Or should I say, what’s your social media sign?  Are you an avid Tweeter or a more dedicated Facebook Friend?

Research suggests that Twitter and Facebook users differ based more on psychographic characteristics rather than simple demographics.

Two-thirds of daily Facebook users are fans of a brand, and about four in 10 daily Twitter users follow a company or brand.  So as marketers, it’s important to know why and how consumers are using these social networks in order to develop marketing messages better tailored to each specific audience.

A recent report from eMarketer shows that users that have the greatest focus on becoming fans of brands are motivated by trendy topics, entertainment and like the ability to publicly show support for brands.  Using Facebook to promote messages that are informational as well as entertaining can be greatly effective.

Facebook provides a longer lasting informational cycle.  Although users might not see your marketing message instantaneously, the information is routed around a bit longer.  Whereas messages communicated on Twitter are short lived and move quickly.

Twitter appeals most to consumers who want to feel up to date with the latest news and announcements.  Twitterers want knowledge, to be the first to hear about everything. Communicating information about new products and services, up-to-date company news announcements or the launch of a new sales and promotion initiative would catch attention.

Understanding how consumers’ prefer to communicate will help you choose the right tool based on your marketing message and allow you to craft messages that are effective and get noticed.

So what’s your social media sign?  We’d love to hear how you’re using Twitter or Facebook. Share your success stories with us here.