February 25, 2010 was a day for the record books. iTunes sold its 10 billionth music download. The winner got a $10,000 gift certificate and personal phone call from Steve Jobs. Wow! For a company that started just 7 years ago this is a remarkable feat of tapping in to the power of the Internet. One reporter pointed out that the person who purchased the 10 billionth download from iTunes wasn’t a teen, but a 70 plus senior living in Georgia.
Last year InsideFacebook.com reported that during one 60 day period Facebook users over 35 years old nearly doubled. Further evidence that the “grown-up” market is the fastest growing demographic is Social Media.
Whenever YouTube has been mentioned in the last year, people are reminded of the tremendous response to British singer Susan Boyle. I saw her video last year when it has already racked in close to 10 million viewers. This week the same video was up to 87 million. You may want to read that last sentence again to get the full impact of the gigantic number. Could it be that not only does Miss Boyle have a fabulous voice, but she is also in the age range (she’s 49) that is the fastest growing segment of social media users.
So if you’ve thought you’re too old for social media or you’ve thought the social media audience was too young for your message or product—think again. Your audience is there and they’re waiting for you!
