One of the most common objections I receive when consulting someone on social media, is "Jeremy, I work in an area that is made up of an older generation. They aren't into twitter and Facebook and all this Internet stuff. So, I don't know if writing a blog would be a big benefit to me." So, I asked a few more questions about the demographics and came to the conclusion that it appeared the average age range she was referring to was somewhere between late forties into late sixties.
So this morning I started to do some research to see what type of age groups are making up social media and if older generations are participating or if they are non-existent. The first place I started was here on ActiveRain. I remembered the wonderful article by Art Kruschka titled: The View from the 84th Floor (which btw, Happy Birthday Art!) in which he wrote about celebrating his 84th birthday on Monday! Art has been a very active member here on ActiveRain. In fact, since starting here in March 2008 at the young age of 82, Art has published 566 blog posts!
Next, I decided I would visit both my Facebook business page & also ActiveRain's to see what the age breakdown looked like. Here are the results:
This first graph is from my personal Facebook business page. You will notice that only 35% of my group is under the age of 35. While 35% of my fans are over the age of 45! Also, I have twice as many fans over the age of 55 than I do between 18-24. That stat really shocked me!
This graph is for fans of ActiveRain's fan page on Facebook. The numbers here were even more astounding. Fans under the age of 35 only make up 18% while there are just as many fans over the age of 55. Fans over the age of 45 make up almost half of the members. 82% of the fans are over the age of 35!
After viewing these two graphs it leads me to believe that while many believe that Facebook is just for teenagers and college kids it appears that the majority of users are those over 45 years old by a long shot. With that being said, I started to doubt the validity in the statement that the older generations are not on the Internet and definitely not involved with social media.
Are you still thinking this might be the case? If so, let me share one more thing that should solidify my results that social media and Internet marketing isn't just for kids.
Ivy Bean just celebrated her 104th birthday the beginning of this month and has become an instant celebrity. Where you might ask? Well on twitter of course! I just followed her on twitter and became her 46,000 follower! At first when I heard about her being on twitter, I thought it was some promotional stunt that someone was trying to just collect followers. But when I investigated things I found out that it was legit. Take a minute to watch this awesome video from Ivy.
So I ask if this statement is true? Older generations are not reading blogs or using other social media platform. I will let you be the judge of that. My personal opinion is that it is the exact opposite, more and more are signing up for these different social media platforms every day.
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I am the Co-Founder of 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors. If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, please contact me directly. Also, please visit my other online consulting blog for more social media tips, tricks and enhancements.
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If they are older and using social media to find real estate they are probably a good buyer.
Interesting statistics. Good to see. Thanks for sharing.
Jeremy - I am seeing all ages using social media and find it effective, especially my blog and getting found through the search engines.
That agent who eschewed advertising to older consumers suffers from agism in the extreme and doesn't deserve their business.
My focus is quite different. FOLLOW THE MONEY!
Who does she think controls the wealth in this country??
Lenn- I am with you, lets Follow the Money!~
Jeremy - I loved Art's post about the 84th floor! Also, I heard on the radio that the oldest Facebook user is 94 now. I think the fastest growing demographic there is women in their 50's. By the way, what program/service did you use to do the analytics for your fans and AR fans on Facebook?
Jason, on your fan page there is a link on the left that says See all Insights. Click on it, there is a ton of information in there! Also, Ivy was on facebook, but she quickly reached her max limit of fans, which is why she went over to twitter LOL!
Jeremy,
I agree with your evidence...the demographics of Social Media users supports my involvement with it. Our tech culture is evolving at hyper speed...I can't wait to see what media is waiting for us around the corner, timewise. Good post. Thank you.
Joe Pascal (5 Star Real Estate, Inc., Wilmington, NC)
I absolultely agree! Follow the money!
You are right on imho, Jeremy. One thing, I am 60and have pretty good followings on my social accounts. I am always meeting new "older" clients that found me on the internet as a result of one of my pages, comments or posts. (Very high percentage from AR!) You advised that new member very wisely as us older folks are a good target and a great reason to blog and get involved in all media! Thanks for the research and tips on how you did it!
Last year I found the study that Yahoo Real Estate completed - here is my favorit quote - I wrote a blog post about it because as a person that just turned 50 I wanted to know who was online - :)
Facebook is especially for us old fogies! I don't know if it has brought me any business yet, but it sure has put me in good touch with my sphere of influence. Aloha ~ Yvonne
Jeremy - I'm not surprised by this. The results for the AR page are probably very close to NAR figures on real estate agents, i.e. 'about 80% of real estate agents are 35 or older.'
"It appears that the majority of users are those over 45 years old by a long shot." Not even close. In August, only 18% of Facebook users were over 45, whereas the 18-34 group accounted for 53%.
Both of my parents are on facebook: ages 61 & 58, and they both have lots of friends online in their age group.
As much as i don't like to admit it i am in the older range now (only in years) and still like trying out new things and frankly most of my friends in the same age category do too! I have followed Art and Karen almost form the beginning of my membership here because they post excellent neighborhood reports and stats!
I am also on Facebook but don't have a business page and thinbk I will do something about that. As far as "friending" my kids or their friends, I have to agree with our son's assessment, That's kinda creepy" HAH!
I shared this statistic with my toastmasters club and they had no idea how lost they were. Now I'm designated the 2.0 guru of the club! Now what?
As a Boomer I did not grow up with technology that is current today. In the 1960's in college, the personal calculator was not in use. So why do I embrace the new stuff, as well as members like Art? The secret is to stay young, you have to challenge yourself. I am not jaded by technology, nor does it ever seem ho hum. It is new, it is exciting, and it makes my brain work. I should add this guilty(or not so guilty) pleasure. It makes me money.
Jeremy,
Thanks for sharing the stats, they are very helpful. all the best
Jeremy,
We "older" folks think we can't do this and no one our age is tweeting or posting or anything else. In my old age I was one of those folks that thought I could simply glide along. Well, let me say to my generation of 60-somethings. Get up off your couch potato behind and learn what this stuff is all about.
I began to use twitter then within 2 weeks joined ActiveRain. I am hooked. I have much to learn and frequently am overwhelmed, but I also feel like my mind has been reactivated. I feel 10 years younger.
Thanks for all your posts. I wait for every one.
The age of people using social networking sites has continued to rise. I thought not too long ago is was for the teens, 20 somethings and 30 somethings. How wrong I was!
It's the exception now that people NOT be on line. We recently did have a client who does not have a computer. We were putting in an offer on a foreclosure that REQUIRED an email address.
This viral video is probably old news by now, (go to YouTube and search "Social Media Revolution,")but a client sent it to me and besides being entertaining, it's a real eye opener. Their statistics show that the fastest growing demographic on Facebook is women 55-65. I double checked the stats directly from Facebook and they stated their fastest growing segment was "those 35 years old and older." http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics
Good post Jeremy.
Love this kind of useful, yet interesting, statistical data - thanks for compiling that Jeremy! Goes to show...you're never too old!
I'm seeing all ages... I have several clients in their 60+ years... It's the one's in their mid 40's to mid 50's that seem to be challenged... My friend, Meri Walker (The Virtual Meeting Coach) is teaching social media to seniors with great turn out!
I can only think of a handful of prospects that don't use the internet now. Actually, it seems like they pull up every listing online and want to see them!
I had to read it a couple of times to get it but i "got it". Curious, how did you know MY age? Absolutely EVERYONE is using Social Media - I almost freaked when my MIL joined FB!
Those are some pretty impressive numbers Jeremy. I need to Tweet more often and check my linkin as well.
Jeremy,
That's some really interesting info. I had no ideat there was so many older people that used it. Great to know, thanks.
:)
Hmmm.....interesting stats.
Patricia
Jer-
Great post, great data. We run into the same type of concerns regarding text messaging among older folks, in rural areas, lower income areas, etc. Demographic data and anecdotal evidence is normally enough to allay these concerns.
As with all forms of effective lead generation, should just one inquiry acquired by these means result in a sale, the agent has just paid for that system many times over. Should the demonstration during a listing appointment of this particular marketing tool (blog, SMS platform, mobile website, etc) provide the last little nudge that the prospective client needs to be fully confident that their agent is using all effective tools available to them, once again, it has paid for itself for the year, at least.
Jeremy,
I frequently receive contact from consumers who are well into their 70's and have read my blog and their initial contact is by e mail.
So far, nobody in their 80's but I don't think that's too far away.
Brian
You are never to old to Tweet. I and agree with the comment that if an older client found you in cyber space they are probably serious buyers.
Jeremy, I had heard once that the older generation was more adept with the computer and internet than the middle aged generation. Funny, at the time I thought that meant that retirees just had more time on their hands. LOL It only makes sense that if 90% of buyers are shopping online first, and a large percentage of buyers are older, then the older generation is online.
BTW...I noticed something else in your stats....it appears that you personally have more female fans than male. :)
Wow, Jeremy, what amazing statistics! I think we need to get over the "I'm too old for this" or "my client base is too old for this" stuff. We would be missing out!
Jeremy,
Would you give me a quick hint on how to change my background on my blog? I have forgotten. http://activerain.com/gilbertarizonarealtor
480-215-2525 cell
rbecker@nuequitygroup.com
My mother (69) and older sister (48) asked me to email my vacation photos. I live in NC they in OH. I told them they were on FB and they could view them there. Humph, was the initial response. After a day or so I walked my mother through the set-up and explained that she could keep up with her friends who live part-time in SC, NC and FL. She began to see the value.
I took my sister another 2 weeks to join.
They have now viewed the vacation pics and pics of my daughters new dorm room who is away at NCSU.
And of course now I'm on their feed with their friends. Imagine, " Your daug/sister is a real estate agent? I need...."
Never too old!!! BTW: I'm 40ish
Very interesting observation. As I get more fans my stats are starting to skew older as well.
The middle and older generation I believe are quite active with social media Jeremy. Your research shows this too.
Ivy Bean is on my twitter list. The recent growth of facebook and other www. social media formats finds old and young joiners. Are you going to miss the next generation?
Jeremy,
My Dad is 79 and we talk every week on Skype. After he took some classes he went out and bought a laptop and he has learnt to email and can also send attachments of photos of my niece and nephew. I am so proud of him :)
Hi Jeremy ~ It's true, social media breaks all age barriers. I can't remember where I saw it yesterday, but the numbers for people between 34 - 55 logging into facebook every day far exceed those of the younger generation. Definitely something to ponder.
Also, it's an absolute myth that us older folks have problems with technology/social media or any of the "new age" discoveries. Many of us just love it and have as hard a time as the younger generation getting along without it when for some reason or another it's not working!
Jeremy, This week I had a senior from Florida contact me on line along with a 66 year old man from one community over. I think your stats tell the story!
Jer...
Excellent facts. The Internet is PERFECT for those with limited mobility too! Don't fight the trend, become a RainMaker and get it going!!!
I'm here. I'm on FB. I Twitter. I have a profile on LinkedIn. I've got an account on Picnik, YouTube, and so many more I can't remember...and I'm well over 55. Just look at all the bloggers here. Most of them are over 45! We ROCK!
I see someone who is older (i.e. 50+) at a great crossroads in that they can relate directly to the older crowd, and still learn the new stuff to hook the NKOTB.
I know that the social media demographics are already good for us... and getting better every single day... That is why I am there... and here.
Jeremy, I am 57 and all of my friends that are around my age are active in one social media forum or another.
Hi Jeremy -- I had a client in her 70s who liked reading my blog and was very Internet savvy and we communicated via e-mail all the time.
Brian- Let me know when the clients in their 80's come along!
Lina- I didn't pay attention to that stat....we won't tell my wife that I have so many female fans :)
Rob- While you are logged into your AR account, click on the customize button in the top left corner. That will allow you to change the background to something else.
Sabrina- I love Ivy's tweets...she is so sweet and reminds me so much of my grandmother.
Sharon- My grandmother went out & bought a computer about 4 years ago. For the longest of time she was more internet savvy than my parents!
Steve- Did you seriously throw in a NKOTB reference? LOL
Jeremy, my 80-year old Mother has a Facebook account! She likes it to keep up with her kids and family, but over time, I'll bet she'll find other friends.
Jeremy, I am going to show this to my husband, he thinks only the young people use twitter and FB.
There are people in my office who refuse to adapt to technology. They should watch the video.
Go Ivy Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to agree with Lenn on this one ~ follow the money.
Hi Jeremy. I am in my early 40s and many of my clients are nearly twice my age. They are Internet savvy. Unfortunately some people underestimate and/or insult their intelligence. So not a good idea especially with intelligent, savvy Baby Boomers.
Jason, like anything else one has to drill through the data to determine the vality of any assumptions. I would be interested to find out what regions the people over 50 are. I wouldn't be surprised to see that the higher density comes from individuals in metropolitan areas vs rural.
I could be wrong but it would be interesting to see the stats.
You are right on! There are no age limitations on internet marketing. One of the largest demographics online is 45 plus. There are even groups on Facebook called, OMG my parents are on Facebook! If that doesn't tell the story, I don't know what does!
Retired people have the time and interest to read and write blogs. They are definitely a force within the social media arean
Great post and tips Jeremy! While so many social media choices can be daunting, at the same time I find it can be just plain fun and exciting to connect or reconnect with people globally, whether for business or personal reasons! There's no age to stop learning and climb on board.
I have heard that the Female 45-54 demographic is the fastest growing demographic using social media. I first signed onto facebook to work with Gen Y first time home buyers, but I've actually had a lot of business come from the older demographics.
My 75 year old mother is addicted to Facebook and finds it is a great place to connect with others her age as well as checking up on me and my family!
Social Media is becoming the new "telephone".....just add Skype and there you have it!
In order to compete in todays fast changing world of business you pretty much have to be up-to-date with technology & that includes social media. This is one bandwagon you definetly dont you want to miss...
So I ask if this statement is true? Older generations are not reading blogs or using other social media platform.
Hi Jeremy,
Fascinating stats. I'm 55, which is proof that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! :)
What is the 'one on one Active Rain training program'?
I suspect there are more hold outs among older people, however, a number of seniors use the Internet and use it quite well. They see it as one of those things to keep them in touch and make their life easier; and it is. However, I still see an even more important value in Face to Face with seniors.
OUCH! Did you have to say, "older generation" LOL. Let's move the line to around 70 or so before we use the term "older"... what do you think? I'm not ready to be "older"...
BUT I gues if the shoe fits, wear it and I guess it fits..
I've always been involved in technology.. taught some computer science WAY back there.
Don and I had those early Commodore 64's .. Had them serial linked together for "networking" Seems hilarious now.
We both were into computer programming - he more than me..
Basic, Fortran, Cobol,
I would be lost working in those languages now..
I digress.
Interesting stats, Jeremy. Older doesn't have to mean doesn't need social networking.
Let's not assume that blogging/the internet is just for younger clients. Many of my clients are "older" yet very internet savvy.
Love the stats - lots of good information. Numbers don't lie, correct?
Jeremy,
Your research proves a great point. Social media is for all ages, therefore it presents wonderful marketing opportunities for us real estate and mortgage pros.
I do 1/4th of my blogs about a reitrement community and I get contacts from all over the country who's ages are 50 and up. So yes they are active on the networking sites!
I'm not surprised that the older generation is embracing social media.
My mother, in her mid 60's, kept insisting I needed to get on to Twitter, even after I told her I was : )
Jeremy: I'm seeing people of all ages and backgrounds on social media sites in our area. Besides... we not only want to reach Realtors, but potential buyers and sellers too. The 84th Floor was great !
Jeremy. I would never avoid technology just because an age group is not into it YET. I accept clients of all ages
Hi Jer! You know, I have read this post three times and twice forgot to comment! By the time I'm reading it again, I see that someone commented about your HUGE female fan demographic!! LOL
I have numerous Facebook friends who are older and what is funny is that they spend WAY more time on FB than I do! I do it to keep in touch both personally AND for business and they are just playing around and just love it! My MIL is on FB and I just find that so refreshing that technology has reached beyond the Gen Y group.
Have a fabulous Friday...
On the local news tonight they had a feature about a FACEBOOK class to seniors, teaching them "how to" use Face Book . . . It's offered at the local community college!!
That's good to know.
What none of the statistics about age really reflect is the number of folks who do not register to use that product or service(web site) when the registration asks for age.
Totally irrelevant statistic.
Further, an example of ageism in the extreme.
Unless a product or service is available only to a particular age group (55+ housing), the very request for age shows the bias of the owner of the product or service or web site.
Assumptions on age. I'm with Lenn, I never give the age info.
I am 60 and my friends use social media. We have been online for many years ( even my now 80 year old Mom) and this was a natural progression.
Jeremy - thanks for sharing these stats. They really bring home the importance of social networking!
Ageism is alive and well.
This is amazing.. and I am not a bit surprised... All of my "mature" friends use social media all the time.
Jeremy, if Ivy Bean can Twitter, I can certainly do it! Thanks for the inspiration!
I am 62 and I use it everyday. I have noticed that in general my older friends use it more than my younger friends.
Raincamp had a huge number of people in the supposed "doesn't do Twitter" demographic. They didn't look disinterested to me.