Milliennials make up a huge portion of the population, as they comprise anyone between the ages of 18 and 34. Millennials are more than the stereotype of being selfie obsessed and narcissistic; this group is extremely diverse and requires a broad range of marketing tactics to capture their attention.
Focus on individual groups
Millennials are a diverse group and require a marketing strategy that focuses on individual groups as opposed to targeting millennials as a whole. Millennials are adventure-driven and have a different sense of groupings than what older generations may associate with. Instead of connecting with those in their life stage, millennials associate with those who have similar lifestyle values. Various groupings may be those who are an ally of a certain social cause or those who identify with a celebrity. Instead of forming relationships with people in the same age group as themselves, millennials cling on to their peers who relate to their values and beliefs.
Build a community
Millennials thrive off of Facebook posts, YouTube videos, and Buzzfeed lists their friend’s share. Many millennials are not familiar with a world sin smartphones or the Internet. This generation grew up with social media and the idea of creating an online community for sharing. Millennials are much more likely to purchase a product or service from a business that is recommended by one of their friends. To get referrals for your business, you must build a community by engaging with your current and potential customers. Show that you can follow through on your promises to change perspectives and solve real life problems. Maintain relevancy with millennials by identifying with the causes they care about.
Be socially responsible
Brands like TOMS and Warby Parker are loved because they give back and are built on social responsibility. Millennials are responsive to the world around them – they are adventure seekers and environmentalists that are conscious of what goes on around the globe. Millennials want to purchase from businesses they can identify with and this includes promoting philanthropic causes. This generation wants to feel noble and as if they are making a difference with everything they do. Build off of this feeling by showcasing the philanthropies and causes your business has developed relationships with.
Maintain transparency
Growing up with financial scandal and political secrecy, millennials want businesses to be transparent and open with their operations. If a company is secretive about how it works, millennials will be turned away from further contact with that company. To avoid seeming closed off, respond to comments your business receives on social media. Share information about your company, including employee profiles and news updates. Make sure you relay to your audience that they are an integral part of your business.
As a generation with huge buying power, millennials make up a big portion of the population that your business should be targeting. By employing creative marketing strategies that capture the attention of millennials, your company will thrive in this age market. What other ways can marketers target millennials?