Did you know Gen Z makes up 40% of the consumer population? Winning over Gen Z now is like planting seeds for a future forest of loyal customers. Connect with them, and you're setting up for a fun and fruitful future!

However, engaging Zoomers is no small feat. Their expectations are sky-high, and they have no time for your never-ending ads. In fact, you have approximately 8 seconds to convey why they should pay attention before they move on to the next thing. You need to SLAY! So, if you haven’t started thinking about this younger generation, 2024 is the perfect time to start.

1. Act on Their Digital Playground

YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are like a digital playground for Gen Z! YouTube is their go-to for everything from how-to tutorials to music videos – think of it as their global TV channel. TikTok, with its short, snappy videos, is perfect for their love of quick, fun content – you've probably heard someone say, “I saw it on TikTok and had to get it”! And Instagram? It's their digital magazine, where they catch up on the latest trends, connect with friends, and even shop directly from posts.

These platforms aren't just apps; they're a big part of Gen Z's daily life, blending entertainment, information, and social connection.

2. Embrace Vibrant Colors

For marketers looking to capture the attention of Generation Z, understanding their color preferences is key. Gen Z Yellow, their signature hue, embodies the spirit of joy and positivity, making it a powerful choice for brand messaging. This vibrant shade resonates with their energetic and optimistic outlook.

Additionally, Gen Z Green is another favorite, exuding cheerfulness and vitality. Incorporating these colors into marketing campaigns can help brands connect with this visually-oriented generation.

Furthermore, with Gen Z Purple on the horizon, savvy marketers should keep an eye on trends and be ready to embrace this upcoming color sensation.

Remember, Gen Z ranks colors as the third-best quality an ad could have, so make it pop!

3. Show Your True Colors

Gen Z loves it when brands are themselves. Be real, be unique, and have a strong voice. Use humor and stay updated with the latest trends on social media to connect with them. Just be sure to stay current—trends come and go in the blink of an eye. Consider why you follow certain brands; it's often because they resonate with you on a personal level and stay relevant with their content.

Once again: Gen Zers crave brands with bold personalities and strong voices! Need some inspiration? Take a look at KFC on TikTok. They're doing it right!

4. Go with UGC Creation

When it comes to reaching Gen Z, User Generated Content (UGC) is the way to go for campaign success. These young folks have shorter attention spans, so grab their attention in the first 3–5 seconds, or they might just scroll away or hit 'skip ad.'

Why do they love UGC-style ads? Because they feel like they're from someone just like them, whether it's an influencer or your friendly marketing team member. It's all about being relatable and fun to keep Gen Z glued to your content!

Feeling a bit unsure about this fresh video approach? No worries! Check out this list of the Top 10 UGC video formats you've got to try. Don't hesitate, give one a shot today!

5. Provide Text or Chat-Based Customer Service

Gen Z prefers texting over phone calls, with 85% of them favoring text-based communication. Growing up in the era of texting, they find it more convenient and less intimidating. To win over Gen Z, provide customer service through social media messages, texts, or chatbots. Make it effortless for your younger customers to reach out, and you'll earn their loyalty and trust. It's all about meeting them where they're most comfortable—on their phones!

6. Offer discounts

If you're looking to build brand loyalty among the growing Gen Z market, offering exclusive deals specifically designed for young adults is an effective strategy. Many young adults in this group might not be earning a lot and with inflation on the rise, finding brand discounts is crucial. In fact, in 2022, discounts were the top reason why Gen Z engaged with a new brand on social media. By creating exclusive offers, you can make young adults feel special and valued.

7. Customize Your Content

Tailoring content to individual preferences is a game-changer, especially when targeting Gen Z. An impressive 81% of Gen Zers favor personalized ads, far surpassing Millennials (57%) and Baby Boomers (42%). To meet the demand for personalized content, brands must embrace segmented marketing and dig deep into their specific audience.

Show them you know them! Gen Z prefer to see ads based on their online activities and interests. So, ensure to create personalized campaigns, drawing inspiration from the Top 3 Best Holiday Marketing Campaigns in the World, while also uncovering the 6 Secret Ingredients for a Perfect Marketing Strategy.

Gen Z tip: To succeed, you've got to be the "savage" brand. 😎

Gen Z is taking over as the biggest shoppers' group. Brands aiming to win them over need to get their online vibe. Think of Gen Z as the trendsetters who also appreciate a good laugh. They're all about creativity and brands that keep it real. Oh, and let's not forget their love for emojis – those tiny symbols that speak a thousand words! 👁️👄👁️

Speaking of getting it right, check out Diet Coke's 'Drink What Your Mama Gave Ya' campaign. This ad has a cool vintage vibe and a catchy soundtrack. Gen Z loves streaming videos, and this ad is more like a choice than a typical commercial. Just like Gen Z, it's fresh, diverse, and full of flavor.

So, here's to staying on-trend and keeping it real with the generation that knows how to make marketing fun and inclusive! ✨