Laura James
- Aug 25, 2023
- 5 min read

HOW TO MARKET TO MILLENNIALS VS GEN Z: STRATEGIES THAT WORK

Updated: Jan 21

Gen Z and Millennials have been the focus of significant marketing attention due to their enormous buying power and influence on trends. However, the two groups have unique characteristics, which leads to different marketing strategies for brand design. Let's compare these strategies.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND BACKGROUND OF MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials (born 1981-1996): They grew up during the dawn of the internet era, witnessed the introduction of social media platforms, and have adapted to technology through its developmental stages.
Gen Z (born 1997 onward): This generation has never known a world without the internet or smartphones. They're digital natives with different attitudes towards technology, communication, and brand interaction.

MARKETING PLATFORMS TO REACH MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials: Brands targeting this generation often utilise Facebook, Instagram, email campaigns, and even Pinterest. Influencer marketing also gained prominence with this group.
Gen Z: They favour platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and newer features of Instagram (like Stories). They're more video-centric, and shorter, engaging video content appeals to them.

BRAND DESIGN PREFERENCES OF MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials: They appreciate authentic storytelling, nostalgia (think the return of retro designs or brands from their childhood), and values-driven brands. A clean, modern design with a touch of nostalgia often resonates with them.
Gen Z: They lean toward bold, dynamic, and interactive designs. They also appreciate diversity and representation in marketing, favouring brands that portray real people with varied lifestyles. Authenticity is essential, but it's more about relatability for Gen Z.

ENGAGEMENT AND INTERACTIVITY TO APPEAL TO MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials: While they appreciate interactivity, they're also content with passive content consumption. They were the primary consumers of the blog era, reading long-form content and engaging in the comments section.
Gen Z: They prefer more active engagement. Features that allow them to interact, customise, or co-create are particularly attractive. They're more likely to engage with polls, stickers, AR (Augmented Reality) filters, and interactive videos.

VALUES AND ETHICS WHEN IT COMES TO MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials: They were some of the first to champion "voting with their dollar," supporting brands that have sustainable practices, ethical manufacturing, and social responsibility. Storytelling around these values can make a brand more attractive to them.
Gen Z: While they also care about ethics and sustainability, they demand transparency. They're adept at spotting performative actions and are quick to call out brands that don't stay true to their word. For them, brands must walk the talk.

CUSTOMISATION AND PERSONALISATION FOR MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials: They enjoy a degree of personalisation, especially during their online shopping experiences. Recommendations based on past behaviours or preferences can enhance their brand experience.
Gen Z: They take personalisation a step further. They want products tailored to their preferences and experiences that allow them to express their individuality. This means options for customisation, limited edition products, and interactive design features.

BRAND LOYALTY AND TRUST FOR MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z

Millennials: They tend to be brand loyal if they believe in the company's values and mission. However, they're also savvy shoppers who will compare prices and reviews before making a purchase.
Gen Z: While they can be brand loyal, especially to brands that have earned their trust, they're also more experimental and willing to try new brands. They rely heavily on peer recommendations, and viral trends can quickly sway their preferences.

While there's overlap between the two generations, understanding their unique traits and preferences can guide brands in tailoring their marketing strategies effectively. It's crucial to avoid broad generalisations and focus on comprehensive data breakdown to target subsets within each generation.

Here are specific marketing tips tailored for each generation.

HOW TO MARKET TO MILLENNIALS

Storytelling is Key: Focus on creating a brand narrative that communicates your values, mission, and brand journey. Millennials resonate with brands that have a genuine story.
Engage through Experiences: Organise or sponsor events, workshops, and experiences. Think pop-up shops or interactive events that offer value and memorable experiences.
Leverage Influencers: While influencer marketing works for both generations, Millennials were the first to truly engage with it. Collaborate with trusted voices in your industry.
Content Marketing: Create high-quality blogs, articles, and infographics. This generation appreciates deep dives and thorough examinations of topics.
Email Campaigns: While some deem it old-fashioned, many Millennials still engage with well-crafted, personalised email campaigns.
Loyalty Programs: Offer rewards for repeat business. This not only incentivises purchases but also fosters a sense of belonging.
Transparent Communication: Be open about your business practices, especially in terms of sustainability, ethical manufacturing, etc.

HOW TO MARKET TO GEN Z

Short, Engaging Content: Use platforms like TikTok or Instagram Stories to create bite-sized, impactful content.
Interactive Features: Embrace technologies like AR, VR, and interactive filters to engage this tech-savvy audience. Think Snapchat filters or Instagram effects.
Diversity & Inclusivity: Ensure your marketing materials reflect a broad spectrum of people and lifestyles. Gen Z values representation and will champion brands that get it right.
User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage them to create content for your brand. This can be through contests, hashtags, or challenges. They value co-creation and expression.
Real-time Engagement: Platforms like Twitch, where real-time streaming and engagement is possible, can be effective.
Community Building: They want to belong and be a part of movements. Use platforms like Discord to create communities around your brand or product.
Transparency and Authenticity: If you make a mistake, own up to it. If you make a claim, back it up. This generation is adept at fact-checking and values honesty.
Focus on Peer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, testimonials, or share experiences on social media. Gen Z relies heavily on peer recommendations.
Environmental and Social Initiatives: More than just stating your brand's commitment, show it in action. Document and share your brand's efforts towards sustainability, charity, or other social causes.

While these tips can guide your marketing strategies, you need to be adaptable. Millennials and Gen Z have subsets within their demographics, and cultural, regional, or personal preferences can vary widely. Stay up to date with research, continually analyse the effectiveness of your strategies, and innovate often.

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