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So let's talk about how the media and social networking is influencing teens. First of all, it's a no brainer that media and social networking is affecting teens, but where they go and what they most trust is important to know.

What is a teen's most trusted form of media? Here is going to be the most important part of this survey - it is comparable to the same question from 10 years ago - 2000.

In 2000, the newspaper was the top with 44%, TV 2nd with 24%, and Internet a distant 3rd with 7%. Currently, the newspaper is still top (and actually rose) with 45%, TV has dropped to 3rd with 29%, the big number - internet, jumped up to 30% and 2nd in most trusted venues of information.

Not only that but 2/3's of millenials enjoy "playing around on the computer" where as only 1/2 "enjoy reading a book" or "doing something physical" Again, it's not breaking news, but the internet has truly arrived. 

Here is the real question - where do you as a small business owner target your time and energy when it comes to the internet? What place or places are most important to be? Overwhelmingly, there are 3 places that topped out on where teens have been in the last 30 days - Google (72%), YouTube (71%), and Facebook (63%). What about Myspace or Twitter? Only 47% of teens have visited myspace in the last 30 days, and only 17% of teens have used Twitter in the past 30 days (1 in 4 teens have used Twitter at some point).

So, where to you go? Facebook, and I believe, in the future it will begin to change toward Twitter (almost a quarter of those in their 20's are on Twitter and some of the biggest Twitter stars are teen stars), so though I don' think you need to focus on Twitter it will most likely be worth you while to be familiar with it and how it works.

Who are some of the best or greatest Social Networking Companies/Entities? 3 of the top are Starbucks, American Eagle and (get this) Britney Spears. What makes them so great? Why are they some of the most loved and most "fan-ed," "friended," or "faved" companies? They provide benefits for their fans and friends (should we call them frans?).

So what do you do, what are the steps to become one of the greatest?

1. Get in there! Be on Facebook, create a personal account and create a fan page for your business.
2. Make it easy. Be easy to find - make your fan page your studio name. If you have over 100 fans you can create a unique url listing that reflects your brand - www.facebook.com/spartists. Both the most important tech and retail function of a website is "ease of use." Make it easy to find and be a part of your brand.
3. Give a reason to join. Victoria's Secret PINK brand has done a great job of this. Check out vspink.com and go to the pink nation link. They've integrated with facebook, so that all those who become a part get some great benefits. Figure out a free gift or discounts that you can give those who join. Do occasional give-aways and contests that make it fun to be your "fan."

Great info - huh? Look for more TRU info in the next few weeks - some more incredible stuff, and don't forget to sign up for our mailing list so you don't miss info that is going out (free stuff if you do!).

Comments

[Market Research Reports]

nice post.