| Most of us have witnessed the changing demographic | | | | and expect their extensive network of friends and |
| in the United States over the past few years: | | | | family to buy your product or service as well. |
| Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the | | | | Here are a few tips for those businesses interested in |
| United States. This phenomenon is not new to border | | | | gaining Latino loyalty: |
| states such as Texas and California, but for those | | | | 1. Speak their language! Numerous polls have shown |
| who live in the Midwest, Central United States, or New | | | | that Latinos to make important buying decisions in |
| England, this changing demographic can still seem | | | | Spanish. Translate your business's website and |
| surprising. | | | | marketing materials. This is extremely affordable and |
| One mistake many businesses make is neglecting this | | | | easy. For affordable Spanish translation services, go to |
| lucrative Latino market segment. Did you know that | | | | |
| Spanish-speakers now constitute 15% of the US | | | | 2. Most larger newspapers now have a |
| population? With a buying power of $860 billion in 2007, | | | | Spanish-speaking section or separate Spanish |
| businesses should be competing aggressively for | | | | language publication, and very few businesses |
| Latino customers rather than neglecting them. Most | | | | advertise there. Imagine if you are a realtor and post |
| companies underestimate or completely ignore | | | | an ad in the Spanish section of your local paper. You |
| Hispanic purchasing power. | | | | could be the only realtor listed, instantly gaining a huge |
| The statistics speak for themselves: The Hispanic | | | | minority market. Even better, many times it's cheaper |
| population is growing nearly twice as fast as the | | | | to place an ad in the Spanish section or publication. |
| general US population (8.2% versus 4.9%). Also, | | | | 3. Learn about Latino culture. Even knowing a few |
| because of larger family size, Latinos spend more on | | | | Spanish or "Spanglish" words is not only fun, but helps |
| everything from groceries to clothing. Even better, | | | | you relate to your (future) Latino customers. |
| Hispanics are extremely loyal customers: satisfy one | | | | |