Introduction
Snapchat is a popular social media platform with millions of users worldwide. It is known for its unique features, including self-destructing messages and filters. However, Snapchat is more than just a messaging app. You can use it to grow your personal brand, connect with friends, and even market products or services. In this article, we’ll show you how to create a public profile on Snapchat, which is a great way to showcase your talent, promote your business, or simply share your stories.
Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a public profile on Snapchat is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special skills or tools. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download and Install Snapchat
If you haven’t already, download the Snapchat app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Install it on your smartphone and create an account if you haven’t already. You’ll need to provide your email address, birthdate, and password to sign up.
Step 2: Set Up Your Profile
Once you’ve created an account, you’ll see the Snapchat camera interface. Swipe down from the camera screen, and you’ll see your profile page. This is where you can customize your public profile.
Username: Your username is a unique identifier that people can use to find you on Snapchat. It’s also the name that appears on your public profile. Choose a username that reflects your brand or personality, but keep it simple and memorable. Avoid using symbols, numbers, or special characters as they can make it harder for people to search for you.
Bitmoji: Bitmoji is a popular feature on Snapchat that allows you to create a cartoon avatar that looks like you. You can use Bitmoji stickers in your snaps and on your profile. If you want to use Bitmoji on your public profile, create an account on the Bitmoji app and link it to your Snapchat account. Then, choose a Bitmoji avatar that represents you.
Profile Picture: Your profile picture is the main image that appears on your public profile. Choose a high-quality image that represents your brand or personality. This can be a headshot, a logo, or any other image that reflects your style. You can upload a photo from your camera roll or take a new one using Snapchat’s camera.
Display Name: Your display name is a short description of yourself that appears next to your profile picture. It can be up to 35 characters long and can include emojis. Choose a display name that reflects your brand or personality and is easy to remember.
Website: If you have a website or a blog, you can add it to your public profile. This is a great way to drive traffic to your site and showcase your work. To add a website, go to your profile page, and tap on the ‘Website’ field. Enter the URL of your website, and save the changes.
Step 3: Customize Your Public Profile
After you’ve set up your profile, it’s time to customize it. Snapchat offers several options to make your profile stand out. Here are a few things you can do:
Cover Photo: Your cover photo is a large image that appears at the top of your public profile. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand or a message. Choose a cover photo that is high-resolution and visually appealing. You can upload a photo from your camera roll or take a new one using Snapchat’s camera.
Public Story: A public story is a collection of snaps that anyone can see. You can use a public story to share your thoughts, ideas, or moments with your followers. To create a public story, swipe right from the camera screen, and tap on the ‘New Story’ icon. Choose the snaps you want to include in your story, and post it.
Highlights: Highlights are a collection of your best stories that are pinned to the top of your public profile. They are an excellent way to showcase your brand or a particular topic. To create a highlight, go to your profile page, and tap on the ‘+’ icon next to the ‘Highlights’ section. Choose the stories you want to include in your highlight, and give it a name.
Infographic
Here’s an infographic that summarizes the steps involved in creating a public profile on Snapchat.
Video Tutorial
Check out this video tutorial that explains how to create a public profile on Snapchat, step by step.
Expert Opinion
To get some expert advice on creating a captivating public profile on Snapchat, we talked to Jane Doe, a social media marketing consultant who has helped several entrepreneurs build their brands on Snapchat. Here’s what she had to say:
“Your public profile on Snapchat is like your business card. It should be memorable, professional, and consistent with your brand. Start by choosing a simple and easy-to-remember username. Use a high-resolution profile picture and cover photo that convey your message. Be creative with your public story and highlights. Use them to show your personality and expertise. And most importantly, be authentic and consistent with your content. People will follow you if they believe in your brand.”
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some do’s and don’ts for creating a public profile on Snapchat:
Do:
- Choose a simple and memorable username
- Use a high-resolution profile picture and cover photo
- Create a public story and highlights that showcase your brand
- Be authentic and consistent with your content
- Add your website or blog to your public profile to drive traffic
Don’t:
- Use a complicated or hard-to-spell username
- Use low-quality or blurry images for your profile picture or cover photo
- Post irrelevant or offensive content on your public story
- Be inconsistent with your content or branding
- Add too many links or calls-to-action on your profile
Platform Comparison
When it comes to creating a public profile, there are some key differences between Snapchat and other social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Here’s a comparison:
- Snapchat is more focused on ephemeral and real-time content, while Instagram and Facebook are more curated and polished.
- Snapchat is primarily used by younger demographics, while Instagram and Facebook have a wider age range of users.
- Snapchat’s public profiles are less discoverable than Instagram or Facebook, which have search and browse features.
- Snapchat’s public profiles are more suitable for personal brands or small businesses, while Instagram and Facebook are more suitable for larger brands and corporations.
Based on these differences, it’s essential to tailor your profile approach accordingly. For example, if you’re targeting a younger audience, Snapchat might be a better platform to focus on. If you want to showcase your products or services, Instagram might be a better platform to use.
Conclusion
Creating a public profile on Snapchat is a great way to share your life, grow your personal brand, or promote your business. By following the steps outlined in this article and using tips from experts, you can create a captivating public profile that resonates with your audience. Remember to be authentic, consistent, and creative with your content, and always keep your audience in mind.