5 Tips Marketing to Gen Z begins with them becoming forty percent of all consumers by 2020. And, unlike any other consumer generation before them here is what you need to know.
You may be thinking, I’ve dealt with Baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials, so what is any different about Gen Z? As noted, they will become a major percentage of the consumer base next year. Moreover, it is worth pointing out that they are the first generation that has spent their “entire” lives with social media.
From generation to generation we see social and corporate shifts. This includes the shifts in corporate structure from top-down to a more collaborative team-driven approach, the adoption of more flexible work schedules and open office space. it has also seen a rise in the adoption of social responsibility, and the types of messages promoted and the way they are delivered.
While everyone before Gen Z adapted to the introduction of social media, they were born into it. When kids are born into an existing or new technology, they seem to have an innate understanding of it. My Godson at age four is using mobile and tablet devices — as well as a laptop — better than many boomers today. And his sister, all of 1 1/2 isn’t far behind him.
Social media was seen as the end-all open network that would usher in a utopian connectin around the globe. It has made the world a bit smaller, allowing people from distant parts of the planet to learn from one another, while also recently seeing Twitter and Facebook becoming a place to promote misinformation, Governments are struggling with social media. And, especially with misinformation is impacting public opinion, and thus, elections around the world. like India
So the “digital natives” as they are referred to, are having a big impact on company brands. They are the most diverse, opinioned generation is history. It is no longer just about pushing content to them, but what kind of content, the packing of the content, and narrowly focusing on who that content is packaged for. Gen Z absorbs and relates to social media differently then those before them. So to reach and engage them, you have to rethink your strategies.
If you want to tap their interest and attention, you have to understand their perspective of social media.
To capture the attention of Gen Z, brands have to adjust from the marketing tactics of old, and embrace authenticity, transparency, value, and social responsibility. Also, if a Gen Zer does like your brand, they’ll actually promote it for you, as they live in a world where they share everything — from photos of where they are to what they’re eating.
We all know the words, but what do they relate to today’s business world?
Brands that want to be successful in 2020 are going to need the support of Gen Z, and Gen Z is forcing brands to become more what they should have been all along — honest, authentic, creative, and responsible.