3 Ways to Market Effectively to Different Generations

It’s no secret that different generations of consumers think differently. It seems reasonable to assume, then, that you’d need separate marketing strategies to target each one. Fortunately, there are at least a few basic rules of thumb that span any generational gap, and they can help ensure your marketing efforts reach everyone.

The mistake many marketers make is in designing their entire strategy around generational assumptions that aren’t always true. These principles can help you avoid making that mistake and ensure that your marketing campaigns reach as many eyeballs — of as many ages — as possible:

1. Keep marketing efforts diverse.

Consumers want to see themselves reflected in your marketing efforts. Just make sure all of your customers are reflected. For a single campaign promoting its 2018 Camry, Toyota created eight different films, highlighting people of different races and lifestyles in each spot. And CoverGirl added 69-year-old Maye Musk to its brand ambassador list, making her the oldest model to star in one of its campaigns. The move was simply an extension of the cosmetics brand’s focus on including diverse models throughout its marketing efforts.

Your customers will notice when your campaigns lean into diversity and inclusion. In fact, your Millennial customers will like you even better if they see more than themselves reflected in your marketing materials. So instead of centering your ampaign on a single generation, make sure you feature a diverse group of models with a variety of lifestyles. In a post for Medium, ThirdLove co-founder and co-CEO Heidi Zak explains that, “Over the years as we’ve become more age-inclusive, we’ve found that marketing a product to several generations doesn’t require multiple strategies. You just have to listen to what your customers are asking for and focus on inclusivity and diversity as you continue to grow.”

Related: 4 Marketing Tactics for Appealing to Generation Z

2. Don’t play favorites with your message’s medium.

Millennials are largely influenced Consider BaSo don’t assume you’ll only get results When you stop using assumptions to guide the placement of your marketing efforts, you’ll find it much easier to reach across generations. Yet it’s just as important not to let assumptions seep into your messaging. “Don’t portray seniors in a negative or helpless light,”  writes Geoff Gross, founder and CEO of Medical Guardian, in a recent blog post. “Instead, demonstrate how a product can help seniors remain independent and enhance their wellness.”

Related: 5 Ways to Effectively Market to BaIn addition, scrap the myth that Millennials are selfish, and instead tailor your marketing messaging around the fact that the members of this generation are socially conscious. Their concern for the world around them is why, according to one survey, 61 percent of Millennials view making a difference as a personal responsibility.