As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and technology-driven, businesses need to adapt to remain competitive. And, one of the key challenges that many will face is how to appeal to and engage with new, younger customers. In this blog post, Antonia gives businesses the low down on how to engage with Gen Z and “youth-proof” your operation to help you steal a march on your competitors.
Embrace technology
If you’re racking your brains on how to engage with a Gen Z audience, technology is the first place to start. Young people are digital natives, and they expect businesses to have a strong online presence. This means investing in a user-friendly website (more on this next), engaging with them on social media platforms, and embracing new technologies like mobile apps and chatbots. By leveraging technology, businesses can not only appeal to younger customers but also improve efficiency and streamline operations – so really it’s win-win.
Make it mobile-friendly
With the majority of internet users accessing content on mobile devices, it’s essential for businesses to not only have a killer website, but it also needs to be mobile-friendly. This means using responsive design and ensuring that the website is optimised for fast load times and easy navigation. Plus, businesses can develop mobile apps that provide a seamless user experience and offer valuable features such as push notifications and loyalty programmes, keeping your customers coming back for more.
Offer personalised experiences
Young people not only want, but expect, personalised experiences from businesses, whether it’s in-store, online, or via mobile devices. This means giving your customer added value with tailored recommendations, personalised offers, and reward programmes that are based on individual preferences and behaviour. By using data analytics and customer profiling, businesses can create highly targeted Gen Z marketing campaigns that resonate with younger customers. Going above and beyond for young people isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s essential to ensure GenZ loyalty and repeat engagement activity.
Prioritise social responsibility
As we all know, young people are increasingly concerned about social and environmental issues, and they make purchasing decisions based on whether businesses share their values. If you want to appeal to and learn how to engage with Gen Z, this means prioritising social responsibility and sustainability throughout everything you do, and making sure you’re shouting about it through your marketing. You could make a start on this by considering the partners and suppliers you choose, implementing eco-friendly policies, or promoting social causes through your marketing efforts. Even better, ask young people to review and scrutinise your policies with you!
Foster a positive company culture
If you really want to appeal to a Gen Z audience, one of the best things you can do is employ them, so you can hear their likes, dislikes and priorities first hand. . Young people want to work for companies that value diversity, inclusion, mental and emotional wellbeing as well as the all important work-life balance. By fostering a positive company culture, businesses can attract and retain younger employees who are motivated and engaged, and become your best advocates. This means offering flexible work arrangements, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing opportunities for professional development; and championing their staff team internally and externally.
In summary
In summary, “youth-proofing” your business is about embracing new technologies, making it mobile-friendly, offering personalised experiences, prioritising social responsibility, and fostering a positive company culture. All of these factors will not only attract younger audiences to your brand, but they’ll improve your business processes, help your sales efforts, and give all of your customers and employees a more positive experience.
If you’d like to have a conversation about youth-proofing your business, with GenZ, we’d love to hear from you.
