Millennials are classified as the generation currently aged 18 through 35. This is the generation that has grown up in the digital age and has often gotten their news from social media and the internet rather than a newspaper or even the television news. As a result, businesses have spent countless hours and dollars studying millennials, Instagram, SnapChat and other social media for the best way in which to market to them. The results may be a bit surprising, especially in a generation represented by the Kardashians and the never ending selfie phenomenon.
With the advent of Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, and Pinterest, it is hard to believe that millennials are still most active on Facebook. Depending on their point in life they either utilize Facebook to connect with other family members or their local community, or to get the latest news that may or may not directly affect them. They are also using it to connect with friends, both old and new, and share stories along with photos that are part of their lives. They are paying attention to the businesses that are targeting them, as long as they have photos or attachments that become interactive as opposed to just a post of words. Millennials are happy to click a link to take them on a journey, as opposed to just read a post that leads them nowhere. ย As aย matter of fact, most millennials would rather scan Facebook on their smartphones and tablets than look at Twitter. Many of them admit to not paying attention to Twitter at all.
Photos
Aside from Facebook, millennials are all about the pictures. However, most of them are staying away from SnapChat and instead sticking with the known platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest. ย Again, this depends on where they are in life. Millennials with a family will flock to Pinterest to get ideas for arts and crafts and gifts. Pinterest is a wonderful way for any creative business to reach young parents by offering ‘do-it-yourself’ ideas and even crafty pre-made ideas.
Instagram, on the other hand, is often used in place of Twitter to communicate and share short ideas and lots of pictures. Many millennials prefer not to see advertisements on Instagram, unless it is for more art based products like art or furniture. The key to advertising here is to make it truly organic and interact with the users as opposed to simply speak to them.
Millennials, overall, prefer interactive ads as opposed to simply posting a website or providing one-sided dialogue. Furthermore, showing interest in the things in which millennials are taking anย interestย in will result in more successful interactions than simply popping in on their feeds and conversations. Young parents are likely the most actively looking to social media for ideas, advice, and products, while those in college or without children are perusing for things and ideas, but not actively searching. ย They require a bit more wooing and interaction.
To learn more about marketing to millennials on social media, contact the marketing experts at SKOL marketing at 612.787.7565. Their experts will be happy to aid you in developing the best social media campaign to reach your audience.
