Marketers are encouraged to learn to understand and embrace Gen Z. This generation is socially conscious, forward thinking, ambitious, and committed. All their lives they have had access to the Internet and a great deal of technology. While they may not currently be your target audience, by 2020 they will represent almost half of all consumers. Therefore, it is vital to connect with this generation and build lasting relationships.
They yearn for honesty and authenticity
While the relationship is important to forming a connection with Gen Z, attempts to look cool will turn out to be false and inauthentic when you try too hard. These young people act like adults and want to be treated that way.
Instead of focusing on current verbiage, marketers should pay attention to viral trends. Find a fun and unique way to incorporate such trends into your marketing campaign to forge a connection.
Authenticity, transparency, and honesty are traits that must be implemented at the core. To apply these three important traits, you must make a connection on your own terms. You must be willing not only to grab their attention, but also to bring value to your interactions with Gen Z.
Reconsideration of social media
The influence of social media on Gen Z is unprecedented. For many years, relationships, health, and financial success have been key to happiness. However, for this generation, social media directly affects their happiness. To connect with them through this platform, you must find a way to make them feel heroic.
Justify the impact
In many ways, this generation feels that they have been living in a corrupt world. They have seen war, recession, and terrorism as part of everyday life. They are worried about the future, but ready to act.
This generation wants jobs that impact the world. In addition, they want to buy products that impact the environment and society. They want brands that have an impact and can show it.
Gen Z wants products that are aligned with the causes they consider important. Give them tools that make them believe they are making the world better. Establish innovative marketing campaigns that add value without a self-centered appearance.
Visual leverage
The average consumer of this generation will see hundreds of thousands of ads before their 15th birthday. Naturally, they know how to determine the things that matter. Therefore, the goal should be to create content that is comfortable to connect with Gen Z effectively and quickly.
Many brands have found that one of the best ways to accomplish such a feat is through the use of GIFs. These work because everyone relates to them. A GIF is short and lines up perfectly with your filter for making decisions.
Help with building your brand
Gen Z stood by and watched as millennials struggled to find work after graduating from college. Therefore, they are well aware of the importance of finding valuable work as soon as possible.
This generation is not satisfied with packing groceries on the local nickel and dime. Instead, they are spending their time volunteering, building boats online, and becoming ambassadors. They are always looking for ways to build their personal brand.
Invite them to be a part of your brand while they work on their own. Influencer campaigns, social media ambassadors, and virtual focus groups make them feel like they’re engaged with your brand. This will ensure their loyalty as they increase their online presence.
Gen Z is a serious bunch of realists. They are constantly looking for new solutions. As long as you pay attention to them and learn to speak their language, they will be willing to join forces with your brand.
