From listening to action: how brands can learn from their users

Spaniards spend an average of nearly two hours a day on social media*. But what exactly are we doing during that time?

For older generations like Gen X and Baby Boomers, social media is primarily a way to stay connected with friends and family. Meanwhile, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to use these platforms to keep up with current events, engage with content like memes and videos, and create their own posts. While each generation has its own preferences, behaviors, and concerns, they all share one common trend: we are spending more and more time online.

For brands, understanding the audience is critical to ensure that marketing efforts reach the right people. In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving digital landscape, simply reaching an audience is no longer enough—brands need to make an impact.

How can brands achieve this?

It’s not just about knowing who the audience is, but about understanding how to connect with them: what they enjoy, where they spend time online, what concerns them, and the communication styles they use.

To gain this insight, brands have access to powerful tools that help them analyze everything from a user’s age and profession to their daily habits and activities. Additionally, social listening platforms allow brands to track real-time user interactions and responses across social networks and digital channels.

But how can brands make the most of this information?

The answer lies in engaging with users where they are and tapping into conversations that resonate with their interests. This is a golden opportunity for brands to become more relevant by joining discussions that matter to their audience.

A key strategy is to adapt to the unique communication styles of each platform while maintaining the brand’s voice. For example, memes have become a staple of online culture, and tapping into their viral potential is an effective way to increase brand visibility—though it requires quick action, as trends rise and fall rapidly. Social listening tools can identify trending content, allowing brands to adjust their messaging and boost engagement by fostering a more active and personalized online community.

Speed is another essential factor. Reacting quickly to social media trends and events can amplify a brand’s impact. A prime example is “La Velada del Año,” the most-watched digital event on Twitch, which peaked at over 4 million viewers and proved that this platform isn’t just for niche audiences. With nearly half a million social media mentions, many brands, like Vicio, capitalized on the event by listening closely to what their audience wanted, breaking records for new followers and engagement.

In short, social listening not only helps brands understand user needs and preferences but also provides valuable insights for developing marketing strategies. It reveals how competitors are engaging with their audiences, uncovers user perceptions and demands, and highlights opportunities to join relevant conversations.

So, are you making the most of social media to build meaningful relationships with your target audience?

*Source: GWI Spain (16-64 years)