Tech & Baby Boomers
Going digital is not just for young people.
One of the biggest misunderstandings about doing business online is that it’s only important to younger customers. It’s true that millennials expect online services, but so do other generations.
In fact, research shows that most people, from all age groups, begin their search for a house online.
National Association of Realtors – Real Estate in a Digital Age Report
No matter the age of the customer, digital services make doing business easier and smoother.
Whether you’re a recent college grad or a retiree, information is key when it comes to purchasing a home. A quality website helps you deliver the information your customers need.
Sometimes, businesses are reluctant to go digital out of fear of alienating their existing customers. How will older clients respond to websites? Will new ways of doing business scare them off?
These worries come from a misunderstanding of the role of tech. Tech is not here to replace your way of doing business. It is here to enhance your ability to serve your customer’s needs, no matter their age.
It’s possible to go digital in a way that works for customers of all ages. This guide to older generations and tech will help you serve your audience in a way that works for everyone.
Tech—Not Just for Young People
Understanding the way baby boomers engage online is a crucial part of effective digital marketing and services.
Let’s start with a statistic that might shock you:
According to Forbes, “Consumers aged 52-70 spend more time online than millennials.”
I know we all have an image in our heads of the millennial with their eyes glued to a phone screen, but boomers are just as fond of their technology as younger people.
Moreover, they have more money and make more large purchases than younger generations. So, while millennials are also spending a lot of time and money online, older consumers have huge spending power, and are online even more.
It is extremely important to understand that your digital services will be used by people of all age groups, not just young people. That way, you can make sure to meet all of your customers’ online needs.
Boomers, like their younger counterparts, understand the usefulness of apps, mobile sites, and digital services. They tend to research their purchases online for longer than millennials, so it’s possible they even appreciate these tools more.
Older online shoppers look for easily accessible sites that are simple to operate. Most importantly, they want information before they buy. With digital services, your site can provide them that information in a way that is elegant and streamlined.
Business as Usual, With a Boost!
Some business owners fear that going digital will alienate their existing market and older customers.
But as we can see, statistics tell us the opposite. Customers of all ages expect digital services—and they use them to spend money.
When going digital, it is important to ensure a smooth, hassle-free, and unintimidating transition into tech services.
It’s true that some customers are nervous about making the digital leap, but with a website built by Site Hub, the transition can be easy.
To maximize your inter-generational appeal, make sure your website has:
Beautiful design. The first thing your customers see should be visually appealing.
Easy navigation. If your site is hard to figure out, customers will simply leave.
Quality content. Consumers are smart; treat them like they are. Provide the information they need to make a smart buy, not just filler. They’ll know the difference.
Digital services. From apps to media, today’s consumers expect cutting-edge online performance.
Consistent messaging. Keep your message clear through seamless integration with your real-world marketing.
Bridging the Gap
A crucial part of making a successful transition into the digital market is maintaining continuity with your real-world brand. This includes both marketing and service.
Staying on-brand with your marketing means you are sending a consistent message to your customers. Whether they come to you through the website or in person, you want them to have the same experience.
By integrating your real-world marketing with online marketing, you achieve three things.
Boosted visibility. You have more opportunities to connect with new customers when you’re online.
Brand awareness. Goodwill built up by real-world marketing is channeled into your online presence. Consistency. There is no disconnect between online and real-world experience.
Effective digital marketers consider all of these points, making sure that the branding is seamless across all platforms and outlets. This means aesthetics—making sure everything looks the same—and well as tone.
Customers who are making the digital transition with you will appreciate the continuity. Maintaining consistency is crucial to keeping your clientele happy. It will smooth the path between where you’ve been and where you’re going.
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Some people fear that integrating digital technology into their businesses might turn off older or existing clientele. But, statistics show that older consumers want digital technology as much as their younger counterparts.
By carefully considering their needs and preferences, going digital can make your business more appealing to customers of all ages.
