News Flash: 15 Year-olds Are Not Tweeting

For anyone reading this from a branding perspective and wondering, “where should I be?” or “what social networking site is best for my brand?” Think about your target market first. Think about why they would be on a particular social networking site (consider the values, activities and benefits offered) and then find a creative, constructive and intuitive way for consumers to interact with your brand. But don’t think you have to “tweet” just because everyone else is doing it. Because news flash: your target market may not even be participating in that space.

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While having dinner a few nights ago with family friends, I took the golden opportunity to chat up their 15 year old son on his preference for social networking sites.  Sure, he has a MySpace and Facebook page.

“Do you tweet?” I asked him.  He stopped a moment, “do I what?”  Now I was puzzled and tried to explain the recent phenomenon (known as Twitter). “Do you, you know, ‘tweet’? It’s a micro blog on this site called Twitter…” I could see he had no clue as to what I was talking about.  His preference was, in fact, Facebook.

Moving up into the next target market, personal friends of mine roughly ages 24-29 who have otherwise abandoned their MySpace sites in favor of communicating on Facebook.  Is it for the cleaner interface?  Or the ability to network amongst a foundation of college-based individuals?  Whatever the reason, it seems the grass is looking greener on the other side.

As for me, I maintain a presence amongst these popular social sites, but have recently tailored my postings.  For example, I wiped out all profile information on my MySpace page in favor of creating a profile full of photos highlighting the places I’ve traveled and exciting things I’ve done.   I communicate with many of my real friends through Facebook where my profile page reflects a slightly more intimate “me” yet still simplified with pictures, info and posts on my wall. As for LinkedIn, I’m all about it.  I recently added my blog to my page and included a handful of great books I’ve read.

For anyone reading this from a branding perspective and wondering, “where should I be?” or “what social networking site is best for my brand?”  Think about your target market first.  Think about why they would be on a particular social networking site (consider the values, activities and benefits offered) and then find a creative, constructive and intuitive way for consumers to interact with your brand.  But don’t think you have to “tweet” just because everyone else is doing it.  Because news flash: your target market may not even be participating on that social platform!

Author: Holly Miller Anderson

Holly is passionate about helping brands become better digital storytellers. She educates marketers, guides junior SEO's, and advises businesses on how to be successful online in the face of a changing digital landscape with practical SEO and marketing advice. Holly also documents her lifestyle from travel adventures, fitness, to every-day fashion inspiration. She has dedicated herself to a few key sports over the years that have shaped her agility and performance capabilities. From her early start as a martial artist (8 years) in the style of Kenpo to her hobby of 10+ years as a competitive ballroom dancer in the American Standard style 5-dance category dancing the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep. Holly has and continues to lead an active lifestyle. Currently, she enjoys training in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting and being an avid CrossFit'er and enjoys getting her hands dirty at the occasional Spartan Race.

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