Targeting the right demographic for your company on social media is important. Breaking down those demographics is another matter. Location, culture, and similar factors affect who is and is not receptive to your social media approach. One increasingly significant factor in social media management is age—specifically, the different trends and values that various age groups and generations appreciate on social media.
Many social media platforms have incorporated trends and values that cater to Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials. While Gen Z and Millennials are in the workforce, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overlooking social media preferences of generations like Gen X or Baby Boomers. On average, Gen X has the most purchasing power and is the most overlooked generation on social media. If you know your consumers’ demographics, you should be generating content accordingly.
Social Media Platforms & Trends Across Generations:
- Gen Alpha (YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat): Absurdist humor, video-driven content, and very heavily content-creator oriented.
- Gen Z (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok): Enjoys work-life balance memes and gamifying trends (i.e., “side-questing”). Leans on content creators or perceived trusted sources over faceless companies.
- Millennials (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter): Desire shareable content with values and nostalgia, and enjoy visual assets, such as filters. Are career- and life-focused.
- Gen X (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn): Focuses on companies and brands that are perceived as authentic and value
snostalgia on social media. Know what they want and are often loyal to their brands. - Baby Boomers (Facebook, WhatsApp): Value good customer service and have a very straightforward approach. Enjoy content that provides value (i.e., useful tips and tricks).
One of the most noteworthy trends across generations is the increased value placed on authenticity. With the rise of AI and the evolution of technology, people of various ages are starting to prefer social media that looks honest and human over social media that looks “too perfect.” Having a human touch makes your social media and company look more authentic and trustworthy. Factors like natural pacing, a face to the brand, and a trustworthy human voice can make a world of difference.
Another trend is the fluctuation of LinkedIn users created by new generations in the workforce. With the introduction of Gen Z, platforms like LinkedIn and Substack are taking on new life and creating professional spaces that are also creative and personalized.
No matter your target age demographic, it’s important to know the trends and values that they’ll relate to or trust. Focus on where your consumer demographic is found online, and generate relevant, meaningful content on those platforms.
Print Is In!
Social media is a modern approach to advertising and marketing; however, there is one timeless marketing tactic that will always be in! Printing is a marketing method that spans generations and allows your target audience to receive tangible, memorable media that can boost your business.
Tangible media can add more credibility to your company and is very versatile, allowing you to target more people in a variety of ways. From flyers and brochures to shirts and merchandise, print can be found in all sorts of places that make an impression. Don’t miss out on the unique advantages of printing!
Need to reorder your flyers, business cards, or brochures, or need something entirely new? We’ve got you.
Give us a call: 573-221-3635… or send us an email at info@poolecommunications.com.
