Millennials and Generation Z. The two demographics that most businesses are trying to target.

• Millennials. The largest demographic since the baby boomers. Born between 1980 to 1995, they are the generation that bridge the gap between traditional practices and new technology.
• Generation Z, also known as iGeneration or Post-Millennials. Born between 1996 and 2010, this generation grew up with technology. 92% of this generation have a smart device.

Both demographics are seen as more care-free in comparison to former generations. They are a generation that have lived through a recession and big social changes. They are more self-aware. This means marketing towards them is going to be completely different in comparison to previous generations.

In this week’s blog we will go through a couple of tips on how to market towards Millennials and Post-Millennials.

Millennials Don't Respond to Traditional Advertising

Being more aware of their surroundings and “woke” as they like to say, Millennials and Post-Millennials can usually see through traditional advertising. Less than 60% of the two groups combined say they click on adverts with the majority saying they do not trust them.

With this in mind, you need to make sure you change your techniques. Use different language. Rather than speaking at the audience, speak with them. Utilise different avenues as well, such as sponsored posts that are shown directly in a person’s feed as opposed to display advertising which is sidelined and rarely noticed, or other content such a videos, infographics or fun posts such as Buzzfeed.

Make sure you use conversational language, use high quality imagery and shots that show an aspiring lifestyle. Don’t be obvious with your advertising.

Millennials Love Social Media

Over 80% of individuals aged between 18 and 35 use social media. Whether it is Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, a Millennial or Post-Millennial is definitely subscribed to it and using it a lot.

Social media is a platform where a lot of these two groups get information. Whether it is checking through Facebook and seeing reviews or going on Twitter and checking a Hashtag. So it is important to make sure you are present on social media. Facebook and Twitter are the usual two that businesses utilise, but others like Snapchat or Instagram are fast becoming a top choice for marketing.

For more tips on how to improve your social media game, check out these blogs:

• Better Tips for Social Media
• SnapChat for Business

Engage, Engage, Engage!

Following on from the previous point, once you are on social media, it is important to engage with your audience!

It isn’t much just to be on social media. You need to make sure your content is engaging. Remember these groups of people can see through traditional advertising, so you do not want your social media to be just promo stuff.

Make sure your content personifies you as a brand but engages with the audience. Ask their opinion and show that you are listening to what they have to say. Show behind the scene bits to give them a look at what goes on. Give your followers shout outs and respond to their tweets or messages. Make sure you respond quickly as well. If someone has a question, respond within 24 hours. Any longer and it could turn people off. Remember, these groups of people are used to things being instant, so make sure you are quick!

Another great way to get people engaging and involved is having a dedicated hashtag. Here are a few great examples of successful hashtag campaigns:

https://www.tintup.com/blog/7-examples-of-successful-hashtag-campaigns/

New Perspective

Millennials and Post-Millennials may seem like a tough crowd of people to market to, but that isn’t true at all. You just need to understand that the new generation is that. New.

They need a new strategy to market towards and a new message. Change is always good and learning about the new generations and understanding the way they think is the best thing you can do for your business. So keep the above tips in mind and you could win over the Millennials in no time!

Feature Image: Photo by Jacob Ufkes on Unsplash