Let's start with some basics ... America's tweens spend billions of their own dollars each year on purchases for themselves, and also have considerable influence over major family purchase decisions. They are Internet-savvy, highly social consumers. Not surprisingly, thousands of marketers are trying to attract their attention when they go online. Building truly engaging content is the single most effective way to reach these potential customers. Nothing can replace the power of truly meaningful content that matters to tweens. Once that is in place, it is important to consider some realities when addressing this cohort, which generally includes kids ages 8 to 14. 1. Tweens jump around. They do not sit still, and they do not spend all their time in one environment. But they do spend a LOT of time on the Internet. You need to be where they are most of the time, which is everywhere on the Internet. 2. Tweens want a voice. Your site should give them plenty outlets, so let them manage their own accounts, create content, easily post their opinions. This content can be very influential because as any of you know who are raising a person of this age, tweens listen to each other more than anyone else. 3. Tweens have an endless appetite for interaction. It is important to give them a means to connect with others and talk to each other... whether it be chat, a forum or sharing tools. Let me now recommend a free tool that can help you capture the attention of tweens and addresses these characteristics. A few months ago we created our own community toolbar using Conduit and we are really happy with the results. Here is why I like it: