At more than 78 million strong, the Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) have surpassed the Boomers as the largest (and, *gasp* most influential) generation in America! They are changing the way we ALL do business, which makes us all a little obsessed.
So, how can you reach, engage and connect with what is now the largest generation in America’s history? Simply accept their differences and meet them there with a personality.
Connecting with Millennials Online: Accept Gen Y Differences YOLO
Five out of six millennials chose to connect with companies on social media, but they expect their experience to be reciprocal. Living the “YOLO life” (You Only Live Once), millennials definitely do things differently. Entrepreneur magazine published an article, “5 Ways Millennials Are Like No Generation Before Them,” and they kinda hit the nail on the head.
1. They don’t believe in being shackled to tradition or location. “This generation is shackled only to their devices and the reach of a cell tower or Wi-Fi signal.” Find out when they’re online and what interests them; then give it to them.
Gen Y “believes in efficiency of effort for maximum impact. And they naturally use technology to achieve it.” Millennials are more digitally connected than any other generation and believe it or not, their spending power is set to surpass $1 trillion by 2020. If that’s not reason to get on the millennial bandwagon, I don’t know what is!
2. They don’t believe in the inherent value of face time. “That isn’t to say they aren’t social.” In fact, they’re ALL OVER social media…and if you’re not meeting them there, you’re missing out. This generation is hitting some major life milestones as we speak. They’re graduating college, entering the workforce, settling into relationships, buying a home, etc. Figure out how your brand fits into this equation and make that connection with them online.
3. They believe in learning, not pieces of paper. “Millennials seem to have a mindset of continual learning. When it comes to personal growth or qualifications they value knowledge and experience more.” Push beyond traditional advertising methods, be transparent in your social media communication and build trust with professional content.
4. They believe in learning from someone else’s experience. You have to humanize your business’ online voice in order to connect with Millennials. “They gobble up stories of successful trailblazers, they pick the brains of more experienced people in their industry…” Businesses need to stop marketing to millennials in the same way they’ve communicated to previous generations. Worldwide studies show that the majority of Millennials agree it is important for them to find brands that reflect their personality, so, create a brand personality that mirrors your millennial customers.
5. They believe in life, not work-life balance. “That life includes their family and friends, it includes their hobbies and pastimes and it includes their business.” Get millennials to see your product or service as more than just a big company who’s trying to sell them something: make them feel good, make them look good and provide some entertainment.
Post Café Has the Insight on the Selfie Generation
During an average week, millennials spend 67 hours using media (average that out to approximately 9.5 hours a day…more than most of us sleep at night). They have high expectations for your marketing, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, blog content or other traditional means. Millennials want to read posts that anticipate their needs, speaks to their concerns and provides quality information. The experts at Post Café understand, we get the YOLO life. Contact us today to learn more.
