Marketing to Millennials
Marketing has changed drastically over the last decade. No longer can marketers just push information out to the consumer hoping to “make the sale”, they must engage and interact or risk becoming irrelevant to the next generations of consumers. The greatest reason for this change is due to technology; social media and digital marketing have changed the way consumers interact. This shift has affected how we connect with each other, and the tools that we use. We are absorbing information faster than ever before. No group brings to mind the power of this change more so than Millennials.
Who are Millennials? And why are they such a big deal?
The United States Census Bureau, using birth dates ranging from 1982 to 2000, stated the estimated number of U.S. millennials in 2015 was 83.1 million people. In 2016, the Pew Research Center found that millennials surpassed Baby Boomers to become the largest living generation in the United States, with $200 billion in annual buying power.
The way that Millenials consume media differs from other generations in that they trust what feels authentic and resonates with them. They don’t like feeling like they’re being sold to. That’s why they prefer getting information from people that they know or viewing others’ opinions before making a purchase decision. They value trust, thoughtfulness, and self-expression.
Millennials are more likely to rely on technology than other generations to make informed decisions, using multiple platforms and sources to obtain information. Traditional marketing such as newspapers, magazines, and TV ads do not work with them.
They even find pop-up ads online annoying and disruptive. They prefer content to be more personalized, more unique, and consistent. They embrace content that creates a conversation.
Millennials want to feel like content is created with their interests in mind, making them more likely to purchase services or products from your brand. Their respect lies with brands that are honest, focused on building relationships, and continually create unforgettable experiences.
Understanding Millenials Online Behavior
- 64% of believe that social media is one of the best ways to reach brands.
- 72% use free video streaming (YouTube)
- 60% use subscription-based video on demand services (Netflix. Amazon Video, Hulu)
- 6 in 10 would prefer watching a company newsletter instead of reading one
- 85% own smartphones
- Millennials prefer how-to information that offers guidance
- 71% engage in social media
- They check their smartphones over 40 times a day
- 59% have shared an ad on social media
- 93% use online reviews in their purchase decisions
Sources:
8 Modern Tips for Marketing to Millennials
10 Tips for Millennial Marketing
Millennials and Media Consumption By The Numbers
What Defines Millennials – and How Marketers Can Reach Them
Why Traditional Media Doesn’t Reach Millennials — And How to Reach Them With Video
Need help with your small business marketing or website? Contact NAVARRO CREATIVE GROUP and let’s talk about ways that we can help you build your on-line presence and marketing strategy.
615.562.1002 | wendy@NavarroCreativeGroup.com | www.NavarroCreativeGroup.com
