Marketing To Gen-Z in 2023 the Right Way (Easy Tips)

Marketing to Gen-Z might not be as straight forward as one might think. The Generation Z crowd is the most tech-savvy, social media loving generation yet. Most of them are content creators during their spare time. So if you’re looking to market to Gen Z in 2023, you’re in the right place!

Gen Z is the term used for those people born between 1997 and 2012. They are practically glued to their phones, constantly scrolling, liking, and sharing. They are consuming content like there’s no tomorrow, making them an ideal audience for brands to target. 

So, how do you get this young and active crowd to notice your brand? 

This guide will reveal six strategies to consider when marketing to Generation Z. Be sure to grab the bonus tip at the end of this guide.

Marketing To Gen-Z in 2023: 6 Easy Marketing Strategies

1. There is value in humor.
2. Know their slangs.
3. Share educational and inspiring content.
4. Keep contents snappy and short.
5. Be a transparent brand.
6. Focus on omnichannel marketing.

1. There is value in humor

Ready to dive into our first marketing strategy for Generation Z in 2023? It all comes down to the importance of humor. Yes, you read that right – humor! Here’s why.

Gen Z, like many of us, enjoys humorous content. Think about those funny TikTok videos that you can’t help but share with your friends. They are fun to watch and often make a strong emotional connection between the person watching and the person making the content. This is a golden chance for brands to connect with people in Gen Z. After all, if a brand can make you laugh, you are more likely to remember it, correct?

Now, let’s talk about the types of humor that Generation Z enjoys. Although it is subjective, let us look at some successful examples. 

Duolingo’s TikTok account is the first that comes to mind. They have mastered the art of humor by using their mascot in humorous videos with sassy captions and by quickly jumping on viral trends. This strategy attracted the interest of numerous Gen Z users, resulting in favorable brand associations and app downloads.

Another fantastic example is Rare Beauty’s April Fool campaign. They made a giant version of their best-selling product to appeal to Gen Z’s humor and sassiness. It was well-received when it was revealed to be a joke, demonstrating that, when done correctly, humor can be an effective way to engage with this demographic.

So, what’s the main point? Don’t be afraid to add a little humor to the social media strategy for your brand. It could be the secret ingredient to winning over Gen Z.

2. Know their slangs

Ready for the second marketing strategy to charm Gen Z? It is about mastering their language, or “knowing their slang,” as we’ll call it.

Generational slang has been around for a long time. Remember when people were labeled “losers” by millennials? Gen Z, on the other hand, has their own take on it: they use ‘L’s. However, it is more than just keeping up with the latest abbreviations. It is about showing Gen Z that your brand is relevant, relatable, and trying to speak their language.

When you use Gen Z slang in your content, it’s like a secret code that says, “Hey, we get you, and we are here for you.” It shows them that your brand understands their world and isn’t just trying to sell to them for no reason. For example, if a member of Generation Z finds your content and recognizes the slang, they will know right away that you are talking their language.

And let’s not forget that Gen Z’s slang is humorous. So, if you use it well, it will not only make your content more relatable, but also more fun. However, there’s a catch. Don’t overdo it. Using slang should come naturally in your content and communication, like captions. If you use it too much, it can seem like you’re trying too hard, which can turn people off.

In a nutshell, if you want to win over Gen Z, you must speak their language – but do so naturally and with a sense of humor!

3. Share educational and inspiring content

Our third strategy may surprise you: it’s all about sharing educational and inspiring content.

We know that Generation Z spends a lot of time on social media and relies heavily on it to find information. This provides brands with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with them in a new and more meaningful way. It is not enough to sell a product or service; you also have to give something of value.

Think about this: Gen Z likes things that make them feel inspired or teach them something new. For example, a cafe could show what’s on the menu, which helps people decide what to eat. Or, a fashion brand could share a “style hack” that shows five different ways to wear a new dress. This content raises brand awareness and gives Gen Z consumers a sense of value.

Brands can learn from influencers who create guides and ‘how-to’ content. One particular platform that’s gaining popularity among Gen Z is the Lemon88 app. It is a place in which users contribute reviews, guides, and inspiration, whether it’s about photography, video editing, or content creation. Brands can use this platform to share detailed reviews or guides, influencing Gen Z without aggressively selling their products.

The beauty of educational and inspirational content is that it is not required to directly sell a product or service. Instead, it’s about adding value, increasing the credibility of the brand, and inspiring the audience. Also, let’s not forget that user-generated content (UGC) is very important to Gen Z. They’re more likely to buy a product if they see someone like them using it.

Simply put, marketing to Generation Z requires you to inform, motivate, and benefit. It’s not just about selling; it’s about connecting.

4. Keep contents snappy and short

Our fourth strategy for marketing to Generation Z is to keep content brief and concise. Why? Because Generation Z is known to have a short attention span. But it’s not quite as simple as that.

In today’s world, Generation Z has access to everything. They’re used to getting answers quickly and having everything at their fingertips. This need for immediate gratification shapes their habits of content consumption.

The key to making content for Generation Z is to make it clear and easy to understand. If you post a photo or infographic on Instagram, the audience should be able to understand what you’re trying to say with a single glance. Keep in mind that the goal is to make sure that nothing gets lost in the communication.

Here, humor is a great tool. When making videos for TikTok or Instagram Reels, the first few seconds are the most important. Some people even say that the first second is the most important. Videos are becoming more choppy and fast-paced, which makes people want to watch them again and again to catch every detail. This not only keeps people’s attention but also increases engagement, which can help the platform’s algorithm.

However, this does not imply that Gen Z cannot handle longer content. It all depends on the platform and the situation. For example, if they want to get ideas for travel, they might go to YouTube, where most videos are longer. The key is to keep people interested in the content, whether it’s through beautiful edits, funny vlogs, or useful information.

In the end, the goal of making content for Gen Z is to get and keep their attention, no matter what platform or how long the content is. Keep it short, keep it interesting, and remember that time is of the essence.

5. Be a transparent brand

The fifth strategy is all about embracing brand transparency. Generation Z values authenticity and transparency. But why is it so important?

The answer is simple: being honest makes people trust you. When a brand is open and honest with its audience, it builds a strong base of trust. As we all know, trust is essential to any successful relationship, personal or professional.

According to a McKinsey study from 2018, Gen Z is always looking for the truth, both in their personal lives and in the brands they choose to engage with. It is not only about the product; it is also about the values that the product and brand represent.

Gen Z is not afraid to hold companies accountable. They prefer to support brands that share their values and will boycott those that do not. So, it’s important for brands to not only be real and honest but also to make sure their values match those of Gen Z.

Another factor to consider is what Gen Z is currently interested in. For example, sustainability is a major concern for them right now. Don’t hide your company’s sustainable practices or initiatives. Share these efforts openly, because you can be sure that Gen Z consumers will notice and respect them.

In short, to be a transparent brand, you have to be honest about your values, your actions, and your promises. It’s about showing Generation Z that your brand is trustworthy and relatable. And remember, authenticity never goes out of style.

6. Focus on omnichannel marketing

Now, we’ve got an extra treat for you—a bonus tip! This one is all about the importance of omnichannel marketing.

We’ve talked a lot about how to reach Gen Z through digital strategies, but it’s important to remember that they also like real-life experiences. This generation tends to enjoy events, fun activities, and new experiences. In fact, a report from Pitney Bowes and the CMO Council says that a whopping 88% of Gen Z prefers a mix of digital and physical marketing.

So, don’t put all your eggs in one digital basket. It is crucial to invest in offline marketing strategies as well. Consider physical pop-up shops, roadshows, and even outdoor advertising. These channels give Gen Z a way to interact with your brand in a real way, which helps you connect with them better.

Think about holding events as part of these physical marketing efforts. Gen Z loves good events. Not only does it let them see your brand in a new way, but it also gives them content to share on their own platforms. This is where user-generated content (UGC) comes in.

You are not just promoting your product or service when you create real-life experiences; you’re also associating your brand with a positive memory. 

For example, your brand may have hosted an event at a new museum exhibition. People who went, especially those in Generation Z, would remember more than just the product being promoted. They would remember the whole event, including how it went, what they did, and how much fun they had. These good memories can then be linked back to your brand, making a lasting impression.

Basically, combining digital and physical marketing strategies lets you reach Gen Z where they are, whether that’s on their social media feeds or in person. Moreover, they can also help you create the perfect buyer persona.

This omnichannel approach makes sure that your brand message is consistent and easy to remember across all touchpoints. This makes it easier to connect with Gen Z.

Conclusion

In 2023, marketing to Generation Z will require a combination of digital and physical tactics. Key elements include using humor, understanding Gen Z slang, providing educational content, keeping communication short, keeping the brand honest, and taking an omnichannel approach.

It’s not just about selling to Gen Z; it’s about creating a brand experience that matches their values, adds value to their lives, and leaves a lasting impression. Remember, it’s about connecting, not just selling. Use these tips to build real relationships with this tech-savvy and influential generation.