Snapchat ecommerce: The Future of Social Media Shopping

The photo and video-sharing app Snapchat registered 375 million daily active users in 2022, recording steady increases since the beginning of 2019. This proves that social media platforms have changed how we connect with family, friends, and other people worldwide. They also revolutionized the way we shop. 

Businesses have leveraged social media to reach new customers and sell products. Snapchat is one of the most promising social media ecommerce platforms. Read on to explore the potential of Snapchat ecommerce and how it can shape the future of online shopping. 

What is Snapchat ecommerce?

Snapchat ecommerce is the way of selling products or services directly through the Snapchat app. Brands can create ads or product catalogs that users can access and buy without leaving the app. They can also purchase products via Snapchat’s new shopping features called Stores. The Stores feature allows brands to create their storefronts within the app. These ecommerce capabilities make the shopping experience seamless for users while also allowing brands to tap into Snapchat’s massive user base.

Why is Snapchat ecommerce Important?

Given that Snapchat is a popular social media platform, there is a massive opportunity for brands to reach new customers and sell products directly through the app. Brands can capitalize on Snapchat engagement and reach users at the right time with the right message.

Snapchat ecommerce also allows brands to create a more personalized shopping experience. By leveraging user data and targeting capabilities, brands can feature products more relevant to users’ interests and needs. This makes the shopping experience more enjoyable and increases the likelihood of a purchase. 

The Snapchat Stories feature also provides companies or retailers more control over the shopping experience. It allows them to showcase their brand in a more immersive way.

How Does Snapchat ecommerce Work?

Setting up Snapchat ecommerce requires some resources and preparation. Brands should create high-quality content, provide a seamless user experience, and protect privacy. Here are the general steps to establishing Snapchat ecommerce:

1. Create a Snapchat Business Account

To start with Snapchat ecommerce, you must create a Business account. Just visit Snapchat’s Business website and follow the instructions to create an account. You must input some information about your business and verify your account.

2. Set up a Product Catalog

Once the Business account is set up, create a product catalog using Snapchat’s Catalog Manager. This catalog will contain information about the products you want to sell on Snapchat, including product images, descriptions, prices, and inventory. The catalog can be created manually or uploaded through a feed.

3. Create Shoppable Ads

The third step is to create shoppable ads using Snapchat’s Ad Manager. These ads can target specific audiences depending on their interests, behaviors, and location. Once a user clicks on a shoppable ad, they are taken to a product page within the app and purchase the product.

4. Set up a Store

Snapchat’s new “Stores” feature allows you to create your own storefronts within the app. You can customize your product offerings so users can purchase directly through the app. 

5. Use the Targeting Capabilities

Snapchat offers advanced targeting capabilities to help you reach target customers. Targeting may be based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and location.

6. Test and Optimize

Once your ecommerce strategy on this platform is available, testing and optimizing the approach to improve performance is crucial. Use Snapchat’s analytics tools to monitor key performance metrics such as click-through, conversion, and revenue.

Snapchat ecommerce FAQS

1. How can I increase online sales through Snapchat ads?

To increase sales, brands can use Snapchat’s 2-ad strategy. Then, you can decide which of your products has the best potential to appeal to the audiences so you can feature them in your ad.

2. Can I use third-party ecommerce platforms with Snapchat?

Yes, you can use third-party ecommerce platforms like Shopify or Magento to sell products on Snapchat. You can integrate these platforms with Snapchat to manage inventory and process transactions.

3. How do I promote my Snapchat store?

You can use various features of Snapchat, such as Snap Ads, Sponsored Lenses, and Sponsored Geofilters. You can also tap influencers to promote your products and use Snapchat’s Story Ads to showcase your products.

4. What types of products can I sell on Snapchat?

You can sell various products on Snapchat, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, electronics, and more. But you should comply with Snapchat’s commerce policies and guidelines.

5. How does Snapchat Checkout work?

Snapchat Checkout allows users to purchase products within the app. When a user clicks on a product, they are redirected to a checkout page where they can enter their payment and shipping details. Once the transaction is completed, the product is shipped to the user’s address.

6. What are the fees for selling on Snapchat?

Snapchat charges a 5% transaction fee for each sale through its Checkout platform. You may also incur additional costs for payment processing and shipping.

7. How do I fulfill orders on Snapchat?

You can fulfill orders on Snapchat using its integrated fulfillment partner or a third-party logistics provider. You can also manage your orders and shipping details within the Snapchat Commerce Manager.

8. What are the age restrictions for selling on Snapchat?

To sell products on Snapchat, you must be at least 18 and have a valid tax ID number. If you are under 18, you can sell products with the help of a parent or guardian.

9. How can I track my Snapchat sales and performance?

You can track your sales and performance on Snapchat by using the Snapchat Commerce Manager.

Conclusion

Snapchat ecommerce is indeed a promising platform for selling products directly from a social media channel. Whether you set up a stand-alone Snapchat store or integrate with a third-party ecommerce site, we’ve provided several options to promote and sell your products or services. And the good news is that Snapchat has features to offer users a seamless and convenient online shopping experience. In short, no matter what social channel you decide to use to grow your online business, make sure you make the buying journey as easy as possible for your customers.