Let’s be real – if you are not mastering marketing for the Gen Z demographic, you are already falling behind. This generation moves fast, and staying on top of their trends is key to winning in the ever-changing digital world.
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is changing the marketing game with their fresh preferences and bold behaviours. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are their playgrounds, so if you are not showing up where they are, you are missing out.
Here’s your go-to guide for levelling up your Gen Z marketing, straight from one of our own Gen Z team members!
The Rise of Gen Z: A digital powerhouse
Gen Z now makes up a wild 40 per cent of all consumers. They have grown up with the Internet in their back pocket, scrolling and swiping since day one.
They don’t want to wait – short, snappy, and engaging content is their vibe. Forget long ads or stuffy brochures. If you want to keep up, your strategy needs to hit them fast, fun, and digital-first.
Trends to watch
User-Generated Content (UGC): Keeping it real
Gen Z can spot fake from a mile away. They’re all about authenticity, and UGC (content created by your customers) is where it’s at.
Whether you’re a small biz or a big brand, showing that you listen and care about real people’s opinions helps you build trust. UGC is your golden ticket to connecting with this audience on a real level.
UGC is your ticket to connecting on a human level. Take Canva, for instance. They encourage businesses to share their Canva-created designs using hashtags like #CanvaDesigns. By featuring these designs across their social media and blog, Canva not only celebrates their users but also showcases the practical value of their service in a way that’s relatable and real.
Influencer Marketing: Collaborate and conquer
Influencers are basically Gen Z’s shopping buddies. But here’s the kicker – you don’t need an A-lister. Micro-influencers or local creators with loyal followings can bring the personal vibe your brand needs.
Find influencers who align with your brand’s energy and let them work their magic. A notable example is HelloFresh Australia, which partners with food bloggers and lifestyle influencers who share their cooking experiences with HelloFresh meal kits. By using influencers that fit their brand’s values, HelloFresh showcases how their service seamlessly integrates into a busy lifestyle, making it relatable and appealing to a Gen Z audience.
We’ve even got a guide to Influencer Marketing ready to help you slide into this trend!
Eye-catching content: Be bold
In a world of constant online content consumption, creating visually striking and engaging graphics and videos is essential. Gen Z is drawn to content that stands out and captures their attention quickly. Invest in high-quality visuals and creative storytelling to differentiate your brand from the competition and keep your audience engaged.
A great example of this is MECCA, they use vibrant imagery, bold colours, and creative layouts in their marketing. From high-quality product photography to eye-catching animations and quick how-to videos, MECCA’s visually stunning content grabs attention while reflecting the brand’s fresh, dynamic vibe. This approach keeps their audience engaged and excited about what’s next.
Interactive experiences: Engage through gamification
Gen Z is scrolling fast, so your content needs to pop – fast. Vibrant visuals, bold designs, and videos that get to the point are essential. High-quality, creative storytelling will help you break through the noise and keep your brand top of mind.
Cisco exemplifies this approach with their Cisco Webex Virtual Events. They allow participants to interact in real time during webinars, join live Q&As, and explore product features through demos. These hands-on experiences make the learning process fun and engaging, while also showcasing their service capabilities to other businesses.
Social Commerce: Shopping made simple
Gen Z doesn’t want to bounce between apps to shop. Social commerce – where they can buy straight from a post – is where it’s at. From shoppable posts to live stream shopping, it’s all about making the purchase process easy and quick.
HubSpot has mastered this on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. They promote resources like eBooks and webinars with direct calls to action. Through integrated social commerce tools, businesses can sign up for demos or download valuable resources with just a click, making it seamless to take the next step.
We’re always on top of the latest marketing trends to make sure your business stands out. From Gen Z preferences to the ever-changing digital landscape, we’ve got the expertise to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Feeling like you’re not quite ‘slaying’ your Gen Z marketing strategy? Unsure if you’re ‘understanding the assignment’ when it comes to engaging with this dynamic audience?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
