Many of my business owner clients ask me which social media sites are best for them.

There are many factors to take into consideration when answering this question. These factors can include the demographics of your clients, which sites they use, and which sites your competitors use. Another important factor is your level of comfort in using each major social media site.

 

Demographics of Your Clients

The age range of your clients can be a major consideration.

  • Over 20% of Facebook users are 55 and older, and this site is still popular with every age group except teenagers.
  • Nearly 30% of LinkedIn’s users are 55 and older, and like Facebook, it has users across every age group. Interestingly, 16% of people age 16 – 25 have a LinkedIn account.
  • Nearly 80% of TikTok users are under the age of 40, with 60% of the users being in their teens and 20s.
  • Just over 50% of Instagram’s users are between 18 and 34.
  • Over 70% of Twitter’s users are under 50, and the most popular age group is between 25 and 34.

Your clients’ gender can be another important consideration.

  • In general, more women than men use Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
  • More men than women tend to use LinkedIn and Twitter.

 

Where Are Your Competitors?

  • Start by going to their websites to see which social media sites they link to.
  • Click on the links to see what they’re doing on each site. You can get some great ideas for ways you could approach each site.
  • Follow your competitors on their social media sites to stay abreast of the tips, info, and services they offer.

 

Survey Your Clients

  • Ask your clients which social media sites they use the most.
  • Find out what kinds of things they like to see. Are they looking for information, entertainment, inspiration, etc.?
  • Encourage them to follow you and your company and to share your posts.
  • Ask them for feedback on what you have posted.

 

Here’s a great overview article providing research about social media users:

http://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research/

 

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 55 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially LinkedIn and Facebook. She works with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and more – ranging from entrepreneurs to people in large corporations. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.