Are you using Snapchat for your real estate business? Before you dismiss it as a platform for tweens and celebrities, take a look at the statistics from MediaKix.com:

• Over Half Of New Snapchat Users Are Over The Age Of 25.
• Over Half Of All Snapchat Users Visit The App At Least Once Every Day.
• Over 60% Of U.S. Smartphone Users Between The Ages Of 13 And 34 Are Snapchatters.
• Over 60% Of Americans Between The Ages Of 13 And 38 Are On Snapchat.
• 57 Million Americans Use Snapchat.

If you're trying to reach the coveted Millennial demographic, here's an even more important statistic for you: 7 out of 10 Snapchatters are Millennials! So how can you make the most of it? Using a new social media platform can be daunting, but follow these steps and you'll feel comfortable in no time. Read on for basic information, or head over to Snapchat for more thorough instructions.

The Basics

Snapchat works similarly to your text messages, with some beefed up options and an attitude change. You can send your Snaps to one user at a time or publish them to your Story so that anyone can view them. Snaps are meant to make conversation visual and fun! They are pictures or video messages taken and shared with friends on Snapchat in real-time. Snaps can be viewed for up to 10 seconds. After it disappears, you can replay it one time.

Creating a Snap

When you open Snapchat, it defaults to the camera, so it’s easy to capture what's happening in real time. Tap the Capture button, just as you would with the regular camera feature, or press and hold to record a video. After you take a Snap, you'll have more options on the screen that will allow you to decorate with stickers, captions, doodles and more.

But Why?

With Snapchat's growth, especially among older audiences and businesses, it is the place to be. Your activity online, whether through your website or on social media, helps tell the story of who you are and what kind of business you do. In Real Estate, the possibilities are endless because the industry is such a visual one. Take Snaps of great property features, take your followers on a video tour of a new home, and let your audience see what makes you you.