Targeting Gen Z Through Social Media Marketing

To reach the 72 million Gen Zers, born between 1997 and 2012, social media marketing is essential.

With 95% of US teens accessing social media on their smartphones and 45% admitting they are online "almost constantly", your marketing message for this age range can be just a few clicks away – i.o.w. on their favorite platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Use FOMO as a Tool

Generation Z uses social media to:

• Consume news/entertainment
• Discover new products/services
• Express themselves, share their opinions, and engage with others who share similar interests.

Child clinical psychologist, Marion Underwood, points out that this generation is “…addicted to the peer connection and affirmation they’re able to get via social media.”

Tap into their fear of missing out with a social strategy that converts those feelings into commercial results with:

• Time-sensitive marketing strategies like coupon codes, free delivery, and rewards
• Real-time offers
• Conversational commerce integration.

Be Creative

Social media marketing is like throwing a party for your brand, and everyone is invited! It's a chance to showcase your offerings in a fun and engaging way that resonates with your target audience.

Gen Zers are “the most digitally creative generation to date.” At the same time, they value authenticity and transparency – so avoid using overly salesy or pushy tactics. Try including video content because:

• This one-third of the world’s population spend their free time watching videos on social media.
• They spend an average of 45 minutes at a time watching short-form video content on TikTok.
• Video is considered a richer type of content than text/ photos, and 91% of people (of all ages!) want more online videos in 2023.

Make Use of Influencers

Influencer marketing is a powerful way to reach Gen Z consumers via sponsored posts, product reviews, giveaways, etc.

Partner with social media influencers whose following aligns with your brand's target audience and values. Leverage their credibility to promote your business.

User-Generated Content is Your Friend

To encourage UGC, use tactics such as social media contests, branded hashtags, user reviews.

Gen Z is motivated by humor, entertainment, and social causes. They tend to create and share content for these reasons.

Because ±50% of US Gen Z users buy directly on social media, your business must adapt its marketing efforts accordingly.

But if, instead of trying to get into the mind of Zoomers, you want a full-service digital marketing agency to take care of it, contact WSI Digital Boost today. We are ready and able to knock your social media marketing out of the park!