Social Media Marketing to Millennials

It’s a complicated world out there when considering social media use for marketing and growing your business. It can be even more complicated when you consider the differences between various age groups in the United States.

Millennials are now the largest generation in the US, comprising 1/3 of the population. A recent report by the Council of Economic Advisors (Oct. 2014) gives us an overview of this 20-34 year old group.

They contain the greatest number of foreign-born individuals since the early 1900’s. Currently 15% of those born between 1980 and 2004 are foreign born. They also have the highest rates of college graduation in history and women have caught up with men in that category. A majority of millennials believe that women should work part or full time outside the home.

Millennials are more community minded than some past generations and value their family relationships. They want the opportunity to be creative in their jobs.

Not surprisingly millennials are the most tech savvy generation in history. Many grew up with computers in their classroom and soon acquired a cell phone in their hand. They use this technology to drive their quest for success in business and their personal lives. Three-quarters have an account on a social networking site, as compared to only one-half of Gen Xer’s and one-third of Baby Boomers. That tech savvy attitude has rubbed off on older family members.

What do all these facts mean for businesses trying to get the most out of their marketing dollar? Social media marketing is definitely a driving force when marketing to this group. They expect to see information that is interesting, creative and readily available at the touch of a finger. They will use that information to make purchase decisions, and use the technology to drive their own business success. It’s very likely that their children will be even more tech-minded.

It’s a very connected world we live in. and millennials are leading the way!