Social media is the best way to connect with your ideal audience, but there are a few steps to take before hopping onto every platform you see.
- Different generations appreciate and resonate with different social media platforms.
- Each generation has its own views on what it means to shop online from local and national businesses, leading companies to learn their consumer’s views before taking to social media.
- As a business and brand, you must find where your audience is and show that your values align with theirs.
Around 62.6% of the world’s population utilizes social media. That is over half the population you can get in front of just by posting and being a part of a social media community. Consumers are waiting to see your service and product. It’s time to find the platforms that you need to be on.
Baby Boomers VS Social Media
Baby boomers are the oldest generation that utilizes social media, born between 1946 and 1964. They did not grow up with social media, but since then, they have come to adjust and it has been reported that it has revamped and improved their lives. However, they are still resistant to newer platforms. They are slower to learn terms, do’s and don’ts, and technological advancements, leaving them very active on sites such as YouTube and Facebook as they have been around and stuck around the longest.
Baby boomers have embraced social media as a place for communication and research. They use sites like Facebook to connect with their communities and families and LinkedIn for work and industry insights. When it comes to using social media to buy services or products, baby boomers value customer service above all else and will take more time to make a purchase online.
Baby Boomer’s Preferred Platforms:
Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest
Generation X VS Social Media
Born between 1965 and 1979, Generation X is often the forgotten generation when it comes to social media targeting. They were the last to grow up before the digital age took the world by storm, but they have quickly adapted to integrating social media into their lives. Generation X utilizes social media similarly to baby boomers, using it as their primary form of communication and connection with friends, family, and their communities. Their use of technology is more advanced than that of baby boomers, but they still tend to use the same platforms.
Generation X is more likely to purchase services and products online but utilizes reviews and comments above everything else, relying on others to help them make their decision. When selling to this generation, it is important to remember that they value their independence and put effort into making smart decisions, leading them to research products and services and utilize reviews.
Generation X’s Preferred Platforms:
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest
Millennials VS Social Media
Millennials are the first generation to have access to social media for more of their lives and use it as a form of communication. Born between 1980 and 1995, millennials are far more active on their phones, utilizing social media to communicate with their friends, family, and community, as well as using it professionally. They have no issue posting their personal life online and are eager to share their lives, opinions, and views.
One significant difference with Millennials is that they are far more reliant on listening to the opinions of others. This leads them to turn to celebrities and influencers when they need guidance on how to decorate, what to buy, and how to live. However, this leads to them trusting peers and individuals more than big brands and businesses. They value authenticity above all else, so to get trusted on their feeds, you must learn what your consumers want from the businesses they shop from.
Millennials’ Preferred Platforms:
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn
Generation Z VS Social Media
Born between 1996 and around 2010, Generation Z is one of the most current generations to be on social media. They are the first generation to grow up with technology and social media alongside them, allowing them to learn everything involving the industry very quickly. They are also considered the future of our global economy as they are the largest generation of online consumers.
Social media is Generation Z’s primary form of communication and entertainment. Whether they are watching videos, talking with friends, or purchasing from platform-based shopping sites, Generation Z is always on the internet. Through their long-term usage of social media throughout their lives, they have learned what it looks like to be “fake” or “real,” resulting in them looking for transparent companies to purchase from. Similar to baby boomers, they appreciate great customer service and look for businesses that create a connection between themselves and their consumers.
Generation Z’s Preferred Platforms:
TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook
Each generation prioritizes different values regarding social media. When you know who your audience is, you can better form a presence on their favorite social media platforms. Of course, you don’t need to do it alone. If you want to step up your social media game, contact the team at Lillian James Creative.