How To Engage & Convert Gen Z Audiences
Who Is Generation Z?
Generation Zers are defined as individuals born in and after 1997. This audience grew up during the rise of mobile tech and lived through the Great Recession of 2008. They exist in the midst of large social justice movements, and many Gen Zers don’t know and won’t learn how to write in cursive.
Plus, Gen Zers have almost always known the existence of gender fluidity, and only 73% of the generation claim to be completely heterosexual. Gen Z is also the largest and most ethnically diverse generation yet, and they’re 77% in favor of interracial marriages and 66% in favor of marriage equality, according to Business Insider.
What Interests Generation Z?
Gen Zers gravitate toward socially and ecologically responsible brands. They like interacting with brands on social media sites but prefer purchasing products in-person.
In a study promoted by Business Insider, Generation Zers admit their top five favorite brands are Hershey’s, Netflix, Oreo, Doritos and YouTube, which is predictable when noting that many of these brands were early adopters of robust digital marketing strategies involving direct engagement with consumers.
How Do Generation Zers Differ From Millennials?
While millennials love Facebook, Gen Z is obsessed with more visual platforms, like YouTube and Snapchat. Millennials love preppy brands like Ralph Lauren, but Gen Zers are wearing athleisure from Nike and Adidas.
While both generations are struggling with debt, Gen Zers are much more interested in purchasing houses than millennials are. In fact, 83% of Gen Zers plan on buying homes within the next five years, and 100,000 Gen Zers already own homes, according to MarketWatch.
Gen Zers tend to have a more positive outlook than millennials, and overall, they report to be less stressed than their immediate elders.
How Can Brands Interact With Generation Z?
Generation Z spends more time on YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat than they do watching Netflix, Hulu and cable. One of the easiest ways for brands to interact with Gen Z is to adopt an entirely digital marketing strategy. Investing in digital marketing and optimizing organic search may help steal the win with Gen Z.
Aside from Snapchat Ads and Instagram Stories, brands can recruit social media influencers to get their products or services in front of Gen Z. This may provoke positive response from Gen Z, seeing as younger individuals resonate more with influencers than they do with traditional TV spots.
Generation Zers are known for their love of technology and specifically their smartphones. To spread brand awareness amongst the youngest generation, hop aboard online avenues and implement a strong digital marketing strategy.
Each new generation brings its own set of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors forcing marketers to focus on the purchasing power these consumers have today and strategies that build loyalty for tomorrow.
Are you looking to engage and convert Gen Z audiences?
Digital Media Solutions (DMS) is a technology-enabled, data-driven performance advertising solutions provider connecting consumers and advertisers. Contact DMS today to learn how our first-party data asset, proprietary technology and expansive digital media reach can help you scale your customer acquisition results.