Genre: Instruction

Show some respect Too many have stumbled into brand-killing faux pas when it comes to the way they portray seniors in their marketing . Take Taco Bell , for instance . Its meant-too-be-funny-but-was n't - well-received Super Bowl commercial blew up the blogosphere with people claiming the company hates old people . That likely is n't what they intended to do . Sure they 're engaging with family and friends ( new and old ) , but they 're sharing photos , playing social games and taking part in contests and promotions . Show them the facts Bring it to them You may have all manner of interesting stuff on other platforms , but those older customers likely wo n't ever see it . They 're not likely to chase after the latest app or social networking site , but that does n't mean they wo n't find the content on those sites interesting . The power of the referral If there ever was a time to have others sing your praises , this is it . The 50 and older crowd put a lot of weight into referrals . They 've heard all the claims advertising makes for too long and now just want to know what experiences others have had . Make yourself available Back in their day , not having great customer service was n't an option . Customer service used to be the rule , not the exception to it . Here 's your chance to be that for this generation . Incorporate live chat options for customers on your website , be responsive to customer questions and concerns on your Facebook wall , etc. A final wor