When Are Students and Parents Using Social Media?
During the back-to-school season, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat see high activity from students gearing up for the new year. Posts about first-day-of-school outfits, “get ready with me” style videos, and study hacks fill their feeds. Once the school year begins, students spend less time on their phones during school hours and more time in the afternoons and on weekends. Similarly, parents may be more engaged during early mornings or late evenings when they have some downtime. Consider shifting your posts to evenings and weekends when these audiences are more likely to be active. Parents tend to use Facebook and Pinterest more, focusing on content related to organization, meal planning, and back-to-school products. Understanding which audience uses which social media platforms and the times of day they use them can be valuable information for brands.
What Should Brands Do When Back-to-School Season Approaches?
Now that brands understand the platforms and times their targeted audience uses social media, they can plan accordingly. Here’s how they can do it:
- Targeted Ads: Interest-based targeting to reach both parents and possibly students with relevant back-to-school offers can help brands gain more attention.
- Influencer Collaborations: Collaborating with influencers who resonate with your target audience and can promote your products authentically can create higher appeal.
- User-Generated Content: Encouraging consumers to share their back-to-school purchases using specific hashtags for a chance to be featured on your brand’s social media channels can boost engagement and spread the word. An online survey by NerdWallet, conducted by The Harris Poll, included 2,010 U.S. adults, 595 of whom were parents of students from kindergarten through college. The survey stated that of those parents, at least 6 in 10 say their “students” are influenced by peers or social media when making their back-to-school wish list. Half of these parents said they usually end up buying products based on these influences.
- Educational Content: Beyond promotions and shopping, educational content can also spread the word about your brand. Sharing valuable resources and creating inspirational content for students and parents can help this audience transition into the new school year while being exposed to your brand.
Conclusion
The back-to-school season presents a unique opportunity for brands to connect with their audience. By understanding the shifts in social media use and adjusting your strategies accordingly, you can effectively engage with both students and parents, making the most of this season. Whether through targeted ads or organic social media, the key is to pay attention to your audience’s behaviors. To get started with your back-to-school social media strategy, contact Fuel Marketing today.