The one-size-fits-all strategy is not the best choice when it comes to marketing. A tech-savvy teen and an experienced baby-boomer would have completely different reactions to one marketing campaign.
Luckily, generational social media marketing can effectively teach you how to target generations and increase the audience reach. Which age group prefers to be contacted by phone? What generation checks Facebook ads more often? Here are some tips on how to get the attention of each generation.
Social Media Marketing and Different Generations
Table of Contents
1.) Baby-Boomers:
Baby-boomers is the generation born between 1946 and 1964. This segment of the audience is often ignored because of stereotypes. The idea that baby-boomers are not good with technology is a common misconception. According to statistics, they spend 27 hours per week online using Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with their long lost friends. It is a huge part of the audience that should not be underestimated. Right now is the best time to take advantage of Facebook marketing and make the most out of your online business.
What Are They Like?
Baby-boomers are loyal customers. Once they get used to the product, they may buy it for years. A lot of them are workaholics and choose active lifestyle even after retirement. Health, wellness, and energy are important to them. Most baby-boomers value family responsibilities. They are also environmentally conscious and support the green movement.
What Approach To Choose?
Baby-boomers were born during the rise of television and respond well to the ads they see on a TV screen. They also value real-life communication over online chatting, especially if it brings meaningful explanation with a positive attitude. A friendly conversation in a store could make a big difference. According to social media marketing statistics, about 48% of baby-boomers rely on credit cards and would appreciate a cash-back deal.
2.) Generation X:
The representatives of generation X were born between 1965 and 1979. Over 58,2 million of internet users in the US belong to this age group. Although almost 80% of them have social media accounts, only half of them are active. This segment has a great buying power and often becomes the primal target of marketers.
What Are They Like?
The stereotypes describe generation X as rebellious and skeptical people. In fact, they are good strategists and entrepreneurs that start the majority of businesses. They value good design, entertaining and high quality. Social media marketing experts state that Generation X notices manipulation fast and does not respond well to aggressive advertising.
How To Reach Them?
Generation X people have busy lives. It is very unlikely that they would appreciate phone calls, but sending emails is a great way to communicate with them as they check emails at work and at home anyway. This group has to save for a mortgage, college, and retirement. The coupons could be something that they will appreciate. If your product makes a busy life easier, it will catch the attention of Generation X.
3.) Millennials:
Millennials, also known as Generation Y, were born between 1980 and 1994. This huge group enters the workforce and starts to show their influence on the economy.
What Are They Like?
Millenials are aware of brands and the newest tendencies. They are focused on digital communication and appreciate short, funny messages. Millennials like personal stories, and can quickly recognize the inauthentic content. They are tech-savvy, independent, and multicultural. Millennials aim to become wealthy at a young age and usually achieve this goal.
What Approach To Choose?
You can rarely meet a millennial in a store. Most of them prefer online shopping. Social media marketing has a huge influence on millennials. They choose hairstyles and clothes relying on Facebook or Pinterest images. Their decisions could be based on Instagram posts. The recommendations of friends and family are also valuable.
4.) Generation Z
Generation Z is represented by people born after 1995 and is also known as Internet Generation. This is a group of young people that have never lived without the Internet and constantly surfs the Web. They are free to buy online and also influence a lot of purchases of their parents.
What Are They Like?
Generation Z is accustomed to multiple choices, technology and a lot of information around. They value authenticity and diversity. This generation has a rich imagination and a lot of ideas. Security, a feeling of belonging to a certain peer group and health are important for them. They are brand-conscious and are able to recognize brands since the young age.
How To Reach Them?
The influence of technology is especially noticeable when it comes to Generation Z. Interactive websites, original content and social media presence may help you to get their attention. Regular updates of the website and products are essential. This generation demands a fast reaction. The response to users messages should take less than 24 hours or you will lose their trust and interest.
Each generation has its characteristics and values that influence their buying behavior. Marketers should consider the peculiarities of each generation while creating their strategies. Being sensitive to the needs and values of different groups of people might help to get the response of the customers and increase the audience reach.
Look at the social media marketing infographic that explains how to target different generations online:
This Infograph is shared here after legal permission from Personal Money Service
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