It's a Mobile World

We are the mobile generation

Marketing Land defines millennials as the first generation to truly be “mobile first”. In fact, we are so attached to our mobile devices that we take them everywhere- even to the bedroom and to the bathroom. I’ll admit it, I take my phone into the bathroom if I am showering and I sleep with my phone right beside my pillow. Mobile devices have created a unique connection with millennials and it should be used to its marketing potential.

You might ask: Is mobile marketing something I should do?

The answer is yes. According to Tech Crunch, millennials are the largest group of smartphone owners. In addition, Facebook recently released statistics that stated that out of their 1.59 billion users, they have 1.39 billion users on mobile. And 78% of their revenue is generated from mobile ads. Mobile devices are playing a huge role in how millennials engage with brands. Of course, it isn’t the only way that we interact with them, but it is becoming the primary channel.

The do:

Make your content and platforms responsive for mobile. There is nothing more annoying than going onto a website from my phone and it doesn’t work properly on mobile. At that point I would move on, and look for whatever it is that I am looking for, somewhere else.

Responsive Design

The don’t:

Since our mobile devices are very personal and come everywhere with us, don’t use mobile as a way to bombard us with sales messages. We will find a way around this or shut you out completely. Instead, use mobile as a way to tell your story and engage with us.

As I am sitting here writing this blog on my laptop, I further my point on how important and effective mobile marketing truly is. Unintentionally, for all of my research I used my phone, instead of using the browser on my computer. Which goes to show how often millennials use their mobile devices. After all, we are the mobile generation; it makes sense to utilize mobile as a way to market to us.

A Social Media Society

A social graduation. 

What’s the first thing that you do when you wake up? I’ll admit it, the first thing I do is check my social media accounts. I check my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I run the social media accounts for two local businesses, so I might check my social accounts a little more often than you. But, the fact is, we are constantly on social media because it is engaging, conversational and fun.

What is social media?
Merriam Webster defines social media as forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content. But, I disagree. Social media exists without the Internet; it has just majorly expanded with it. So, lets define social media as forms of communication through which users create communities where you can share information, ideas, personal messages and other content. Click here for a great list of social media platforms and types. 

So, how did social media exist without the Internet?
According to the Business Times, before the Internet detonated evidence of private communications and the use of mass media for social connection were found. Many of these earlier cases share the characteristics of modern social media that we deal with everyday. An example of social media before the Internet is cave writing. 

Social media and the millennials: 
As you probably know by now, millennials are defined as the generation of smartphones and social media. Social Media Week stated that millennials are more likely than other generations to share their experiences on social media. Social media becomes a great tool with millennials because we can increase the reach of your brand exponentially.   

We like to align ourselves with brands that reflect our interests and aspirations. Successful marketing with social media is done through engaging, inspirational and authentic content. Don’t just use social media as a platform for promotion- you will lose your audience. Engage with us. Create conversation with us. Build relationships with us. And make sure you follow the 80/20 rule when posting to your social media accounts.