Companies, services target 50 and over markets…

News alert:  Want to know how companies and services are targeting Boomers...?  Read on with this report from a marketing consultant with his tips on how to work with Boomers and Seniors:

Now, as aging Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are coming of age, the fifty-plus population is over 77 million people and growing enormously all the time. And since they control 77% of all financial assets, your mature market share may make or break your business profits.

Every 7 seconds someone in America turns 50. Are you doing your personal as well as professional best to make them your loyal customers, build trust, and receive referrals from satisfied customers? Here are some ways to increase your success and sales with this very diverse group.

In every respect, the 50-plus market is the wealthiest population with major discretionary money to spend on everything from luxury cars, travel, homes, healthcare, gifts, entertainment, grandchildren, etc.

They defy any one "lumped together" label---rather they are unique individuals reflecting their own life stages, lifestyles, physical abilities, household configurations, attitudes and personalities. Cater to each client the way you believe they would like you to behave.

In advertising and publicity, use 12-point type, without serifs, to make reading easier. Use plenty of white space around copy so your message stands out.

Older people are extremely interested in what your product or service does and why you are better than your competitors. They also have the time to read brochures, newsletters, and now the internet to keep abreast of all the facts to make informed decisions.

25 million adults over 50 are regular internet users, with the fastest growing segment 65 and up. 78% of them have made online purchases.

Check the physical layout of your office for safety and comfort. Are the floors even, the door handles easy to open, and aisles wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs, plus comfortable seating for customers and their families? Make sure that background music is low enough so that it doesn’t interfere for people with hearing disabilities. When facing a client, make sure they are not looking directly into sun glare.

In advertising photographs, display individuals as 10 to 15 years younger than they actually are. That is the way we see ourselves, and you will discourage sales if you portray people as frail and sedentary. Remember, there are many 80- year- olds still on the tennis and golf courses, taking educational classes, and trying new hobbies.

Take the time to get to know your older potential clients. Speak directly to them, answer their questions until you are both satisfied everything is understood. And never, ever talk down to them---their wisdom is priceless. Patience is a virtue, but the results and referrals coming from each one of your satisfied clients will certainly be worth it!