With the use of social networking sites continually
on the rise, it is crucial to know who is the typical user of these sites in order to effectively market your business. In 2005 the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project reported that only 8% of US adults reported using social media. That number has grown exponentially since the 2005 report; in 2013 nearly three-quarters of US adults reported using social networking sites. The report also states that women use social media more than men, as well as Hispanics using these sites more than other races or ethnicities. Not surprisingly, younger adults (18 to 29 year olds) are using social networking more than older adults; however, the report shows that social sites’ popularity among older adults has increased over time and predicts that the trend will continue in that direction.
These statistics are extremely important to examine before launching a social media campaign. Just like any other marketing strategy, you need to determine if your target audience is using social networking sites and decide if having a social media presence would be beneficial to your business.
Since the use of social networking has developed significantly, we are excited to see the role social media is going to play in years to come.