Successful branding boils down to an identifiable personality.  People want to be able to connect with a familiar face.  This is the biggest reason Snapchat excels.  It’s peer-to-peer, eye-to-eye engagement allows for viewers to have an all access pass to the Snappers.  Below are 5 tips to be a better Snapper.

1.  Oh baby, I like it raw :: Pretty photographs were made for your Instagram gallery.  To share a moment with a friend, you wouldn’t sweat the composition and Photoshop.  The more honest and direct the snap, the more entertaining.  So instead, take that time to…

2. Tell a story :: It’s ALL about entertainment.  Hold your viewer’s attention by trying to tell a narrative throughout your day (like a virtual blog).  This takes some forethought and planning, but after a while, it’ll come naturally.  For some good examples of storytellers who’ve mastered the snap, follow “recklesscorpio”.

3. Involve yourself :: This is the tricky part for people who would preferred the selfie-less route in past social incarnations.  Snapchat is the closest you’ll get to your own reality show, except you’re the director and talent.  Don’t be shy.  Get all up in there.  And get used to dealing with hearing and seeing yourself.

4. No drunken club stories.  We all beg. :: One thing Snapchat has in common with all other social media.  Your half-conscious drivel was cute on Twitter and weird on IG and Facebook.  On Snapchat, it’s downright obnoxious.  We can’t understand what you’re saying when we’re in the bar with you, imagine how it translates over a video.  The occassional club/party snaps are cool but when your entire snapchat story is nothing but drunken turnups and red solo cups people can become annoyed and irritated.

5. Pan fried :: Chill with the panning.  For whatever reason, it’s the freshman move.  Like everyone discovers the video function on their camera and starts wielding their phone like a lightsaber.  You know how drivers in movies always swivel the steering wheel back and forth even though they’re going straight?  Nobody actually looks like that in a car, and no director films a movie on a carousel.  Once in a while, try holding your phone still and let the story happen in front of you.