Buffer came out with a list this week of the top 10 most surprising social media statistics, and some of them might just make you rethink your social strategy.
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The fastest growing demographic is 45–54 year-olds on Facebook and Google+, 55–64 year-olds on Twitter. Something to keep in mind if you're targeting all your posts to twenty-somethings. - 189 million Facebook users are ‘mobile only’. If you aren't giving much thought to how your content is displaying on smartphones and tablets, it's time to start.
- YouTube reaches more Americans aged 18–34 than any cable network. The way Americans are viewing their entertainment is changing, with over 6 billion hours of video watched on YouTube each month. To reach consumers where they are, consider creating some original video content to promote yourself or your business.
- Every second, 2 new members join LinkedIn. LinkedIn isn't just for job seekers anymore. Upgraded features like groups and blogs allow members start conversations with professionals in their industry. Get your company in on the conversation by adding a Company Page.
- Social media has overtaken porn as the #1 activity on the web. Social media isn't a fad or a phase, and browsing social networks is what the majority of Americans are now doing during their leisure time. Your audience is there, so keep the quality content rolling!
- LinkedIn has a lower percentage of active users than other top social networks. While LinkedIn is the fastest growing social network, there are more active users on Pinterest, Google+, Twitter and Facebook. Questions and contests, therefore, will perform better on the latter networks.
- 93% of marketers use social media for business. Social media has become an intregal part of marketing, and the number of marketers using social media for business will only increase from here.
- 25% of smartphone owners ages 18–44 can’t recall the last time their smartphone wasn’t next to them. Scary, eh? Maybe this isn't even all that surprising. Which is even more scary, that we expect it. Regardless, 2013 is the year of mobile web, so think outside the box when it comes to your marketing strategy. Consider developing an app for your business, or delving into SMS opportunities.
- Even though 62% of marketers blog or plan to blog in 2013, only 9% of U.S. marketing companies employ a full-time blogger. Does your business have a full-time blogger on staff? Keep in mind that blogging is an essential component to every business strategy.
- 25% of Facebook users don’t bother with privacy settings. Adjusting your privacy settings may be a no-brainer for you. But always consider that not all customers or potential customers will have the exact same perspective, especially if you’re getting most of your news from the tech world, which does not always represent the priorities of the average user.
Which one of these statistics surprised you most?