View Snaps Again and Again“) It may be that Snapchat is once again taking a poke at Facebook’s Instagram Stories, which allows users to view nearby locations and turn them into stickers.
With the new geofilter, the user taps to change the location to any of a number of identified nearby businesses. In Webster, New York, businesses identified include The Waffle Factory, Dunkin’s Donuts, and Clip-n-Cuddle Grooming Salons. In the Fifth Avenue area of New York City, Anthropologie, The Parker Gramercy and Union Fare were identified.
What are Snapchat Geo-filters?
Snapchat geo-filters are a unique and engaging feature within the Snapchat platform that allows users to enhance their photos and videos with location-based overlays.
These overlays, also known as filters, are designed to reflect specific geographic areas, such as cities, landmarks, or events. When users are in the designated location, they can swipe through a range of creative and decorative filters that add context and flair to their content.
Geofilters often include elements like local landmarks, city names, or event logos, instantly informing viewers of Snap’s origin. These overlays contribute a visual aesthetic and serve as a form of virtual storytelling, capturing the essence of a place or moment in a playful and interactive way.
Snapchat geo-filters provide a dynamic means of connecting users to their surroundings, making their content more personalized and shareable while also offering businesses an innovative avenue for local and event-based marketing.
Why are Snapchat Geo-filters important for businesses?
Snapchat geofilters hold significant importance for businesses as they offer a seamless blend of branding and localized engagement. These filters create a unique opportunity for businesses to establish a presence in specific geographic areas, enhancing visibility and connecting with local audiences.
Geofilters encourage user interaction and content sharing, amplifying brand reach through user-generated content. By using event-specific filters, businesses can actively participate in local events, further driving engagement and community involvement.
The user-generated content featuring geofilters reinforces brand recognition and authenticity, all while tapping into Snapchat’s youthful user base. This cost-effective marketing approach provides real-time connection and valuable data insights, making geofilters a dynamic tool to foster brand loyalty and create memorable experiences within specific locations.
How to create a Snapchat Geo-filter for your business?
To create a Snapchat geo-filter for your business, you will need to create an account on the Snapchat website. Once you have created an account, you can follow these steps to create a geo-filter:
- Go to the “Create” tab and select “Geofilters.”
- Enter your business’s name and location.
- Upload your custom geo-filter design.
- Review your geo-filter and make any necessary changes.
- Pay the fee to create your geo-filter.
- Your geo-filter will be available for use within 24 hours.
How to use Snapchat Geo-Filters to grow your business?
- Promote your products or services: Utilizing geo-filters can be a great way to showcase your products or services by extending exclusive discounts or special offers to Snapchat users who visit your establishment.
- Announce new products or events: Let your Snapchat followers know about your latest products or events by utilizing geo-filters.
- Engage with your customers: You can use geo-filters to engage with your customers in a fun and creative way.
- Track the results: Snapchat Insights offers a valuable tool for monitoring the progress of geo-filter campaigns. Through this platform, businesses can obtain critical data, including the number of individuals who have viewed their geo-filter, the level of engagement it has generated, and the number of visitors who have visited their business as a result of its implementation.
A Discreet Release
Snapchat geo-filters are not available for businesses worldwide. Currently, Snapchat geo-filters are only available in select countries, including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Japan.
Snapchat is gradually rolling out geo-filters to more countries, but it is unclear when all countries will have access to them.
If you are a business owner and you are interested in using Snapchat geo-filters, you should check to see if they are available in your country. You can do this by going to the Snapchat website and clicking on the “Create” tab. If geofilters are not available in your country, you will see a message that says “Geofilters are not yet available in your region.”
You can also contact Snapchat support to inquire about the availability of geo-filters in your country. They may be able to provide you with an update on when geo-filters will be available in your region.
This could be a major marketing opportunity for small businesses to reach teenagers and millennials. In some suburban areas, such as Webster, New York, there are various small businesses whose existence is unknown to the younger generation. Perhaps this is why the network was so discreet, so as to not draw attention to its clear mimic of the Instagram Stories location feature.
Conclusion
Snapchat geofilters stand as a dynamic tool that transcends borders. With the power to blend creativity and locality, these filters offer businesses a unique opportunity to connect with their audiences on a local level. By strategically leveraging geofilters, businesses can enhance brand visibility, engage with customers and foster a sense of community.
FAQs
What is a Snapchat geo-filter?
A Snapchat geo-filter is a special lens that can be used to overlay images or text on Snapchat Snaps. Geofilters are only visible to users who are in the specific location that the geo-filter is created for.
How do Snapchat geo-filters work?
When users take a Snap in a location where a geo-filter is active, the geo-filter will automatically appear on their Snap. The geo-filter will remain visible until the Snap is sent or saved.
How can businesses benefit from using geo-filters on Snapchat?
Geofilters offer businesses a unique way to connect with local audiences. They enhance brand recognition, encourage user-generated content, and create memorable experiences tied to specific locations or events, ultimately fostering stronger local community engagement.
How can businesses choose the right location for their geo-filters?
Businesses should select geo-filter locations based on their goals. This could include their physical store, event venues, high-foot-traffic areas, or places relevant to their target audience. The chosen location should align with the campaign’s objectives.
Have you used Snapchat’s new geofilter to identify nearby businesses? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
