Social Media is changing faster than ever. It’s altered the way we communicate and if you’re interested in generating more revenue for your business then Social Media strategies should be a part of your overall marketing plan.
Just when you thought you couldn’t be blown away by another Social Media statistic, along come the latest facts that are even more incredible. Businesses who are relentless in building a following on social media are in fact creating their own publishing platforms, growing their marketing channels and content distribution networks. You’re building a digital asset that grows year over year.
Social Media is how we communicate now. As a marketer for your business (or for yourself as a sales professional), this list of 12 mind-bending Social Media facts (with strategies on how to leverage them) should help you find your way.
1. The fastest growing group of new users on Twitter are aged between 55 and 64 years old.
In many car dealers’ showrooms and service departments this demographic is the life-blood of the business. Numbers are trending downward for younger demographics but the 55-64 year olds remain highly loyal to their dealers. Is Twitter on your list of channels to reach this valuable customer base? If not, it needs to be. Find Twitter accounts whose followers are your customers and connect by following them. Create and publish specific marketing content that speaks to 55-64 year olds.
2. The male vs. female ratio of Social Media users:
- Facebook: 60% female/40% male
- Twitter: 60% female/40% male
- Pinterest: 79% female/21% male
- Google Plus: 29% female/71% male
- LinkedIn: 55% female/45% male
The messages you publish on each of these platforms need to speak to your ideal customers. In the new Social Web, the more you know about your ideal customer, the better chance you have of closing sales. What stands out here for dealers is an oft-neglected portion of the buying public: Women. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why. Women influence the decision in 85% of all new car and truck sales in the United States. They purchase 44% of all new vehicles. Are you seeing where I’m going with this? Create and publish content that helps your female customer buy.
3. 46% of web users will look to Social Media when making a purchase.
My oh my, if you’re not using Social Media strategies in your overall marketing, look at all the opportunities you have to grow! How can you better facilitate conversations with web users? Make sure you have a solid engagement strategy; determine how you’re going to engage buyers and build relationships. Buyers are researching online and only coming into your store when they have enough info to feel comfortable. As they’re researching, offer them guidance (just as you would in person) so they feel comfortable buying from you.
4. People are spending 1 out of every 7 minutes on Facebook when online.
Admit it, you’re on Facebook at night when you’re watching TV. You’re looking at Facebook via your phone when you’re waiting in line at Starbucks. You may even be on Facebook while you’re at work. Your customers behave just like you and some are more savvy than you realize. Make sure you have a rock solid Facebook marketing strategy so that when people have time to spend, they spend it looking at your content.
5. 93% of marketers are using Social Media. However, only 9% of marketing companies have full-time bloggers.
Blogging is an integral part of your Social Media strategies and it’s essential to online marketing success. Content in blogs is what drives search results, however, it’s got to be GREAT content. If you’re new, first ensure your visibility and influence by creating and maintaining a blog. Then, hire a blogging coach or consultant to guide you to success. Quick tip: leverage your employees knowledge and expertise in your blog.
6. 23% of Facebook users check their account at least 5 times a day.
Facebook is constantly changing their algorithms to serve ideal, relevant content to each user. With your page, you want to make sure your messages are reaching the biggest audience. Posting more often will increase your chances of getting your message seen. Use Facebook ads to increase the reach of your posts.
7. There are 684,478 pieces of content shared on Facebook during every minute of every day.
This amount of daily content can drown out your business’ messages. Make sure you have a dedicated person to listen, ask questions, solve problems and basically be remarkable on Social Media. Content drives Social but human interactions are what bring you to the finish line.
8. 5 million photos are uploaded daily on Instagram.
I know what you might be saying. “Ugh, another channel to worry about for content.” I see Instagram as a really nice way to communicate a different side of your business. Maybe the goofy, fun side. Certainly the side that illustrates why people buy from you.
9. YouTube reaches more U.S. adults aged 18-34 than any cable network.
Make sure your Social Media content strategy includes YouTube! When you’ve taken the time and effort to define a solid content strategy, you can utilize it on every platform available. Posting content that’s based on your products and services is fine but it should not be the bulk of what you post. Remember, you ARE trying to influence buying decisions but you’re also influencing people who are not ready to buy right now.
10. Every second 2 new members join LinkedIn.
As a sales professional, or as a manager of one, don’t ignore the power of Social networking. We used to gather at meetings and events in person but now we have Social Media. Linkedin is a great place for sales professionals to establish themselves as trusted resources. Publishing content on Linkedin will get you noticed. Spending a few minutes each day to build your network can pay dividends down the road.
11. Everyday, the “+1” button is hit at least 5 billion times.
At the heart of Search and Social lies Google Plus. Anyone who wants to be found on page one of Google search, knows that blogging about useful topics gets you noticed. Publishing awesome content, interacting with other users and having a solid marketing strategy that drives leads to your site are the pillars of the “+1” button.
12. 91% of mobile Internet access is for social activities with 73% of smartphone owners accessing social networks through apps at least once per day.
Please don’t overlook mobile marketing and advertising. Facebook ads are a great way to reach mobile users. Social advertising is new for most businesses. You mustn’t take old-style messages and blast them out on Social Media. There’s a delicate balance in your Social ads. Hire a content strategy expert to help you craft your Social ads. You only have nano-seconds to capture attention. You don’t want people to scroll by without seeing something exciting.