How to Generate Social Media Buzz without Going Berserk

Get noticed on Instagram and Snapchat by Catherine Mitchell

Are there Snapchatters in your life? You know, that funny yellow icon with the polka dots, where people draw on photographs of their faces or add silly artwork?

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f you’re not using Snapchat, chances are you’re a bit over 30. But for the under-30 crowd, it’s the latest and greatest. And Instagram? No, not Pinterest – that’s different.

Instagram is a photo and video sharing app, also popular with those under 30, but seeing growth in the over-30 group. Add a photo and make it special with a variety of filters. Now, you can post a video on Instagram too. If it’s not yet clear, these two newest darlings of social media

are important to any business with an interest in the under-30 set. And good news — they are evolving and creating ways for users and businesses to connect. Maybe not such good news, if you’re not sure how to play with

these new tools. But if creating a good flow of students and visitors is key to the health and growth of your business, then pay attention. New social media platforms can help, but you want to make smart choices about where you dedicate your time and resources.

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MESSAGING APPS ON THE RISE

Let’s look at these two platforms that have been growing steadily for the past few years: Instagram and Snapchat, both highly popular with Millennials (18 to 34 year olds), but also seeing an uptick with other demographics. Since Facebook launched social media in 2004, it’s remained

a top platform and reaches several key demographics. For example, it’s still the top choice of 82 percent of 18 to 29 year olds, according to a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center. For the 13 to 17 demographic in the U.S., however, the most

popular platforms after Facebook are Instagram and Snapchat. For 16 to 19 year olds, Instagram and Snapchat are used for messaging 47 percent of the time, while Facebook Messenger is used 50 percent of the time, according to a recent study by Refuel Agency on the habits of Digital Millennial Teens.

ISI EDGE WINTER 2016

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