Get Influenced: Analyzing The Top Social Media Platforms For Each Generation

Casey Wright

April 2023

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has changed the way we communicate, share information, and interact with each other. There are various social media platforms available today, and each platform has its own unique features and target audience. In this blog, we will explore which social media platforms are used most by each generation and the reasons behind their influence.

Generation Z (born between 1997-2012)

Generation Z is the youngest generation and the most tech-savvy. They have grown up with technology and have a strong presence on social media. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Generation Z are:

  1. TikTok - TikTok is a short-form video sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos that are often accompanied by music. This format is particularly appealing to Generation Z, who have grown up with short attention spans and a preference for quick and easily digestible content. TikTok's algorithm is designed to show users content that is relevant to their interests. This means that users are constantly exposed to new and interesting content, which keeps them engaged and coming back for more. TikTok has a strong sense of community. Users can interact with each other through likes, comments, and shares, and there are many popular challenges and trends that users can participate in. 

This sense of community and belonging is particularly important to Generation Z, who are known for their social consciousness and desire to connect with others. Overall, TikTok's unique format, personalized content, sense of community, and emphasis on creativity and self-expression makes it the most influential platform for this young and vocal generation.

  1. Instagram - Instagram is a photo and video sharing app that allows users to share pictures and videos of their daily lives. This format is particularly appealing to Generation Z, who are known for their love of visual content and their desire to share their experiences with others. Instagram has a strong emphasis on aesthetics and creativity. Users can use a range of filters, editing tools, and hashtags to create unique and visually appealing content. This allows Generation Z to express themselves in new and exciting ways and to showcase their talents and creativity to a wider audience. 

The platform is constantly evolving and introducing new features and trends that allow Generation Z to stay up-to-date with social culture and to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Overall, Instagram's focus on visual content, creativity, community, dynamic features, and constant innovation has kept Gen Z engaged for over a decade.

Generation Y (born between 1981-1996)

Generation Y, also known as millennials, grew up during the rise of the internet and social media. They are comfortable with technology and are heavy users of social media. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Generation Y are:

  1. Facebook - Facebook was the first major social media platform that many millennials used and it has become a part of their daily lives. Many millennials have been using Facebook for over a decade, and it has become a way to stay in touch with friends and family members who are spread out across the country or the world. 

The platform's wide range of features, including messaging, groups, events, and pages allows millennials to connect with others who share their interests and to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events in their communities. Overall, Facebook's longevity, wide range of features, strong sense of community, emphasis on privacy and security, and diverse content has made it a hugely popular platform among millennials.

  1. Twitter - Twitter is a platform that allows users to express their thoughts and ideas in short, concise messages called tweets. This format is particularly appealing to millennials, who are known for their ability to communicate quickly and efficiently. Users can interact with each other through retweets, likes, and replies, and there are many popular hashtags and trends that users can participate in. 

The platform is widely used by journalists, politicians, and celebrities which has given the generation a way to digest local and world news beyond the traditional morning newspaper. Overall, Twitter's focus on concise messaging, community, real-time news and events, and diverse content makes it the perfect platform for Millennials.

Generation X (born between 1965-1980)

Generation X grew up during a time of rapid technological change. They are comfortable with technology but are not as heavily reliant on social media as younger generations. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Generation X are:

  1. Facebook - Many Gen Xers use Facebook to connect with old friends and classmates, as well as to participate in discussions and debates about topics that are important to them. This sense of community and belonging is particularly important to Gen Xers, who are often seeking to establish and maintain relationships.
  1. LinkedIn - LinkedIn is a platform that is specifically designed for professional networking. This is particularly important to Gen Xers, who are often in their peak career-building years and may be seeking new job opportunities, networking contacts, or industry insights. The platform has a strong emphasis on professionalism. 

Users are encouraged to create detailed profiles that highlight their education, work experience, and professional achievements. This allows Gen Xers to showcase their skills and expertise to potential employers or business partners. Overall, LinkedIn's focus on professional networking, emphasis on professionalism, wide range of features, strong sense of community, and educational content has made it a hit with Generation X.

  1. Pinterest - Pinterest is a platform that allows users to discover and save inspiration and ideas for a wide range of topics, including recipes, home decor, fashion, and travel. This is particularly appealing to Gen Xers, who are often seeking inspiration and new ideas for their personal lives and interests. 

The platform's highly visual and user-friendly interface allows users to easily create boards and save or organize pins in a way that is easy to navigate and share with others. Many Gen Xers use Pinterest to connect with others who share their interests and to discover new content through social sharing and collaboration. Overall, Pinterest's focus on inspiration and ideas, user-friendly interface, sense of community, diverse content, and emphasis on personalization has found its place in this generation of users.

Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964)

Baby Boomers grew up during a time when technology was not as prevalent as it is today. They are not as comfortable with technology as younger generations, but they are increasingly using social media to stay in touch with family and friends. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Baby Boomers are:

  1. Facebook - Facebook is one of the longest standing social media platforms, which has allowed time for older generations such as Boomers to learn and adapt with the platform more than others.  Boomers are often in a phase of life where their children have moved away from home or have friends or family members who live in different parts of the country of the world so being able to post life updates and stay connected has proven to be extremely beneficial to this generation of users. This sense of community and belonging is particularly important to Boomers, who may be seeking to establish new social connections as they enter retirement.
  1. YouTube - YouTube is a platform that offers a wide range of content, including music, news, educational videos, and entertainment. Boomers appreciate the diversity of content and the ability to explore new topics and interests. 

With the platform's user-friendly interface and the ability to easily search for educational content, Boomers enjoy taking advantage of lifelong learning content such as wealth resources, tutorials, and topic based podcasts. Overall, YouTube's diverse range of content, user-friendly interface, educational resources, sense of community, and personalization features have made it a hugely popular platform amongst Boomers.

Understanding the platforms your target audience uses is crucial for the success of your marketing campaigns. By knowing where your audience spends their time online, you can tailor your messaging, content, and advertising efforts to resonate with them. Each platform has its unique features, audience demographics, and communication styles. Therefore, adapting your strategy to match each platform's characteristics will help you engage your target audience and build a strong online presence. 

Additionally, understanding the platforms your audience uses will allow you to optimize your advertising budget and reach the right people at the right time. Overall, knowing your target audience's preferred platforms will help you create more relevant and effective campaigns that drive engagement, conversions, and brand loyalty.

Want us to help you or your business thrive on social media?

5 Careers That Didn't Exist Before the Internet

Casey Wright

February 2023

The internet has revolutionized the world of work and opened up a whole range of new career opportunities. The rise of the digital age has created numerous jobs and careers that didn't exist before the internet became popular for everyday use. Here are five careers created in the post-internet era that have transformed the business world as we know it.

Digital Content Creator

The rise of the internet and social media has created a demand for digital content, which has given birth to the role of digital content creator. Digital content creators produce content for websites, social media channels, blogs, and other digital platforms. They can work in a variety of industries, such as marketing, advertising, and journalism. They must have strong writing, research, and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of the different digital platforms and technologies.

Digital content creators have changed the business world by providing fresh and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. Their work has made it possible for businesses to connect with their target audience and build a loyal customer base. In addition, the rise of digital content has opened up new job opportunities, such as social media management, SEO, and content strategy.

Data Scientist

The internet generates vast amounts of data every day, and businesses need to analyze this data to gain insights and make informed decisions. The role of a data scientist has emerged to address this need. Data scientists use statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to extract insights from large data sets. They also use data visualization tools to communicate their findings to stakeholders. Data scientists work in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.

Data scientists have changed the business world by making it possible for businesses to make data-driven decisions. They have also created new job opportunities and made existing job roles, such as marketing, more data-focused. Data scientists have helped businesses improve their operations, cut costs, and increase revenue.

App Developer

The internet has given rise to the mobile app industry, which has created a demand for app developers. App developers create mobile apps for Android and iOS devices that cater to a variety of industries, such as gaming, finance, and healthcare. App developers must have a good understanding of programming languages, app development platforms, and user interface design.

App developers have changed the business world by making it possible for businesses to engage with their customers through mobile apps. They have also created new job opportunities, such as mobile app design, mobile app testing, and mobile app marketing. The rise of mobile apps has helped businesses improve their customer experience, increase their revenue, and expand their reach.

E-commerce Manager

E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop, and it has become an essential part of the modern business landscape. E-commerce managers are responsible for overseeing a company's online sales operations. They manage the online store, develop marketing strategies, and ensure that customer orders are fulfilled efficiently. 

E-commerce managers must be familiar with a range of e-commerce platforms and technologies, including payment gateways, shopping carts, and inventory management systems. They play a critical role in ensuring that businesses can compete in the highly competitive online retail market.

Digital Marketer

The internet has created a vast range of new marketing opportunities, and digital marketers are responsible for leveraging these to drive business growth. They develop and execute digital marketing campaigns that target specific audiences and drive traffic to a company's website. 

They use a range of tools and techniques, including search engine optimization, social media marketing, and email marketing, to engage with customers and build brand awareness. Digital marketers help businesses to reach a wider audience, generate leads, and increase revenue. They have truly become a vital part of any modern marketing strategy.

In conclusion, the internet has created a vast range of new career opportunities that have transformed the way we work and do business. Content creators, data scientists, digital marketers, app developers, and e-commerce managers are just a few examples of the new careers that have emerged with the rise of the internet. They have each played a critical role in driving innovation and growth, and they will undoubtedly continue to do so in the years to come.

Want to learn more about how you can grow your online presence? Send us a message below!

How to Leverage Pinterest for Your Business

We've already shared why your business needs to be on Pinterest. (Have you read it? Are you on it already? Good!)

Now that you're there, you may be asking yourself: where do I go from here? How do I grow my business with Pinterest?

Remember that Pinterest is more of a search engine than a social media platform like TikTok or Instagram. Users come to Pinterest to discover new products, recipes, and ideas, rather than purely for socialization or entertainment. So, it's important to make your Pins as searchable and clear as possible.

Top Tips for Pin Creation

Use SEO in Pin Titles

Text is Best

Strong Images and Brand Visuals

Clear Board Descriptions

Quality over Quantity

Use Hashtags

Solve People's Problems

IGTV and Video

How to Sell on Pinterest

Influencer Campaigns

Shop the Look

List Items as Individual Pins

Claim All Accounts

Use Product Pins

Organic vs. Paid

Looking for help with your Pinterest strategy and content creation? Reach out to us below!

7 Tips to Help you Prepare for Local Search Being the Only Search That Matters

I want to paint you a picture and I'm sorry it's not a pretty one. In fact, it's going to make many of you angry and it'll probably make some of you scared. If you need an SEO hug hit my inbox and I'll give you an e-hug free of charge.

Most of Us are Pros at Something Other Than Digital Marketing

And that's okay! Picture yourself as a small business person (like maybe a car dealer? I know shocking, right?!) you're an expert in your craft or service, you're focused on providing great service to your customer, you've got the tools and the skills to succeed. Sounds like you're ready for customers to pour in, but that's usually the problem. Business doesn't come just because you turn the open sign on. In a world that is increasingly digital, increasingly skeptical, and increasingly overwhelmed by new choices both online and in real life or IRL as the kids say. So what do we do? We pay for some marketing right? Where do we start though? That's the real question.

The Marketing Playbook is a Dusty Volume Written in 2010

Most businesses start with a website. I could write a whole series of articles on websites, but for most small businesses it's the equivalent of their storefront online. It's a place to drive digital advertising, communicate pricing and product offerings, your website acts as your home online. However, far too many businesses have what I call the "Field of Dreams" problem. They think if they build it customers will come. The hard truth is that there are over 1.5 billion websites on the web and without some very clever strategies there is a high likelihood that yours won't rank highly in organic search. Also, there's a good chance no one cares about your website anyway. Check out my last article about why no one cares about your website anymore.

There's a New Set of Basic Best Practices for Digital Marketing

Next, you might consider some advertising. Potentially paid search, social advertising, or even display advertising. You might send some direct mail, buy a billboard or a radio spot. All of these can be effective, but they still ignore a few fundamental truths about the digital behaviors of your customers. Let's take a look at why I think that's true.

Organic Search is the Single Most Powerful Lead Converter

SEO has long been seen as a dark art, but as technology improves and more of us move from black and grey hat to focus on actually answering questions that our customers are searching for measurement has improved dramatically. In fact, at least 51% of your website's traffic probably comes from organic search or what we know as SEO. We know that many small businesses have been trying to reach "page one of Google" for years and we also know that the best place to hide a body is on page 2 of the search results. Search is changing though and while your website is still an important information and content hub for your business you need to work a little harder to get the same benefit you did from SEO 4 or 5 years ago.

Local Search is the New SEO

Let's start with the fact that almost half of all searches are local (46%) search and local are becoming so connected that "near me" searches have increased 900% in the last two years. You might be thinking that seems a bit high, but do a quick search for anything that has a location near you on your mobile device (at least 60% of searches come from mobile) what you'll see is that the first organic search result is likely at least one long scroll down the page. As you've probably guessed this means that while the SEO work you've done to your website is important even if you have that coveted first position you're really much farther down the search results. What you'll notice is 3-5 ads and then what we call the "map pack" this is where Local Search becomes powerful and where your ratings and reviews can impact your business.

Local search is a powerful signal of purchase intent much more so than much of the website content driven SEO we have done for the last 20 years. Most local searchers (88%) visit a store within 24 hours which confirms our intent theory and 28% of those conducting a local search will make a purchase. Not only do local searches convert they convert much more quickly than traditional SEO with 18% converting within a day compared to only 7% for organic search. This further reinforces that local searchers are primed to spend with your business they just need to be able to find you!

How to Make Sure Your Business is Found in Local Search

  1. Titles and Meta Descriptions: Focus on one keyword as close to the beginning of the meta tag as you can and try to include targeted location names as well.
  2. Makes sure your Online Business Info is correct: SEOs call this NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) these are what are called Citations that we update on what we call Directories. For example Google My Business is the largest directory we work with.
  3. Optimize your Google My Business: Making sure your Business Name, Address, Phone Number, Website, Hours, and amenities are updated on GMB is very important, but those only go so far to help you rank. You also want to pay attention to Relevance, Proximity, and Authority as it relates to GMB.
  4. Claim and verify your GMB: There are hundreds of thousands of small businesses that miss this step and it's super simple. Follow this link https://www.google.com/business/ to claim your business. Once claimed you will need to verify your business by requesting that Google send you a postcard to your business's physical address (NO P.O. Boxes). Follow the instructions and you'll open up a ton of new functionality in GMB.
  5. Relevance, Proximity, and Authority: These three elements help Google determine what the best local search results to serve the searcher are. They're relatively easy to plan for as long as you know what they are and how to influence them. Relevance can be viewed as a measure of consistency. To be relevant in Google's eyes you must 1. have a complete listing 2. Include the most relevant GMB categories for your business 3. Align your primary category with the <H1> tag on your website. Proximity is simple to understand for the most part if someone is not within 5 miles of your business you will not appear in local search. Authority is the hardest to understand but it is a measure of confidence that the information you provided is accurate and correct. The best way to influence the Authority signal for Local Search is to make sure your NAP (remember, Name, Address, Phone Number) is correct in as many places as possible across the web. There are tools that can help you do this and some are even free.
  6. Earn Reviews: Sure, reviews are a great way to show potential customers what kind of experience they will have, but I have a secret. They're WAY more powerful than that. The volume of reviews you earn the your star rating in those reviews can actually help you jump over other local businesses in the map pack and earn you more traffic and sales. This is because Google uses this as a signal for ranking you to improve the quality of their results. Google makes money off the value of their SERP (Search Engine Results Page). Here's proof (business names changed for the example) You'll notice John Smith is further away that Hometown.

7. Use Structure Data: If you're technical enough or have resources that are using Schema.org to structure your data will help Google understand what your website is about and rank it more frequently. Especially for local information that can be hard to find on a website. Even with a sitemap and XML Sitemap crawlers still might miss it. Learn more about structured data here: https://moz.com/blog/structured-data-for-seo-1

So now that you know how to dominate local search be sure to do some testing. Pay attention to your website, phone call, and foot traffic and see if implementing these tips provide increases that deliver to your bottom line.