Millennials get a bad reputation, we all know that. However, Millennials are the largest generation out there who make up the largest percentage of homeowners, parents and consumers. Not only that but Millennials are the most educated generation in the United States and a majority of Millennials are the decision-makers within their companies. 

While this generation gets a bad reputation with their avocado toast, they are your new customers in a number of industries and companies. As other generations start to age into retirement, and Millennials continue to rise in the ranks, a company cannot disregard this generation in their overall millennial marketing strategy. 

Millennials are a bit different from other generations before them, which everyone kind of knew! Millennials spend a considerable amount of time on the Internet, social media channels and are conscious consumers who take the word of other consumers before trusting into a company. Millennials have shaken up industry after industry, but this is because they want something different. They do their research and have so many more options out there than other generations. 

84 percent of Millennials do not trust traditional advertising methods, which means, companies have had to completely change their overall strategies! What companies have been able to adapt to their new audience? 

Netflix is a great example of how a company has won over Millennials. Millennials have ditched traditional ways of television consumption and have started to implement all of the different streaming options out there. There are many reasons why from price points to the different types of content that is provided by these streaming platforms! 

Here’s how they are doing it! 

The fear of missing out (FOMO) on the original, latest content that is produced by Netflix. Netflix is known for its original content, series and indie movies that not only help large companies but independent filmmakers who Millennials can relate with. 

Personalization is all the rage these days, and Netflix has been able to keep personalized content and options available to consumers. A profile is made and based on that profile is the type of content that is shown first. Genius and so simple! 

There are no commercials and binge-watching is a profession on its own! As stated above, Millennials do not trust traditional advertising and Netflix does not have advertisements! You can simply watch all three seasons of Ozarks in one weekend and there is no one to judge you. 

How else? Great social media accounts which is a great millennial marketing strategy. Millennials are social media consumers! Seven in 10 Snapchat users are Millennials and 46 percent of Millennials have over 200 plus Facebook followers! As one of the most connected generations to social media, and the generation most willing to try out the latest technology, social media is the best way to connect with this generation and generate excitement! 

How should companies enhance their millennial marketing strategy? 

1. Social media marketing 

97 percent of Millennials own a smartphone and the top social media application used is Facebook! (Which is why this generation has over 200 plus Facebook friends)!  34 percent of Millennials find that social media helps them in the final decision of making a purchase! 

Social media marketing provides a company with the ability to reach a larger audience that will purchase their products and services, and as more companies turn to social media for marketing, the harder it is to break through to that audience. Millennials are a great representation of this audience because being connected to their phones and social media platforms, they are the ones who you are trying to reach. 

This can be done with authenticity and being transparent on social media. This does not mean to share everything on social media, but a great example is how a company is handling tough times. If they support the local community, nonprofit organizations and are philanthropic, this is great content for social media. 

This shows social responsibility and a company who is worried about their community while showing who they really are and what they stand for. 

Even simply responding to customers to right wrongs or telling them “thanks for the review” is simple, but part of that authenticity. Millennials enjoy following brands and companies who they purchase products from, so be yourself and show them why they love your products and services! 

2. SEO

Millennials are educated consumers who do a substantial amount of research compared to other generations. They research products, reviews and compare and contrast other products. They are loyal to brands, but are willing to switch it up if something happens! 

A simple Google search will show the nine other competitors that your company needs to be one step ahead of. While ranking number one is important, it is also important to just be on that first page! 

Not only does a company need SEO for lead generation, but for brand awareness as well. What is published on the internet is what a company is known for organically in SERP. So, every bad review, bad press and all the good stuff in-between will all be there. 

3. Content marketing 

Millennials are 44 percent more likely to trust experts, even one they don’t know of, and 247 percent more likely to trust blogs and social media! Content marketing is the content that is being produced that informs consumers more about products and services, FAQs and so much more. The thing with content marketing is, good content marketing is what can rank in SERP with SEO strategies in place. Good content marketing also keeps consumers on websites for longer. Another thing with content marketing is video marketing strategies! 

4. Mobile friendly website 

57 percent of all website traffic is from mobile devices! Not only do Millennials use their mobile devices more than other generations, but Google also loves a website who is mobile friendly!  

A website is the first impression that consumers are going to have of your company, and a company with a website that is slow and outdated from 1980 is not a great first impression for anyone! Not only does it need to be modern, but it needs to be properly sized for mobile search! 

All of this for just Millennials? Yup! While they get a bad reputation, this generation is pushing companies to think outside of the box and step up their Millennial marketing strategy! 

For help with SEO, content marketing, social media marketing or a mobile friendly website, contact us today!