Gen Z Is Here to Stay. What Now?

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Take a look around the office - how many people are Gen Z? Are you a member of Gen Z yourself??

If so, then you might be wondering what this article is all about. If not, then maybe you’re looking for a little bit of advice about this demographic and how to appeal to them in your marketing plans.?

Either way, I’ve got you. This article is all about Gen Z, affiliate marketing and how the two interact with one another.?

Generation Z are aged roughly from 11 to 26 years old. That’s a massive range, including both teenagers and adults. So, it would be wrong to assume that everybody in this demographic shares similarities. However, two things are indisputable. Firstly, Gen Z is here to stay. Secondly, Gen Z and affiliate marketing go hand-in-hand.?

Understanding the Digital Natives

As digital natives, Gen Z has grown up with technology at their fingertips. They are fluent in the language of social media, online shopping, and digital communication. Brands need to recognise that Gen Z is mobile-first, socially engaged, and highly influenced by peer recommendations (cough-cough, affiliate marketing). With nearly three hours spent online daily, this demographic's digital presence cannot be underestimated.

With all this in mind, brands should be - and are - scrambling to engage with these Gen Z preferences and behaviours.

Becoming Socially Led?

To effectively reach Gen Z, brands must collaborate with publishers who understand and cater to this demographic's preferences.?

Socially-led and technology-driven publishers are leading the way in engaging with Gen Z through innovative content creation and seamless online experiences. By aligning with such publishers, brands can tap into the higher levels of engagement that Gen Z offers.

Lead with social awareness and the results will speak for themselves.

Going Deeper

Saying that Gen Z is tech-savvy and peer-influenced is all well and good, but if you really want to understand this demographic, you need to go deeper.?

What really motivates them??

Gen Z consumers are discerning and socially conscious. As such, they seek authenticity and brands that align with their own values. Sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility are key factors that influence their purchasing decisions. So, brands that prioritise integrity and authenticity in their messaging are going to have the best shot at establishing trust and a meaningful connection with Gen Z.?

Adapting, Adapting, Adapting

So, how should brands and agencies be adapting to better engage with Gen Z? Two words: short form. Short, snappy content will resonate, making it a safe bet. This is why Instagram Reels and TikTok are such effective platforms.?

But, remember - it’s not all about the social media platforms. Marketing tactics that work on one platform may not translate to another. It’s less about the specific platforms (although this is important in a practical sense) and more about your approach.?

Adapt your approach to cater to Gen Z if you want to support continued growth.

At first, the idea that Gen Z is “here to stay” might sound like old news. But you’d be surprised by the number of brands and agencies still struggling to keep up. If they keep at it, they’re going to get bulldozed over.?

So, whilst making generalisations might seem silly, it is important to consider what floats Gen Z’s boat and the ideas in this article are a good jumping-off point. If you’re an affiliate marketer, you need to put Gen Z at the centre of your strategy. The good news? You might find it easier than you first think.?

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