- Where are they on the web?
- What are they looking for?
- What does the decision process look like for them?
- What influences their decision?
- Which social media networks do they visit and trust the most?
A social media research study completed recently by Pingdom gave us insight as to what social media sites correspond with what age group. The highlights of that data include:
- The average social network user is 37 years old.
- LinkedIn, with its business focus, has a predictably high average user age; 44.
- The average Twitter user is 39 years old.
- The average Facebook user is 38 years old.
- The average MySpace user is 31 years old.
- Bebo has by far the youngest users, as witnessed earlier, with an average age of 28.
This data pretty much sums up the fact that your consumers are probably on at least one of the major social platforms. But how do you know which ones? Well, besides researching data on the web, you can ASK THEM! Build the relationships with customers and prospective customers. Listen to what they have to say before you tell them what you think they want to hear. Surveys, polls, customer feedback are all great ways to get started.
Once you have a better understanding of their decision making process and how they think, you can continue crafting your social media strategy to keep them in the loyalty loop.
Some other methods to consider integrating into your initial plan:
Write a Blog – you or one of your “experts” can write a dialogue that continues the dialog and also helps to be a trusted relationship with your consumers. You can then integrate your blog onto other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Reward your Social Media fans and friends – offer them free shipping, a discount coupon or BOGO offer through social media. Make it special and distinctive for them. Not only will it get them buying and increase your web traffic, but they are likely to share it with friends, thus doing some of your work for you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to course correct along the way. Follow the stats provided to you by the various sites and see what’s working. Also, don’t forget to look at what your competitors are doing and where they are in the e-world.
