A couple of weeks ago Snapchat introduced a new feature called the “Snap Map.” This feature is almost a replication of the “Find My Friends” app, which means users can now share their location with one another. This may be an invasion of privacy to some degree, yet it’ll be interesting to see how marketers will be able to take advantage of this feature. This post will explore some details about the “Snap Map” and more importantly the marketing implications it may have.

Snap Map Info:
Snapchat’s overall purpose of implementing this new feature is because they want users to have “a new way to explore the world.” What really stands out is that users not only have the capability of finding their friends, but they can now access public snaps from around the globe. As mentioned previously, the privacy of Snapchat users seems to be invaded but there is a “ghost mode” option for those who don’t want to appear on the map. Ultimately, this new “Snap Map” feature is a massive update and it’s still very early to predict where Snapchat plans to go with this moving forward. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as there seems to be unlimited potential for this going forward.

Potential Marketing Benefits:
From a business and marketing standpoint, the “Snap Map” has a lot of potential for advertising opportunities and location marketing tools. Although Snapchat announced they don’t plan to run ads in the Snap Map stories, it doesn’t mean this isn’t a possibility in the future. Live updates across the Snap Map is one way for marketers to get involved. This allows brands to take advantage of live events as they are able to on other social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

Another big marketing opportunity for businesses is the emphasis on location marketing. Since the majority of Snapchat’s audience is mobile based, users become much easier to reach due to their locations being accessible. Any store or restaurant for instance would have the capability of placing paid advertisements to potential consumers near their location. It’s hard to say how this would fully operate because as a user I wouldn’t want my Snap Map to be filled with ads everywhere on a daily basis. In the end however, there seem to be endless possibilities in terms of marketing opportunities within the new Snap Map feature. In an ever-changing and competitive social media world, the Snap Map feature appears to have Snapchat heading in the right direction.

Contact Us:
With our cross channel expertise in social media management and advertising, our team at Onimod Global can help solve all of your digital marketing needs. Feel free to reach out to us on our Contact Us page to get a free evaluation today. We look forward to hearing from you!