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Connecting with Gen Z

07/16/2020 industry_insights

Grab Gen Z’s attention! Learn more about the newest generation entering the workforce and how promotional products can help your brand connect with them.  

Generation Z, more commonly known as Gen Z, refers to those born between 1996-2010, with the oldest turning 24 in 2020. According to LinkedIn, those in Gen Z are likely more open-minded, competitive and independent. Gen Z is also known for being significantly more risk-averse than previous generations making them highly value stability, flexibility and authenticity when purchasing items, considering job offers and more. 

  

 

They are most known for being the “tech-savvy” generation because they grew up with the internet, technology and most importantly, social media which they rely on as a decision-making resource. Today, 52% of the general population discovers brands on social media and 58% say social media influences their decisions, even if it’s not where they discovered the product or service. Since Gen Z values authenticity, utilizing social media influencers or possibly even celebrities who already love your brand by providing them with custom promotional products is a great way to advertise your brand in an organic way.  

 

 

Now that Gen Z is beginning to enter the workforce and starting to become more financially independent, it’s important to note that when combined with the smaller millennial generation, they comprise over half the US population beating both Generation X and Baby Boomers. This is significant from a marketing perspective because these generations consume media differently, learn differently and trust differently. Specifically, Gen Z is far more likely to use social media to feel connected, build trust and recommend brands to their friends and family.   

 

Rather than simply being given a promotional item, Gen Z prefers earning it.  Bring out their competitive nature by using your social media for giveaways, contests and raffles that they can enter by following your page, liking or commenting on a post, tagging a friend or mentioning the brand/competition on their story or feed. This will not only get them excited about your brand, but they will also be exposing your brand to friends and family who will potentially become new loyal customers too.  

 

Get to know Gen Z. Contact your Staples Representative for ideas and inspiration for products perfect for grabbing Gen Z’s attention. Don’t have a Staples Rep? Call 1.800.369.4669 or email scs@staples.com to get started.