👉 Get started with advertio here.
Earlier this week we shared a post on our social media on how Generation X spends more time on their smartphones than Millennials, which may be a surprise for many people. That is to say that people aged between 38 and 53 are spending more hours on their phones than those aged between 22 and 37.
While this is not a major difference (two more hours per week), it goes to show you that if you have a business whose target audience is Generation X, you should definitely consider this habit when trying to reach them. With that in mind, I thought it could be useful to list a few tips on how to create content and communicate with the different generations.
#1 Baby Boomers
(people aged between 54 and 72)
This is the least technological of the generation we are considering, as these people did not up with technology and actually lived most of their life without using it. Depending on their age, they know how to work a computer and certainly own a smartphone, but technology is not a big concern for them as they just use it as a means to an end and is not a part of their lives.
That being said, although they may not spend that much time on their smartphones, in today’s world more or less everyone is online so here are a few things to consider if you are targeting Baby boomers:
- 57% of Baby Boomers prefers to use a tablet rather than a smartphone and this is something you should consider when creating your social media posts. Not only should you adapt your visuals to this size, but you should also consider where people usually use their tablets, which can help you understand what is the best timing for your posts.
- Two thirds of Baby Boomers use the internet and half of them have broadband at home, however, only 26% of them say they feel confident using technology. Take this into account when creating your social media posts or your website to make sure everything is easy to use and intuitive.
- Their preferred social media platform is Facebook and they are more active online during the mornings. Use these stats to know where and when to reach them!
To sum up, although Baby Boomers are not the most tech-savvy generation, they are still pretty familiar with social media and online content, so you should definitely create an online strategy if this is your target audience.
#2 Generation X
(people aged between 38 and 53)
Generation X didn’t grow up with that much technology either, but they have been more open minded when it comes to adopting gadgets and new forms of technology. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that they actually spend so much time on their smartphones.
Having said that, here are some other statistics that can help you create a better communication strategy:
- Gen Xers are the heaviest users of social media of any demographic group. This means that if you are targeting them, you should definitely go for a strong social media strategy.
- 41% of Gen Xers follow brands on social media for competitions; 58% follow brands for deals and promotions. You should consider doing some giveaways and use promo codes to grab their attention.
- Gen Xers are 160% more likely than other generations to unfollow a brand that says something offensive or that is opposed to their beliefs. I guess this one is pretty simple to grasp: be careful about what you say online and remember that once you post it, there’s no going back.
#3 Millennials
(people aged between 22 to 37)
As a Millennial myself, I can easily say that this generation is very tech savvy and uses technology in almost all aspects of their lives. As the generation who grew up in the technological era, we’re used to being online at all times, but still remember the days when we had to disconnect the telephone wire to get internet connection.
Are you targeting Millennials? Then here are a few things to consider:
- 28% of Millennials are smartphone-only internet users and do not have traditional broadband service at home. It is good to keep this in mind when designing your visuals, to make sure they are mobile friendly.
- 97% — that is almost all — Millennials say they use the internet and are twice as likely to turn to social media to communicate with a brand. This means that no matter what your business is, you should have a strong online strategy if you want to reach your potential clients.
- 68% of Millennials demand an integrated, seamless shopping experience regardless of the channel. Take this into account if you own an online store to make sure your clients don’t give up midway into the process.
#4 Generation Z
(people aged up to 21)
This is the true online generation as they have never known anything different. They were born into a technological society and smartphones and computers are part of their everyday life for as long as they can remember. They are very comfortable using almost any type of device and use it in every aspect of their day.
If you are targeting a younger audience, here’s what you should know:
- 98% of Gen Z own a smartphone; they also expect to get their first smartphone younger than any other generation. Gen Zers have been using smartphones and technology since they were born, so are very comfortable with it from a very young age.
- 52% of Gen Z report that their smartphone is their most important internet device. You should take this into account if they are your target audience. Make sure your website is mobile friendly and that you plan your social media assets accordingly.
- 57% of Gen Z use messaging apps at least half the time they use their phone. Consider new ways of communicating with your potential customers, including messaging apps, if you want to reach them faster.
To sum up: no matter who you are trying to reach you should consider their habits and adapt your content to them. This means adapting your tone of voice, message and delivery to them — and be where your clients are.
-
Do you need help adapting your content and understanding on which platform your business should be? Let me know!
.svg)
