As you grow your business, one of the most important things you can do is tap into the millennial dollar.
But how do you market to millennials?
You probably already know that technology is an essential part of the equation. After all, millennials grew up in a world of technology.
But at the same time, it can be hard to reach them because they are used to technology — and often filter out more direct marketing efforts aimed at them.
So, how can you reach them more effectively? Here are three strategies that might help you in your efforts to get millennials on your side:
1. Make Your Marketing Interesting and Shareable
When you market to millennials, it’s important to understand that they trust people in their social networks. Because of this, your social media marketing campaigns need to focus more on providing something interesting and useful that people want to share in their networks.
It’s a lot like word-of-mouth advertising — but online. Look for ways to build positive buzz and get millennials interested in your brand by offering something worth sharing with their friends and other network members.
It’ll be more effective in the long run, and you might be surprised at the conversions you get.
2. Cultivate a Brand Image of Doing Good
I’m someone who is very close to millennials in age, as well as philosophy. I understand the interest that many millennials have in causes that go beyond them.
If you can show that your brand has a purpose beyond just making money and that you support worthy causes. You do need to be genuine, though. The reality is that millennials also value authenticity. So you need to find a cause that you truly believe in, and that can also be attractive to millennial sensibilities.
By partnering with a non-profit, or showing that you care by joining Pledge 1% or similar initiatives, you can show that you’re socially conscious, as well as a hip brand.
There’s a lot going on here, and you need to make sure that you’re paying attention to what matters to consumers as you work to connect with them, no matter the platform you use.
3. Use Multimedia Efforts
It’s also important to speak to millennials where they are — using methods they prefer. In many cases, this can actually mean video. According to research, most millennials look at video content as part of their research before making a purchase decision.
Don’t rule out using high-quality video as you put together a campaign designed to market to millennials. You can use good video efforts to reach millennials who like that type of content.
However, even as you put together well-produced videos, don’t forget about live video, which can also sometimes reach people.
And don’t forget about some other types of media, including audio. Podcasts can be one way to reach millennials.
While you don’t have to try to be everywhere and do everything, think about where your millennial audience hangs out, whether it’s Instagram or Snapchat or some other network. Also, consider what type of media works well with your product or service and make it a point to use that media to reach your potential millennial consumers.
Even though Gen Z is on its way up, the truth is that by next year millennials are expected to be the biggest consumer demographic. Learning to market to millennials effectively is an important part of you efforts.
