Social media wouldn’t be so popular if all they weren’t used by people in all age categories. It is interesting to observe and understand how different generations use Social Media.
Needless to say, it’s a fact that younger people use them more often than older generations.
That doesn’t mean we can neglect a rising number of senior citizens who are discovering various benefits of social media.
Knowing how each demographic category uses the Internet is one of the most important elements for each marketer to get right when designing an appropriate strategy, i.e. when choosing a suitable medium and a relevant message.
The task of finding the strategy whose implementation would bring the desired outcome is made even more difficult with so many new communication channels available nowadays.
Most details related to how different generations use social media can be predicted. However, there are details required about the habits of people from different age categories.
You definitely need to take into account when choosing how to target the group you believe is right for you.
Let’s have a look at different categories and some information that’s been collected about their usage of social media.
Table of Contents
Baby Boomers
Most people think of those who like to jot down notes and make handwritten reminders.
But what we often fail to realize is the trend that more and more of them are turning to social media, particularly Facebook for a number of reasons.
The most common reason is to keep in touch with family members living far away.
But the Boomers are also susceptible to ads offered online.
Truth be told, they are less keen on changes than younger people.
This means they are much more loyal to particular brands.
They may be the most difficult people to turn into customers. But once you do it, you’ll be rewarded with both a returning customer and an excellent source of recommendations.
Don’t make unnecessary changes or ask them too many questions. Then they’ll be ready to pay for what they believe is good quality.
On the other hand, if you want to solidify their trust and loyalty, you should consider offering them discounts or gifts like prepaid visa cards, for example.
If you’re concerned about how to approach baby boomers, experience has shown that they really appreciate being talked to, either at a store or on the phone, just make sure you don’t disturb them during meals or too late.
Generation X
Born between 1965 and 1980, they are now at the peak of their careers. A majority have already bought their homes and are looking for the ways to upgrade their quality of life.
And they were introduced to social media when they were young and feel at ease using modern technology.
They are busy, but also known for being online most of the time and they like to use the advantages provided by the virtual world.
They remember the time their parents used to send them to the nearest store to do the shopping. And they highly appreciate the fact that they can now do it online, without having to leave their home.
Since they’re online most of the time, you can count on their prompt reaction when intrigued by your message.
Also, being the greatest advocates of organic, locally and ethically produced products, they’ll be only too happy to share or repost any communication that promotes such products.
Another category that attracts a great number of people born in and around the seventies is vacations.
They like to plan them and are ready to splurge on anything that would improve the family’s experience.
Millennials
Finally, there are those who rule the world of social media – young people born after Generation X, but before the 21st century.
They have the most entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit and are completely accustomed to state-of-the-art technology.
They are no strangers to spending, but your offer has to be recommended by a friend or someone they trust.
The more original and unique your product or service is, the better chances of attracting millennials, which is something to remember when creating advertising campaigns, for example.
Another feature characteristic of this age group is that they prefer images and videos to text.
So, if you want to reach them, make sure the visual aspect of your message is appealing and inviting.
Also, consider including videos to your communication, since they are quite likely to respond to them well.
The fact that they are young doesn’t mean they don’t care about discounts.
On the contrary, over 60 percent of millennials say they are more likely to “check-in” to a business on social channels if they receive a coupon or discount.
Generation Z
The truly digital generation born in this century are slowly taking over the virtual world, especially social media.
Their relatively short attention span suggests that they would not allow more time to engage with any content.
Which means they are more likely to create and respond to short, relevant and authentic messages.
Also, just like millennials, they rely heavily on the visual aspect of any message.
Similarly, videos are currently the preferred form of communication.
So, if you engage in communication with them on any social media platform, be brief and prompt.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no universal solution or answer to the question how different generations use social media.
Although conclusions will be drawn on the global level, we must consider the specific features of various countries and cultures.
Still, knowing what you might expect from different age groups and how to approach them is important.
To establish contact with them is of great importance to any business that wishes to thrive.
Even the oldest among us use the Internet and social media to enrich their lives.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree this is how different generations use social media?
good one. thanks for sharing this one.