Tag Archive for: gen z

How to Market Your Sustainable Business

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More and more consumers are communicating how important it is to connect with and support brands that share their same values. If your business is already doing the work to become sustainable, you need to connect with eco-conscious customers in a transparent and genuine way. Here’s how. 

Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue across all industries in recent years, including the marketing and advertising sector.

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they expect the companies they support to also follow suit. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of sustainability in the marketing and advertising world and how you can incorporate it into your strategy. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Sustainability Matters in Marketing 

Over the past few years, sustainability has become a crucial aspect in many industries, including those that are primarily digital. The topic of sustainability is now at the forefront of discussions, and companies are recognizing the importance of incorporating sustainable practices in their operations. In the realm of digital marketing and advertising, these practices can be especially powerful in shaping consumer behavior and attitudes.

By incorporating sustainability into your messaging and practices, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enhancing your brand’s reputation. Here are a few reasons why sustainability matters in marketing and advertising.

Consumer Expectations

Consumers are increasingly demanding that the companies they support prioritize sustainability. According to a survey by Nielsen, 78% of consumers say they would be willing to change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment. This includes recycling, using less plastic, and purchasing products that are made sustainably.

These findings indicate that sustainability is not just a passing trend, but a growing priority for consumers. Companies that prioritize sustainability in their marketing and advertising efforts have an opportunity to appeal to these environmentally conscious consumers and build long-term brand loyalty. However, it’s important for companies to be transparent and authentic in their sustainability claims to maintain consumer trust and avoid greenwashing.

Brand Reputation

Companies that prioritize sustainability are often seen as more ethical and trustworthy, which can enhance their brand reputation and attract loyal customers. This is particularly true for younger consumers, who are more likely to support companies that align with their values. 75% of Gen Z  said they wanted to see that brands were ensuring employee and consumer safety.

The survey found that “If [brands] are not authentic, Gen Z will be the first to raise a red flag.” This further underscores the importance of sustainability in marketing and advertising efforts, especially for companies that want to appeal to younger demographics. By incorporating sustainability into their marketing and advertising efforts, companies can appeal to these environmentally conscious consumers.

Cost Savings

Sustainable practices can have multiple benefits for companies. Reducing energy consumption and waste can lower operational costs and benefit the environment. Additionally, implementing recycling programs and reducing packaging waste can lower waste disposal costs and potentially generate revenue from selling recycled materials.

Secondly, sustainable practices can improve a company’s reputation and customer loyalty. This can translate to increased sales and revenue. A survey found that 75% of millennials are willing to work for environmentally responsible companies even if it means accepting a lower salary. Furthermore, almost 40% of respondents reported choosing one job over another because of an organization’s sustainability practices.

By focusing on sustainability, companies can contribute to environmental protection and improve their bottom line while attracting environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainable practices when making purchasing decisions.

How to Incorporate Sustainability into Marketing and Advertising

Marketing communications that include printed materials and other PR activities, including branding and packaging can be especially tough on the environment.  There are many ways that companies can incorporate sustainability into their marketing and advertising efforts. Here are just a few examples:

  1. Use Sustainable Materials: Businesses can use sustainable materials for promotional items and packaging. Items like recycled paper or biodegradable plastics can also be used over traditional products.
  2. Reduce Waste: Reduce waste by using digital marketing techniques instead of print materials.
  3. Partner with Sustainable Organizations:  Partner with organizations that promote sustainability, such as environmental charities or sustainable product manufacturers. Use their platforms to raise awareness about environmental issues.
  4. Create Sustainable Campaigns: Create marketing campaigns that promote sustainable practices. Encourage customers to switch to reusable products.

Honesty and Transparency Matter

Your customers want to know how your products are made, from start to finish. If you can’t provide full transparency about an environmentally-friendly and fair supply chain, then you should think about optimizing it because companies now have to prove their contribution toward a sustainable future.

They also want to know what cause you support. If you’re a social enterprise, this is engrained in your core values, but also remember to be specific in your message and don’t write: “We donate 5 percent to charities.” as that tells us nothing. Be specific and write what 5 percent means and who you support. Write about your cause in a way that inspires, not brags because it’s not you who donates, it’s your customers.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to recognize the significance of sustainability and take steps toward implementing sustainable practices.

If you’re business is adopting a more sustainable presence, transition to a digital-focused marketing strategy that includes social media, text message marketing, live-streaming platforms, email, and other appropriate digital channels. Digital marketing significantly reduces carbon footprint and eliminates traditional marketing strategies – such as fliers – that are harmful to the environment.

At Onimod Global, we specialize in developing digital marketing and advertising strategies that prioritize your company’s unique values. If you’re interested in creating a customized strategy for your eco-friendly business, contact us here today. We’ll be happy to provide more information about our services and how we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals.

Generation Z Marketing Strategies

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Gen Z now makes up 26% of the population and comprises 48% of the total media audience. Their spending power is estimated to be between $29 and $143 billion, without taking into account their influence on household spending. They are a formidable consumer demographic, but the generation gap leaves some marketers struggling to successfully reach them. 

It is true that conventional digital marketing strategies rarely work and there has yet to be a complete consensus of which methods are most effective. But experts are starting to come together to compile their best recommendations and guidelines for successfully marketing to Generation Z. 

 

Highlight Social Awareness 

This generation has a heightened awareness of issues plaguing our society and the rest of the world. They know that what’s occurring now has the ability to strongly impact their futures. Which is why if they discover that a company is engaging in objectionable practices, they will avoid doing business with them at all costs, while making it widely known. Conversely, brands that are positively contributing to society or the environment have the opportunity to be strongly supported by Gen Z. As individuals they have varying beliefs, but they share a number of ideals such as inclusivity, multiculturalism, social justice, environmental awareness, and anti-capitalism.

A great example of a company that has done this is TOMS Shoes. For every pair of shoes purchased, they donate another pair of shoes to a child in need. These are the kinds of campaigns and practices that this generation looks for before fully getting behind a brand. 

 

Focus on Mobile Platforms 

75% of Generation Z selected a mobile phone or smartphone as the device they use most. This means strategies aimed at desktop users are no longer effective, especially when it comes to eCommerce web designs. A study performed by Google revealed that Gen Z mostly uses smartphones to make online purchases, and highly prefer online shopping in general. This means all web designs must be mobile-friendly, the checkout process needs to be simple, and content must be created with mobile devices in mind. Voice search is something else to keep in mind, as its use is on the rise with Gen Z. So it’s important to produce website content which conforms to patterns from everyday speech.

 

Be Personal and Relatable 

Generation Z was raised on the internet, they’ve seen everything there is to see. Which means using traditional sales ad and blatant customer manipulation attempts will fail miserably. Aggressive ad copy should be replaced with relatable and relaxed language. They will only pay attention to ads that are directly related to personal needs and desires. They expect retailers to offer a more personalized experience based on the customer’s shopping habits and preferences. This can be accomplished by creating targeted landing pages, publishing content aimed at the right buyer personas, and giving personal replies to messages on social media.

 

Use Each Social Media Platform Differently 

Social media has been a part of Generation Z’s entire lives. They’re highly aware of what each platform is best for and use each reflectively. Which means you can’t advertise to them in the same way on every platform. Response Media’s study reveals that Gen Z: 

  • Showcase their aspirational selves on Instagram
  • Share real-life moments on Snapchat
  • Get the news on Twitter
  • Glean information from Facebook

Instagram is also most used for brand discovery, with 45% of teens using it to find new products. And YouTube is used most for shopping recommendations, followed by Instagram, then Facebook. These are all things that should be closely kept in mind when conducting social media campaigns, sharing content, etc. 

 

Create Quick, Effective, and Visual Content 

It’s a common misconception that Gen Z has an outrageously short attention span, 8 seconds to be exact. In reality, they actually possess a sophisticated filter that comes from growing up surrounded by a deluge of information. So yes, you have very little time to convince them that your content is worth their time, but if it is, they can focus (or binge) long enough to complete in-depth research on any topic. 

Additionally, 71 percent of 13 to 17 year olds spend more than three hours a day watching online videos. But that doesn’t mean you can throw any video advertisement in front of them and they’ll pay attention. On average, Generation Z clicks “Skip” on skippable video ads after only 9.5 seconds. It all stems back to growing up in an information overload environment. This means you need to start focusing on only giving them the most necessary and important material. 

 

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to marketing to Generation Z, the most important thing is to forget all the misconceptions. They are not a generation of unintelligent, short attention spanned, detached kids that are dooming digital marketing for the rest of the generations. Every new generation of consumers means shifting marketing tactics and best practices in order to continue driving revenue and growing as a brand. When you execute your digital marketing strategy correctly, Gen Z can bring in major revenue, their own as well as revenue from their parents. They care about social responsibility, authenticity, and personable customer experiences. Brands have the opportunity to start engaging with socially active, highly motivated young people. They want to connect with companies, lead a following, or even become loyal brand ambassadors. Generation Z presents a new challenge that may just not seem worth it to some, but they offer the opportunity for huge payoffs with a little bit of work and understanding. 

 

More From Onimod Global

To catch up on the latest digital marketing news and trends, click here. To find out more about who we are and what we do, click here!

 

 

Women to Watch in the Digital Marketing Industry

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We have already discussed the importance of women in digital marketing, but let’s take a look at how a few specific women are shaping its future.

Many brands are currently shifting their target audience to include more millennials. After all, it is a huge market of potential revenue.

Women & The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has recently launched a campaign that targets women of this generation. This news comes from an article by Sami Main of Adweek.

The article discusses the strategy behind the WSJ campaign and why they anticipate its success. The campaign will showcase a diverse and ambitious female character.

The goal is for the Wall Street Journal to take a positive stance regarding ambition and action, which are very often reflected by millennial women. Suzi Watford, evp and CMO of the Wall Street Journal, explained the concept further by saying, “People want and need a more diverse business leadership of the future.”

Up and Comers

Adweek recently released another article that brought praise to several “rising tech stars”. The list was comprised of many accomplished men, but also included 5 outstanding women in the digital field. These women are:

  • Stephanie Horbaczewski: Founder of StyleHaul, Stephanie shows a particular focus in the areas of analytics and social networking. Her company has combined the two into a product called Society. This product works to provide creators with access to data about every piece of content that they produce and post through their page.
  • Nithya Thadani: Recently named president of digital consultancy for Rain, Nithya has been pulling the company into the future as a leading tech-focused innovator. Despite Rain’s fast paced growth, it aims to continue this positive trend in the near future. As Nithya put it, “We’ve barely scratched the surface of how this will impact marketers.”
  • Anda Gansca: Coming all the way from Transylvania, Gansca has a more objective viewpoint than most in this industry. With plenty of technology resources at her side, Gansca offers incredible insight to advertisers that ultimately help them to better serve their own consumers. This human element is very important to her and she elaborates by stating, “I think it’s really easy in our industry to lose track of the fact that we’re ultimately serving people, not impressions.”
  • Tiffany Zhong: Although she is the youngest in this short list of impressive ladies, Tiffany Zhong has used her few years of experience wisely. She places a particular interest on Generation Z. Zhong claims that her company, Zebra Intelligence, is one of a kind because, “No one has done Gen Z research to such an extent.”
  • April Underwood:Slack id a platform that works to connect teams with everything they need to get the job done. April has taken their original base of 1 million users and grow it to an astounding 6 million. Underwood told Adweek that her advice for other female executives is to take time to develop relationships outside of your day job and find a career that allows you to focus on more than one thing.