5 Ways To Market to Gen Z

Yo boomers (and millennials). This one’s for you.

Are you ready to learn how to market to Gen Z? These young, “hip”, and tech-savvy individuals are the future of consumerism, and they have a unique set of values, preferences, and habits that you need to understand if you want to reach them effectively.

But fear not, dear marketers! We are here to guide you through the ins and outs of Gen Z. We even brought some data to the table. So channel your inner Gen Z, grab your avocado toast and a matcha latte, and let’s get into it.

Be authentic

Gen Z is a generation that values authenticity above all else. According to a study by Edelman, 73% of Gen Z consumers buy or advocate for brands based on their beliefs and values. So make sure what you stand for is clearly communicated. The more authentic you are, the more likely Gen Z is to trust and engage with your brand.

Use social media wisely

If you want to reach Gen Z, you need to be where they are: on social media. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 95% of teens in the US have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online “almost constantly”

But don’t just post anything on social media – take time to learn each platform. Understand how people communicate and find a natural way to inject your brand’s voice to the conversation.

Leverage user-generated content

One of the most effective ways to reach Gen Z is through user-generated content. This generation loves to create and share their own content, so why not harness that energy for your brand’s marketing? 35% of Gen Z believes that in the next 3-5 years, user-generated content will have more credibility than content created by a company.

Embrace diversity and inclusivity

Gen Z is one of the most diverse and inclusive generations in history, and they (rightfully) expect the brands they support to reflect those values. As a matter of fact, according to Pew Research, Gen Z is on track to become THE most diverse, inclusive, and best-educated generation yet.

Keep it short and sweet

Skip everything else and read the last sentence of this paragraph. Remember that Gen Z has a notoriously short attention span. They’re used to consuming bite-sized content on their phones, so don’t expect them to sit through long videos or read lengthy blog posts – it won’t happen. A study done by Yahoo and Omnicom Media Group found that Gen Z loses active attention after just 1.3 seconds. Gen Z has a really tiny attention span, so cut to the chase or they won’t give you the time of day.