When I first got started with social media, the only marketing tools available to me were TV ads, radio ads, and newspapers. Today, however, these media have become invaluable for businesses, both large and small. As a result, businesses are dedicating entire departments to social media marketing. These teams are able to stay on top of consumer demands and set goals. This growth has paved the way for a whole new world of marketing.
While the future of social media marketing is still nebulous, we do know that more brands are leveraging digital marketing to reach consumers who are looking for information, opinions, and recommendations. More than ever, consumers are adjusting to the new digital landscape. They rely on a wide variety of platforms, from blogs to video platforms. The creation of relevant content to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse audience is imperative for business success.
According to recent studies, nearly five-fifths of all adults worldwide use the internet, including social media. While 61.8% of the world’s population is online, only 4.2% of US adults are active on social media. In fact, inactive use of social media is lower among those 65 years old and older. The youngest demographic continues to be the most active users of social media, and they tend to own smartphones. Older generations use tablets. But baby boomers are slowly bridging the technological divide by becoming more comfortable with social media platforms.
Because social media has become such an important part of our lives, businesses are not hesitant to explore its benefits. They’ve increased their budgets for social media marketing while diverting some traditional advertising expenses to digital media. As consumers turn away from traditional media, the importance of social media cannot be understated. The benefits are obvious. Social media marketing is an excellent way to reach a wider audience and increase sales.
Check out the infographic below to compare and contrast different social media sites based on your needs!
Infographic created by Clover, a retail POS system company
