5 Brilliant Ways to Sell to Gen Z

So, you opened an online store. And you figured a consistent stream of content showcasing your incredible products would seal the deal and make your dropshipping dreams a success.

As you probably already know, it doesn’t work that way. Marketing your online store takes some forethought and a strategy. A key part of your marketing strategy is understanding your target audience. In this article, the marketing gurus at TVCMALL share insights on the largest and most diverse generation, and then we’ll share the best ways to sell to Gen Z.

Who Is Gen Z?

Gen Z is your niece learning to drive. Gen Z is also the new doctor filling in while your regular GP takes a day for golf. Born between 1995 and 2010, Gen Z is a group experiencing a wide range of life’s milestones. As a result, it’s hard to pin down marketing strategies that will work across the board.  It helps to start with some facts about Gen Z as a whole.

● Gen Z is the most ethnically and racially diverse generation, with 25% being Hispanic and only 52% being white. (Pew Research)

● Gen Z will be the most educated generation, with 57% of those 18 to 20 years old going to college.   (Pew Research)

● Gen Z is more frugal than Millennials. (Gitnux)

● Gen Z is pragmatic, with 69% preferring financial stability over job satisfaction. (Gitnux)

● Gen Z is the first generation raised alongside internet access, with 94% citing internet access before age 2. (Gitnux)

● Gen Z represents $600 billion in purchasing power. (Gitnux)

Strategies to Sell to Gen Z

Now that we’ve introduced you to movers and shakers of the future, let’s talk about how to sell to Gen Z.

1. Focus on Value-Driven Content

The first rule of selling to Gen Z is: don’t sell to Gen Z. In other words, don’t hit your audience with salesy content that pushes your products.

We know stocking your dropshipping business with incredible products from TVCMALL is exciting. But remember, Gen Z are “Digital Natives.” They grew up on the internet and can spot a sales pitch coming a mile away.

Instead, focus primarily on content that adds value to your brand.

2. Use the 5:3:2 Rule for Social Media

It’s not easy to pull off an un-salesy marketing strategy. After all, the whole purpose of a marketing strategy is to sell.  But you can build brand awareness and brand trust with the 5:3:2 Rule for Social Media Marketing.

● 50% of your post should be curated material from other sources that are relevant to your audience.

● 30% of your posts should be your own content.

● 20% of your posts should humanize your brand, such as content relating to your values or fun, silly content that simply entertains.

 

3. Be Social On Social Media

As digital natives, Gen Z is the generation most comfortable with interacting and building relationships online. They don’t go online just to research and find products. They’re comfortable jumping into conversations and engaging with brands or even strangers on social media.

You can market more effectively with Gen Z if you follow their lead and get social on social media. Here are some ideas for building community with Gen Z.

● Interact with your audience by replying to comments.

● Get creative with interactive content with games, contests, or calls for photos.

● Create live content.

● Engage and comment on trending content your audience cares about.

 

4. Emphasize Your Brand’s Values

The internet isn’t the only thing that Gen Z grew up with. Weighty issues—such as climate change, the mental health crisis, and economic uncertainty—have been ever-present in the lives of Gen Z. As a result, Gen Z is more focused on ethics, beliefs, and conduct from brands they interact with.

So, create content that emphasizes your brand’s values and the actions you’re taking to tackle the issues Gen Z cares about.

5. Be Real

Likely, you’ve read a lot of marketing advice about “being authentic.” When it comes to selling to Gen Z, being authentic takes on even greater importance. This is because Gen Z has been exposed to more advertising than the generations before them. Simply put, they can see through the baloney.

So, as you’re putting the above marketing strategies into practice, remember to be real. Share content that is meaningful to you. Engage in conversations in a way that is truthful to who you are. And focus on issues that are meaningful to you. And along the way, it wouldn’t hurt to be a little vulnerable.

Brilliant Ways to Be Better

We guess you could say that selling to Gen Z really boils down to being a better human. This generation, more so than those who came before them, will reap the consequences of unchecked capitalism.

So, they’re holding us accountable by demanding that brands be ethical, authentic, and responsible. And they’re calling out the fakers. So, when your online store THRIVES and your dropshipping dreams come true when you sell to Gen Z, you’ll get an extra jolt of satisfaction.