Baby boomers are often overlooked in social media marketing, but data reveals that this group is a valuable audience that needs a tailored marketing approach. There are more than 77 million baby boomers in the U.S. Contrary to the belief that they haven’t embraced the digital world, about 74% use social media to influence their buying choices, according to Unity Marketing.
And if that statistic is not convincing enough, it might interest you to know that baby boomers contribute to 80% of all leisure travels and make up 50% of consumer spending. Following are some of the ways you can engage baby boomers using social media:
Connect
Age, experience, and environment significantly shape our thinking and buying habits. To connect with baby boomers, you need to communicate in a way that resonates with them. Here are some key points to consider when posting or sharing links aimed at baby boomers:
- Post items that promote functionality, well being and health.
- Post content that encourages skill development and knowledge.
- Post content that motivates behavior for organizational, social and spiritual connection.
- Always post content that is relevant, to the point, authentic and simple.
Keep it Simple
As much as you’d like to offer a procedure where an individual needs to follow a link, fill out a survey and then get a 5% discount on their third purchase, the chances of it being a success are bleak, particularly in the case of baby boomers. Be sure to keep the posts and procedures simple and easy to follow. Remove unnecessary steps in a procedure so the process can be completed in just a few minutes. Unlike millennials, baby boomers don’t spend nearly as much time playing with the latest tech tools. What would seem simple to an 18 year-old could be considered a daunting task for a 60 year-old.
Deliver a Great Customer Experience
Social media is great tool to use to connect with your audience. Avoid using techie language to address baby boomers. Ask them for suggestions to help you determine the best way to present information. Baby boomers are more likely to form loyal connections with a brand if they feel their input is appreciated and respected. If you provide excellent customer service, this will almost always make up for a flawed product or service.
Stick to the Big Guys
It has taken time for baby boomers to get used to the internet – and particularly social networking sites. Most baby boomers are use Facebook and Twitter. If you’re developing a social media strategy targeting baby boomers, your strategy should focus primarily on those two social networking websites. Even though most baby boomers spend their time on Facebook and Twitter, it does not mean that you can’t utilize Instagram or Pinterest. Just keep in mind that any cross-promoting you do should adhere to the “simple is better’ philosophy. If you post links to other social networks on your Twitter or Facebook page, click on those links to make sure your baby boomer audience won’t have trouble with navigation.
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Did you miss the rest of this series?
How to Excite, Not Alienate, Female Consumers Using Social Media (Part 1)
How to Engage African Americans Consumers Using Social Media (Part 2)
How to Engage Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Consumers Using Social Media (Part 3)
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