While Baby Boomers and Millennials have been the main focus for years, Generation Z is the next rising group of consumers. Born with technology at their fingertips, these young teens possess a unique dynamic. Although other generations had to constantly adapt to new technologies like the internet, smartphones and apps, Gen Z are digital natives. As a result, traditional marketing techniques like TV ads and billboards are less effective.
According to UK promotional products experts GoPromotional If you want to reach out to Gen Z and attract them to your brand, you’ll need to adapt your promotional strategies. That means learning about this generation’s needs, desires, and pastime activities. Today, we’ll dive deeply into Generation Z to find out what the best promotional products are for them. So, grab your pen and paper and get ready for Generation Z 101.
What Is Generation Z?
Generation Z consists of individuals who were born between 1997 and 2012. They represent almost 20% of the UK population and have a special relationship with technology. More specifically, it is the first generation of people raised with both the internet and social media as part of their lives.
Due to easy information access, Generation Z was able to develop strong views on political activism, social justice and sustainability at an early age. Similarly, social media has shaped their personalities, with most Gen Zers having an affinity for creative endeavours. They also crave personal and real connections with brands and rarely resonate with traditional marketing strategies.
What Promotional Products Should I Choose?
When marketing toward Gen Z, you’ll need to put a lot of thought and attention into your campaign. That’s because you’ll need to build a genuine relationship with your target audience. That’s where promotional campaigns come in, helping close the gap between you and Gen Z.
However, not every promotional item is a good choice, particularly for this generation that can choose between endless brands. But there are a few tried and tested products that are incredibly effective:
Smart Technology
As mentioned earlier, the main trait of this generation is their affinity for technology. In fact, according to research, 98% of Gen Zers own a smartphone, and at least 45% use it constantly to access the internet. Due to their dependence on the internet, members of this generation prefer promotional items that aid and enhance their existing devices. And what better way to tap into that fact than tech items?
For example, power banks allow users to charge their phones on the go and are incredibly popular among Gen Z members. Similarly, USB charging hubs and cables are also appreciated, especially since device compatibility is a constant concern for this generation. And let’s not forget about Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, which can easily connect to any device for a seamless experience.
So, by giving away some practical and sought-after smart items, you can get closer to Gen Zers. In return, they will be more willing to try out your products and services. And while not all of them will become customers, they will at least help you by passively advertising your brand.
Eco-Friendly Products
Over the past couple of years, more and more people have become aware of the negative effects we have on the environment. At the forefront of this eco-conscious move is Generation Z. Thanks to their natural curiosity and dedication, members of this generation have shown an interest in a lot of humanitarian causes, particularly those related to the environment. As a result, they often denounce companies that don’t make a conscious effort to curb pollution.
If you want to earn the respect and loyalty of Gen Zers, you’ll need to prove that you truly care about the environment. You can do that by focusing on eco-friendly promotional products such as reusable water bottles, bamboo boxes and metal straws. And, if you own a retail store, remember to also replace plastic items in your shop with sustainable alternatives like tote bags.
Self-Care Products
Unfortunately, Gen Z is considered the loneliest generation due to their internet habits that lead to long periods of isolation. To put things into perspective almost 50% of people between the ages of 15 and 24 describe themselves as lonely, while 64% consider themselves stressed.
Naturally, the majority of Gen Zers have started to focus on self-care. Since this generation doesn’t stigmatize mental health, they often open up about their thoughts and feelings. So why not market your brand by relying on self-care promotional products that nurture mindfulness and stress reduction?
Essential oils, spa kits and even electronic diffusers are great choices if you want to forge a connection with your Gen Z audience. Stress balls can also be effective, especially since your recipients can use them at home, school, or in the workplace. Just make sure to brand them with your logo, company name, or other unique design to improve your brand awareness.
Cooking Utensils
Gen Z is an independent generation, which is also noticeable in the kitchen. With dozens of online resources like blogs and YouTube, recipes and cooking tips are more available than ever. As a result, Gen Zers are more willing to cook instead of constantly relying on fast food.
Because of this generation’s autonomy in the kitchen, utensils are always welcome. There are dozens of kitchen promotional items that you can give away, such as measuring cups, cutting boards, kitchen scales, and even aprons. Not only will those products encourage your audience to create new and exciting meals, but they will also convert some of your recipients into loyal customers.
Calendars and Planners
Generally speaking, Gen Zers are enthusiastic about their future and want to ensure that they’ll live a prosperous life. That’s why many of them want to start their own business one day. But in order to be successful managers, they need to work on their organizational skills and improve them constantly.
Planners and calendars are a great way to keep track of daily tasks. Even though there are dozens of planning apps, few offer a similar level of personalization to physical planners. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of writing down your goals and ticking them off one by one as you manage to complete them.
However, keep in mind that Gen Z puts a lot of value on looks. So don’t choose planners and calendars that use the same old classic designs. Try to go for unique and intriguing products that feature bold colors, patterns and letters.
Athletic Products
Gen Z takes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of physical activity much more than the previous generation. As a result, sports products are always in demand, particularly those related to fitness, jogging, and yoga. By integrating reusable water bottles and athletic equipment in your promotional campaign, you acknowledge the importance of sport, showing Gen Zers that you do care about their health. And, since they are branded, sports products will also improve your brand awareness, further promoting your company to this generation.
Bridging the Generational Gap
Trying to entice a whole new generation of customers is not an easy task. You’ll have to analyse their habits and try to understand their needs. However, with the help of promotional items, you, too, can bridge the generational gap and build a strong relationship with Gen Zers. Remember that while Gen Z customers may forget names, they will never forget an experience!
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