# 10 Strategies For Digital Marketing Success and Speaking Gen Z In Your Marketing
Would you sell a cassette to a high school student? Nobody would! Because they will not buy it, they know better things. That’s what [traditional marketing](https://hackmd.io/@careershapers/rkHXTyrho) feels like to Gen Z.
This generation, born **between 1997 and 2012**, has never known the world without the internet. They are modern history’s most connected, critical, and digitally savvy consumer group.

Millennials and Gen Zs may seem quite similar. But in terms of marketing, Gen Z’s are almost drifting apart. Where Millennials want experiences and values from brands, Gen Z’s prefer authenticity. They prefer saving money.

Do you know **[MrBeast](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6OQ3DkcsbYNE6H8uQQuVA)**? He is a **26-year-old** Gen Z YouTuber. And he has cracked the code of Gen Z marketing. The authenticity he puts in his challenges and giveaways is top-notch. That has made him 331 million subscribers on YouTube, most of whom are from Gen Zs. He is undoubtedly Gen Z’s favorite content creator.

This generation can spot inauthenticity from miles away. If you want to win over this audience, your digital marketing strategy needs to go beyond the basics. Align with their unique preferences and values.

In this article, I’ll explain the qualities of Gen Z, why traditional tactics fall flat to them, and actionable strategies that will help your brand target Gen Z.
## Who is Generation Z?
The “**Z**” in generation Z is for “**Zoomers**,” because this is the first generation to “zoom” the internet.
They’ve grown up with instant access to information and constant connectivity. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a big role in how they interact.

There are certain qualities in this generation that set them apart from other audiences when it comes to marketing. That is:

* Their purchasing power is $350 billion in the USA alone, but they don’t just buy anything. They demand some sort of value in every product they buy.
* They are so conscious about the environment, human rights, inclusivity, and social justice.
* [Gen Z values transparency](https://www.apollotechnical.com/ways-to-support-millennial-and-gen-z-employees/) and dislikes overly polished content, like sales pitches.
* They are a part of online communities where they share ideas, support causes, and connect with like-minded people.
* The attention span of Gen Z is only 8 seconds. They process information quickly and prefer bite-sized content.

Keep these points in mind every time you are targeting Gen Zs in your [digital marketing](https://www.brandvm.com/) campaigns. Prepare your marketing strategies according to the demands of this generation. Ensure that your campaigns are seen and felt.

Leave traditional marketing for good; it will not work with this generation.
## Why does traditional marketing not work with Gen Z’s?
Traditional marketing relies heavily on one-way communication, such as television ads, emails, and static billboards. Gen Z doesn’t respond well to this.
They want interactive campaigns where they can actively participate. For them, the campaigns should align with worldviews and social causes. And they want to be a major part of that.

A prime example is **Pepsi’s infamous** “Live for Now” ad featuring Kendall Jenner. It was a marketing disaster. Because it seemed to suggest that a simple act of offering soda could resolve complex social problems.

Kendall Jenner, the highest-paid model in the fashion industry, could not save that ad. So, what will work for Gen Z?
There are brands that are famous among this audience. Let’s see what they do to be so popular among Gen Zs.

Digital marketing strategies that actually speak Gen Z’s language
Here’s the thing about [marketing to Gen Z](https://elasticemail.com/blog/how-to-reach-gen-z-with-email). Forget what you used to do with millennials. That will not work here. Read the following [strategies](https://hackmd.io/@Richardjon/SEO-Strategies-for-2024-Whats-New-and-What-Still-Works?utm_source=preview-mode&utm_medium=rec) and start implementing them.
### 1. Align your brand voice with social causes
Gen Z doesn’t just want brands to sell products. They want brands to stand for something meaningful.
They support businesses that align with the cause they believe in. It could be sustainability, equal rights, or mental health awareness.

**Bombas** is a great example in this regard. It has successfully integrated social impact into its business model. When a pair of socks is purchased from them, they donate a pair of socks to a homeless person.

They have donated more than **100 million** pairs of socks until now. And this social cause has kept them profitable since their launch in 2013.

Now it's your turn to do the same. Select a cause that aligns with your brand values and show consistent action. Share videos of you donating something, success stories, and updates. It will show your authenticity and allow your audience to participate in your social mission.
### 2. Generate memes and trends to create viral moments for your brand
Meme culture is the native language of Gen Z communication. They even enjoy watching ads that follow this culture. Brands that understand and participate in this culture can create a massive impact.

**Duolingo’s** TikTok account follows this trend very well. Their mascot (duo; the owl) has become a meme sensation by being unpredictable and entertaining.

Become a part of this trend and make your brand relatable to Gen Z. Stay tuned to pop culture and meme trends. Use meme templates or create your own. Or just use AI for that. There are AI tools in the market that will convert your [simple content into funny memes](https://circleboom.com/social-media-scheduler/social-media-post-generator/ai-social-media-post-generator/ai-tweet-generator/funny-tweet-generator).

Make sure the memes align with your brand’s tone and message.
### 3. Create short-form video content that feels authentic
Video is the language of Gen Z. They’re watching YouTube Shorts, [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com) Reels, and TikToks more than reading long articles.

When creating content for Gen Z, keep it raw, authentic, and entertaining—think behind-the-scenes clips, how-tos, relatable challenges, transparent brand moments, or even tips on [building a strong LinkedIn resume](https://www.careeraddict.com/tips-professional-linkedin-profile).

If you want to repurpose or analyze top-performing content from LinkedIn creators, tools like the [LinkedIn video downloader](https://linkedindownloader.io/) can help you save videos easily for insights.
### 4. Turn marketing into an experience and collect UGC
User-generated content (UGC) is a marketing validation for Gen Z. They trust peer recommendations over traditional advertising.
That is why they are part of online communities like [Quora](https://www.quora.com/) and [Reddit](https://reddit.com/). Where they share their experiences and contribute their creativity.

**GoPro** is the best example I can fetch here. It encourages users to create high-quality content and share their experiences with the GoPro community on social media. The UGC they collect is used to encourage other people to buy their product and share their experience as well.

You can do the same by launching challenges that encourage Gen Zs to create and share content with your brand mentions. The same approach can work for B2B leads, turning customers into advocates who showcase the real-world value of your product.

Create hashtags and announce a reward for the best participation. Make their participation meaningful and collect UGC for your [social marketing to enhance marketing strategies](https://academic-master.com/the-impact-of-social-media-on-brand-positioning-and-its-associated-marketing-strategies/).
### 5. Design content that speaks directly to them
Generation Z does not like general content—it feels made up. They want originality in the content. Content that speaks their language and values them.

Think of Billie, a razor brand. It became famous for focusing on body positivity. Instead of promoting unrealistic ideals, Billie showed real people and real experiences.

When designing your content, do not forget this point. Add behind-the-scenes shots, casual language, and unfiltered moments to your content. Use the latest slang and emoji to make your message relatable.

If you are not sure what they want, ask them. They love giving their opinions. So, polls and **Q&A sessions** on social media will help guide your tone.
### 6. Make short-form videos to grab their attention
Remember, Gen Z has an attention span of only **8 seconds**. Content has to hook them within this time, or they will scroll away. That’s where short videos are most effective.

Look at how Ryanair dominated TikTok. This low-cost airline became a TikTok sensation by creating bite-sized content. They turned their airplanes into characters and gave them trending sounds to make fun of themselves that’s impossible to ignore.

And don’t forget—behind every viral campaign is a team working fast and smart. To keep up, your internal workflows need to be just as agile. [Make sure your collaboration stays in sync](https://dicloak.com/blog-detail/the-smartest-way-to-share-account-safely-across-your-team) as you create scroll-stopping content.

Whatever you do with your content, just grab Gen Z’s attention within the first 3 seconds. Create tutorials, quick hacks, or funny skits related to your products. Always keep entertainment first and marketing second. “Provide good content, and you’ll earn the right to promote your product”—Guy Kawasaki.
### 7. Use translation tools to create global and inclusive content
For brands looking to reach Gen Zs in different regions of the world, translation is essential.

A study by CSA Research reveals that 76% of consumers prefer to buy products with information in their native language, emphasizing the importance of offering localized content.

While simple projects can be executed with basic translation resources, more complex and demanding initiatives significantly benefit from advanced tools like Translation Management Systems (TMS).
Partnering with a professional translation company like [Tomedes](https://www.tomedes.com/) ensures both human expertise and access to the latest AI-assisted tools for accurate, culturally relevant localization.

According to [Bureau Works](https://www.bureauworks.com/blog/what-is-a-translation-management-system-tms), these platforms enable the centralization and automation of the translation process, ensuring consistency in the brand message across all languages. In addition to saving time and resources, TMS tools help adapt content to meet the cultural nuances of each audience, creating a more meaningful and authentic connection with global consumers.
### 8. Create interactive content and turn scrolling into experience
Generation Z spends an average of 4 hours a day scrolling on social media. Your goal is to make them stop and interact. For this, brands use polls, quizzes, and AR filters (Augmenter reality). It gets their attention and builds a connection with the brand.

Sephora, a leading beauty retailer, has successfully used technology to create a shopping experience. Their virtual try-on feature allows customers to test makeup products on themselves online. How good is that?

So, don’t just stick to standard posts. Try “choose your own adventure” stories on Instagram. These are interactive stories where users can choose different elements of the story to progress through different storylines.

Other than that, do live streams where you can interact in real time. And let Gen Z shape their own experience with your content.
### 9. Connect with Gen Z through storytelling
Gen Z does not buy what you sell; they buy why you sell it. They want to connect emotionally with the brands. That’s why a brand story will create a way to their hearts.

Allbirds, a sustainable footwear brand, shares the stories of the materials they use. Stories of the people who make their products and the impact they have on the planet. Their brand story has created a strong emotional connection with Gen Z consumers.

Your audience appreciates transparency, so be transparent in your business processes. Share stories about your team, your customers, and the impact you are making in the world. Make them see the people behind the products and processes. They will like it.
### 10. Collaborate with nano- and micro-influencers
Gen Z trusts influencers with smaller, more loyal communities by creating email lists with your target audience who feel like friends rather than celebrities. So, if you were thinking of sponsoring a mega-influencer, forget it!
Gen Z values authenticity; they will trust micro (10k to 50k followers) and nano (less than 10k followers). Even more than big names (more than 50k followers) in the market.

Just as Outdoor Voices, a fitness apparel brand, did. They collaborated with micro and nano influencers to build a closer connection with Gen Z. This made their endorsements feel more genuine and trustworthy.
You could send free **products** to some aspiring influencers with 5,000–10,000 followers. In return, ask them to create a digital co-creation with you. Let them promote your products in their own creative ways.
### 11. Deliver a consistent message with omnichannel marketing
Gen Zs stay loyal to brands but not to platforms. They would click a snap and share it on every platform they are on. That’s exactly what you have to follow.

Create content on one platform and use AI to repurpose it for others. For example, create a YouTube video and then generate reels from it. Share it on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat as well. Utilize an [AI SEO tool](https://writesonic.com/seo-ai-agent) to optimize your content for each platform, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement across all channels.
Similarly, you can also convert your blogs into audiobooks, videos, and social media posts using artificial intelligence. This approach will keep your message consistent on all [social platforms](https://www.finsync.com/blog/8-tips-for-choosing-the-right-social-media-platforms-for-your-small-business/). Because if it’s inconsistent, they’ll notice.

All big brands use this **omnichannel marketing**. But I would like to appreciate a plant-based milk company, Oatly. They always come up with something humorous and share it all over the internet using a consistent [delivery solution](https://www.track-pod.com/). This has made them a leading brand.

The bottom line is, that wherever the Gen Zs go, they should see the same message from you. This will hint at your authenticity and loyalty to your brand voice. And Gen Zs value that.
## Make your brand a favorite among Gen Z’s
Getting Gen Z's attention is not easy. But once you get it, it will be rewarding. This generation values purpose, creativity, and connection above all.
If you could align your brand with causes that matter and stick to it, you will get their loyalty. Not only will they buy from you but also become advocates for your brand.
The strategies I have written above will help you achieve this feat.
Start implementing them today. And watch your brand become a go-to favorite for Gen Z.
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