So how important are social networks to women? ShesConnected has the latest scoop.
Ontop of Social Networks
As a cofounder of two businesses completely immersed in and dependent upon the power of social networks, I found this visually entertaining report from Shesconnected to be really valuable in giving us insights with which to really understand who we’re talking to out there.
Personally I’m a Social Network addict. Each day I check Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Reader and YouTube as a minimum and I really enjoy connecting with good friends all over the world as well as complete strangers. This kind of global interaction wasn’t even possible 10 years ago and it seems I’m not alone in taking advantage of this. According to the survey 53% of online women use Social Networks at least weekly.
Don’t have time to read the full report or checkout the slide presentation featured below ? Then here’s my summary of the key takeaways that we should all know about:
Women are one of the fastest growing segments on Social Networks. Adoption of Social Networks by older women is especially strong and those who are 50+ represent the largest group in the survey. They are highly educated, with 23% of respondents having a Masters, PHD, or other advanced degree (vs. 8% Nationally).
I was particularly excited to see that over a third reported they are in business for themselves and spend a significant amount of time online each day with 49% reporting they spend 1-2 hours per day for personal use, and 48% reporting they spend 5 or more hours per day online for work. They belong to multiple Social Networks with 48% reporting they belong to four or more Social Networks.
The top 5 reasons they belong to Social Networks are:
- Network professionally
- Stay up-to-date with friends
- Stay up-to-date with groups they belong to
- Promote their business
- Research products or services
Women visit Social Networks frequently with 59% visiting Social Networking sites multiple times per day, 14% reporting at least once per day, and 14% reporting several times per week. They are highly engaged and comfortable with the technology.
The most popular activities are:
- Viewing video
- Reading blogs
- Posting photos
- Writing in blogs
- Posting comments
Women have a lot of connections/friends with 83% reporting they have 50 or more connections or friends. They join and/or start a large number of groups with 28% reporting they belong to more than 10 groups, with business related groups being the most popular group they join or start. Looks like WomanzWorld is in the right place! The whole point to starting our blog was to reach out and connect with more female entrepreneurs and build a supportive and engaging community.
Finally safeguarding personal privacy is the number one concern for women using Social Networks, and my blog post Keeping it real with your own unique online brand touches on this too.
How socially networked are you? Which tools do you use on a daily basis and do you find them effective or time consuming? We’d love to know
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Hi, thanks for your comment on my hub. All the best with your new venture.
Personally I feel social networking sites are so addictive that it can affect your productivity.
I know I am addicted to facebook.