Snapchat reaches 41 percent of all 18- to 34-year-olds in the U.S. It’s a simple visually driven point-and-click social media platform that allows users to send videos and pictures in seconds (sometimes using ridiculously fun filters that can turn you into an animal or allow you to vomit rainbows; it sounds silly but it’s massively addicting); and it’s much less clunky than trying to text similar files.

What does that have to do with real estate? As it turns out, it’s an excellent way to reach millennials and engage with them on their level.

The Inman Connect panel “Snapping real estate — How Snapchat is fostering connections” was dedicated to figuring out new and exciting ways to connect with clients. Jeff Lobb moderated as Michael Meier, founder and principle broker of M.INT, Suzanne Roy, director of social media marketing for Move, Inc., and Marianne Bornhoft, Realtor with Windermere Manito, discussed how they are snapping for engagement.

Here are five quick tips shared from the snap masters to grow your followers and connect with clients:

1. Make sure everyone at your open house is on Snapchat

If they aren’t, it’s a great conversation starter and provide value from the first interaction with a client. If your open house visitors are on Snapchat, it’s a way to grow your network and continue connecting with them well after the open house is over.

2. Add your Snapchat handle to your email signature

Everyone you interact with will know that you are on Snapchat, and those who are also on the social media platform will easily be able to connect with you.

3. Connect with other agents

Meier recommends that you connect with other agents because it’s an easy way to create a referral network.

4. Repurpose your snaps on other platforms

Roy suggests using Snapchat videos on Facebook or other channels to extend your reach on other networks.

5. Be authentic

More than anything, it’s crucial to be authentic. People don’t want perfect — they want real! Roy said she uses her flub-ups no matter how bad as a blooper real, and people love it.

“Everyday I connect with someone new,” Bornhoft said. She said she doesn’t make it about her, she makes it about the people she connects with.

Above all, connect with your sphere of influence first, and then grow your network from there.

For more tips on using visually driven social media marketing, check out this piece by Chelsea Peitz titled: “27 tips for making your social media posts more visually appealing.”

Email Dani Vanderboegh