Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers: Why are they so Different?

Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers: Why are they so Different?

Brands are flocking to social media outlets, particularly Facebook and Twitter to engage with customers and build community. But which type of social user is better for you?

Since the Go Be Social Media team handles all the social media marketing chores for our clients, we thought we’d look into the matter.

Our friends at SMB e-commerce specialist Volusion helped out with an insightful survey: “Facebook Fans vs. Twitter Followers – Which Are Better?” Here’s what they found:

Two Different Audiences

Twitter

• 7 percent of the U.S. population has a Twitter account
• Users skew younger, with 44 percent between ages 18-34
• Less engaged — 53 percent view posts without updating their own
• Users are 3x more likely to follow brands
• 41 percent use Twitter to broadcast revi

Facebook

• 41 percent of the U.S. population has a Facebook account
• Users skew older, with higher penetration of users 35+
• Growth in 55+ audience was 922.7% in 2009
• Users are more personally connected to friends on Facebook
• Average user is connected to 80 pages, groups and events
• 63 percent use Facebook to reconnect with old friends and family

Despite these differences, there are some important similarities between your Facebook fans and Twitter followers, particularly in how they interact with your business on the Social Web:

• The #1 reason both user types follow brands is to receive exclusive deals.
• Fans and followers also want to see pertinent company information and relevant content.
• People following brands socially are more likely to purchase items from these brands, more often.

So what does this mean for your social media strategy?

It’s simple: cater your channels to your user profiles.

Since Twitter followers are much more vocal about brands and recommendations, this channel provides a prime opportunity to monitor your brand and to step into conversations about your business.

With your Facebook page, try various tactics that help build community, like giving sneak peeks of products and soliciting feedback.

Whichever channel you prefer, both are effective ways to reach out to customers and become a part of their daily lives.