Facebook started in 2004 as a social networking site meant to connect Harvard students. It has since grown to become one of the most popular and visited social media networks. With Facebook accounting for 42 percent of monthly social media visits, this platform can offer many advantages to your business.

One of the most significant benefits of Facebook is its users. Out of all online users, 62% of ages 65+, 72% of ages 50 to 64, 84% of ages 30 to 49, and 88% of ages 18 to 29 are all on Facebook. This means that the majority of each age group is utilizing Facebook regularly. With over 2.4 billion monthly users, your target audience is bound to be on this platform. And with the average user having 155 friends, your content could potentially be shared exponentially among your target audience.

Not only are consumers using Facebook, but they're staying on there for an extended period of time. The average time spent on Facebook per visit is 35 minutes, with 74 percent of Facebook users visiting the site daily. That’s a massive amount of time and is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business to that audience while they are on the platform.

While it’s good to know that consumers are using Facebook, it's also essential to understand how they are accessing the platform. Ninety-six percent of Facebook users access the site via a mobile device. This means that you need to tailor your content and posts to be mobile-friendly.

Facebook can be an excellent tool for your business. With a broad and diverse audience, you’re bound to find new and exciting ways to promote your company.

Dani James is a Marketing Specialist and writer for Atwill Media. She has a bachelor's degree in Strategic Communications from Arkansas State University with focuses in Public Relations, Advertising, and Social Media Management.

When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading a good book, and watching The Office.