The turn of the century marks the approximate point where Millennials stop and Gen Z begins. Opinions differ on the exact crossover date, but jumping the generational divide brings fresh challenges for companies trying to engage with the new demographic.
Recent research from Bloomberg predicts that Gen Z-ers will account for 2.47 billion people of the 7.7 billion inhabitants of planet Earth by 2019 – that is 32%, and surpasses the 2.43 billion figure for Millennials for the first time.
Gen Z refers to the generation of people born between the mid-1990s and the mid-2010s. Also known as the «iGeneration,» «Post-Millennials,» or «Zoomers,» this group follows the Millennial generation and precedes the yet-to-be-named next generation.
Members of Gen Z have grown up in a world that is more connected than ever before, thanks to the widespread use of technology and the internet. They have been shaped by a variety of global events, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gen Z is known for being socially conscious and politically engaged, with a focus on issues such as climate change, social justice, and equality. They are also known for being digitally savvy and comfortable with technology, having grown up with smartphones, social media, and other digital tools.
As the first wave of Gen Z enters adulthood, they are starting to have a significant impact on society and culture. They are entering the workforce, voting in elections, and driving trends in fashion, music, and entertainment.
Principals consecuence for business
One of the most significant consequences of Gen Z for businesses is that this generation has grown up with technology and expects seamless digital experiences from the companies they interact with. This means that businesses must have a strong online presence, with user-friendly websites, mobile apps, and social media accounts that are optimized for their preferences.
Another consequence of Gen Z for businesses is that this generation values authenticity and transparency in the companies they do business with. They are more likely to support companies that align with their values and take a stand on social and environmental issues. This means that businesses must be transparent about their practices and values and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.
Gen Z also tends to be more diverse and inclusive than previous generations, which means that businesses must prioritize diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices, marketing campaigns, and customer service interactions.
Finally, as Gen Z enters the workforce, they are pushing for changes in traditional business structures and practices. They tend to value flexible work arrangements, a strong work-life balance, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Businesses must be open to these changes and adapt to the preferences of this new generation of workers in order to attract and retain top talent.
Type of cutomer in Gen Z
Gen Z is a diverse group of customers with unique preferences and behaviors. However, some common characteristics that define Gen Z as customers include:
- Digital Natives: Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with technology as an integral part of their lives. As a result, they are highly tech-savvy and expect seamless digital experiences.
- Socially Conscious: Gen Z values social responsibility and is more likely to support companies that prioritize social and environmental issues.
- Individualistic: Gen Z values individuality and self-expression, and they are attracted to companies that embrace these values.
- Authenticity: Gen Z values authenticity and transparency in all aspects of life, including business.
- Value-Conscious: Gen Z is cautious with their spending and is more likely to prioritize value over luxury.
- Entrepreneurial: Gen Z is highly entrepreneurial and values opportunities to start their own businesses or pursue self-employment.
- Global Citizens: Gen Z is a highly globalized generation and is more likely to have multicultural backgrounds and experiences.
- Mobile-First: Gen Z is a mobile-first generation and expects seamless mobile experiences from the companies they interact with.
Overall, businesses should keep these characteristics in mind when targeting Gen Z as customers and adapt their marketing strategies to appeal to this unique group of consumers.
How to sell to Gen Z
To effectively sell to Gen Z, businesses should keep the following strategies in mind:
- Be authentic: Gen Z values authenticity and transparency. Businesses should be genuine in their marketing messages and communicate in a way that feels authentic to this generation. Avoid using overly polished or scripted messaging.
- Embrace social media: Gen Z spends a lot of time on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Businesses should use these platforms to connect with this generation and build brand awareness. However, it’s important to understand the unique culture and communication style of each platform to avoid coming across as tone-deaf.
- Prioritize mobile optimization: Gen Z is a mobile-first generation, and businesses should ensure that their website and other digital assets are optimized for mobile devices. This includes fast loading times, easy navigation, and a streamlined checkout process.
- Support social causes: Gen Z values social responsibility and is more likely to support companies that take a stand on social and environmental issues. Businesses should consider partnering with charitable organizations or implementing sustainable practices to appeal to this generation.
- Offer unique and personalized experiences: Gen Z values individuality and uniqueness. Businesses should consider offering personalized experiences and customization options to cater to this preference.
- Use influencers: Influencer marketing is popular among Gen Z, and businesses can leverage social media influencers to reach this audience. However, it’s important to choose influencers that align with your brand values and have an authentic connection to your product or service.
By incorporating these strategies, businesses can effectively sell to Gen Z and build long-term relationships with this important demographic.
Main values, benefits and sales arguments for the GenZ
Main Values of Gen Z:
- Diversity and Inclusion: Gen Z is a highly diverse generation that values inclusion and representation.
- Social Justice: Gen Z is passionate about social justice issues, including racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Environmentalism: Gen Z is concerned about the environment and supports companies that prioritize sustainability.
- Authenticity: Gen Z values authenticity and transparency in all aspects of life, including business.
- Individuality: Gen Z values individuality and self-expression, and they are attracted to companies that embrace these values.
Benefits that Gen Z looks for:
- Convenience: Gen Z values convenience and expects seamless experiences from the companies they interact with.
- Personalization: Gen Z appreciates personalized experiences and products that cater to their individual tastes and preferences.
- Social Responsibility: Gen Z supports companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility.
- Innovation: Gen Z is attracted to companies that are innovative and forward-thinking.
- Flexibility: Gen Z values flexibility and expects companies to offer flexible work arrangements and other options that cater to their individual needs.
Sales Arguments for Gen Z:
- Authenticity: Emphasize your company’s authentic values and commitment to transparency.
- Social Responsibility: Highlight your company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
- Convenience: Emphasize the convenience and ease of use of your products or services.
- Personalization: Highlight how your products or services can be personalized to cater to individual tastes and preferences.
- Innovation: Highlight any innovative features or technology that sets your products or services apart.
- Flexibility: Emphasize any flexible options or arrangements that your company offers to cater to individual needs.
Effect of mainstream culture for GenZ
Mainstream culture has a significant effect on Gen Z, shaping their values, beliefs, and behavior in various ways. Some of the effects of mainstream culture on Gen Z include:
- Social Media Influence: Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with social media as an integral part of their lives. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have a significant influence on Gen Z’s lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment choices.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Mainstream culture has played a role in promoting diversity and inclusion in society, which has shaped Gen Z’s attitudes and beliefs towards these issues. Gen Z values diversity and inclusivity, and they are more likely to support companies and individuals who prioritize these values.
- Political Awareness: Mainstream culture has also played a role in raising political awareness among Gen Z. With the advent of social media and online news, Gen Z is more informed about political issues than any previous generation.
- Mental Health: Mainstream culture has brought mental health issues to the forefront of public discourse, which has encouraged Gen Z to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed.
- Consumerism: Mainstream culture promotes a consumerist lifestyle that can influence Gen Z’s behavior and attitudes towards money and material possessions.
- Interactive content:
- Interactive content can include quizzes, polls, and other elements that encourage participatio. Creating «choose your own adventure» experiences can also be effective.t is important to make the content shareable and visually appealing. Understanding the audience is key to creating engaging video content for Gen Z
Overall, mainstream culture has a significant influence on Gen Z, shaping their values, beliefs, and behavior in various ways. It’s important for businesses and society as a whole to understand the impact of mainstream culture on Gen Z and respond in ways that promote positive values and behaviors.
You can read the full study
The study is an analysis of the United Nations population data and marks 2000-2001 as the intergenerational cut-off point.
www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/generation-z-will-outnumber-millennials-by-2019
Recommended readings
Marketing to Gen Z: How to Get It Right in 2023
Marketing to Gen Z: 11 Strategies to Win Over Gen Z with Video Content
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