Article by Sarah Woodhouse, Director, AMBITIOUS PR
Generation Z presents a particular obstacle to conventional marketing – why? Because of fundamental differences in their distinctive online behaviour, and their expectations of brands.
Building up an understanding of this generation can really pay off. They are due to be the highest-earning generation ever recorded. Researchers at Morgan Stanley have observed that the age category, born between 1997 and 2012, is rapidly climbing, and now constitutes $360 billion in disposable income.
What do Gen Z like?
Generation Z have grown up with access to all kinds of marketing material imaginable. To get their attention, you need to say something unique.
They like original content that is imaginative, captivating, and quick to absorb. They want information that is uniquely targeted to them because they are the world’s most diverse generation. In fact, the younger generation spends countless hours, whether intentionally or unintentionally, modifying social media algorithms to suit their tastes. The majority of them are social media users and consume video and audio content numerous times every day.
Strong ethos and values
Generation Z are very worried about societal concerns like the Black Lives Matter movement and the rights of LGBTQ+ people. They favour activism over passivism and base their purchase decisions on business ethics and social responsibility. Social media content is viewed as a way to gain knowledge as well as a tool for activism, raising awareness and empowerment. Brands that adhere to the same principles and values as Generation Z are the ones they want to support.
Authenticity and transparency
Generation Z are tech-savvy consumers who will only support brands that aren’t morally dubious as they can recognise when ethically ambiguous brands are mimicking progressive values for commercial gain. 40% of Generation Z is likely to stop buying products from companies that don’t seem to share their ideals. Transparency is essential in Gen Z marketing.
Create strong relationships
Marketing trends indicate that the best method to connect with the Gen Z audience is through interactive content. They value material that enhances their brand experience. This is why interactive content like polls, augmented reality, and quizzes encourages their participation. Generation Z like individualised interactions because they want to have a relationship with a brand.
Involve influencers
Influencers are well-liked among Gen Z consumers, who generally believe that larger businesses are unreliable. As a result, influencer marketing is crucial to Gen Z social media. Gen Z marketing campaigns that engage smaller influencers provide them a reliable, honest perspective. Using influencers is one of the best Gen Z marketing strategies.
The video generation
Gen Z prefer video material over all other types, favouring Reels, Instagram Stories, and TikTok videos. They are, nevertheless, intolerant of content that doesn’t immediately attract their attention. Gen Z’s attention span is roughly 8 seconds, compared to Millennials’ 12-second attention span for online information.
They prefer raw, unedited material over the polished, carefully managed aesthetics that the Millennial generation favoured.
Avoid the hard sell
Gen Z were exposed to advertisements from an early age since they are digital natives, so conventional marketing strategies don’t work. When younger consumers are being sold anything, they can tell right away. In fact, 99% of them acknowledge that they frequently skip advertising. Gen Z prefers to take part in an authentic, individualised experience that is centred on relevant individuals.
Implementing these strategies will aid your business’s reach far into the future, increasing brand loyalty and converting the Gen Z to become buying customers of your brand.
