how would middleaged

[greenoak]

how would middle aged homeowners use utube or myspace? i can hardly believe that they even go there...
..but am i missing a marketplace? can you show me a business for adults who uses it well?
ann

[Patrysha]

MySpace not so much...I hate that place and prefer FaceBook.

On YouTube...my husband likes to watch music videos, do it yourself videos, clips from old hockey games.

I tend to use it for tutorials, and the humor and inspirational clips that others have sent me via email or facebook and watching the animations and videos my sons and their friends put up there.

I've used it for putting up videos for some of my clients and am actually working on getting a series up for two of my clients this week.

[greenoak]

thats kind of what i thought...mainly fun or hobbies..not buying their furniture...which is what i sell...

.. what angle are your clients going for?
ann

[Patrysha]

For my clients they are traffic and awareness generators (much like articles are...they don't make the sale they start and build relationships) plus they help with search engine rankings.

[KristineS]

Myspace I don't think you'll find a lot of middle aged people there. The company that owns the site tries to make it sound that way, but I'm guessing your audience might not be there much.

You Tube is a whole different animal. You could do furniture restoration how to videos, or videos on how to tell when something is an antique, or decorating or furniture care, or any number of things. Particularly in today's economy there are a lot of people looking for DIY advice. You could create a nice niche for yourself and get your name out there and you would be talking to a lot of your potential customers.

Home decor and DIY decorating are big topics. I bet you could create some really cool stuff.

[Business Attorney]

I second (or third) what RadioGirl and KristineS said. I have never used MySpace but I have gone to YouTube many times. A few times I have gone directly to YouTube to look for something specific, but most of the time it is because a relevant video was among the search results in a Google search. For example, if I am looking for a "how to" guide and see a short video on the topic, I will often take a look at the video.

[rezzy]

I also use it for product reviews. I allows me to see people actually using a product, which can help when its something I would like see during its use.

To be a more informed consumer. I think everyone watches youtube for any number of things. Some people even post their resumes up there.

[jem]

Would agree with the comments on making a youtube video on DIY restoration, or how to spot a fake antique etc etc very powerful.

In terms of other social sites I would recommend facebook for your demographic

As of June last year the 35-54 yr old (middle aged I am guessing) is exploding at an annual rate of 172% growth (these are the last stats I could find after a quick look)

This echoes my personal experience. My next door neighbor (mother of 3, affluent suburban soccer mom) is an avid facebook user, similarly my wife and her social circle.

Would be willing to bet there are antique groups on facebook you could join (if not start your own!)...given you sell online that would open a new channel.

Also many other routes eg a squidoo "Antique" lens, some article marketing, join antique forums etc etc

Just my thoughts.
Simon

[KristineS]

Facebook might be a good spot for you, Ann. I have a Facebook account and a lot of my friends and family, predominately female do too. I still think You Tube could probably generate more interest in what you're selling, but Facebook could help you network.

[Dan Furman]

Look at it this way - YouTube is offering you the opportunity to make your own channel and put your own commercials on there. Why not use that (especially for your business, where the visual is so important.)

Most businesspeople look at these things (you tube, facebook, etc) and say "well, why should I be there? Who would look for me there?"

To me, in many cases, that's the wrong way to look at it. The focus need not be on people/strangers finding you - the whole other way to look at these things (youtube/facebook/even your own website) is as an extension to your own marketing.

Do you have an e-mail list? Why not make a few videos promoting your stuff and send the link to your e-mail list ("hey, check out our youtube channel!") Put a link on your website to your you tube channel ("click here to see videos of the new stuff!")

In other words, use the tools they offer to your advantage, and point people there.