Marketing to Gen Z: A New Playbook for the Digital-First Generation

When I first started exploring how to connect with Generation Z, I’ll admit—it felt like stepping into an entirely new world. This isn’t just another demographic; Gen Z represents a mindset, a way of consuming information, and an entirely new set of expectations. Born into a digital-first world, their approach to marketing feels refreshingly different—and equally challenging.

From my experience, marketing to Gen Z is about authenticity, adaptability, and alignment with values. If your strategy revolves around traditional, one-size-fits-all methods, you might be missing the mark. So, what can we do to connect with this elusive generation? Let me share some practical insights and strategies that have worked for us at FOUNDCOO .

1. Gen Z Values Authenticity Over Perfection

One thing I’ve noticed with Gen Z is their sharp radar for anything inauthentic. They don’t want polished, overly curated content—they crave the raw, real, and relatable.

My Quote: “For Gen Z, it’s not about the perfect ad; it’s about the story that feels genuine and reflects their values.”

Practical Tip: Showcase the human side of your brand. Share behind-the-scenes moments, user-generated content, or stories from your team. Being relatable can be far more impactful than traditional branding efforts.

2. Be Where They Are: The Power of Social Media

Let’s face it: Gen Z doesn’t check emails the way older generations do. Instead, they’re scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Stat: 60% of Gen Z prefer to discover new brands via social media platforms rather than search engines (Business Insider).

What does this mean for us? Your brand needs to create bite-sized, visually engaging, and fun content that sparks conversations. If you’re not on platforms like TikTok or using Reels, you might be missing a huge opportunity.

My Experience: I’ve seen firsthand how an engaging TikTok video showcasing a brand’s values and products can outperform weeks of email campaigns targeting Gen Z. It’s not just about being present on these platforms but also speaking their language.

3. Prioritize Short-Form, Visual Content

Have you ever watched a Gen Z scroll through their feed? It’s like watching someone flipping through TV channels at lightning speed. If your content doesn’t grab their attention in the first 3 seconds, it’s game over.

My Quote: “Marketing to Gen Z is like trying to make an unforgettable impression in an elevator ride—you’ve got seconds, not minutes.”

Practical Tip: Use compelling visuals, bold headlines, and captivating storytelling in your ads and posts. Keep it short, but impactful.

4. Align with Their Values

Gen Z is a values-driven generation. Sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity are at the core of their decision-making.

Stat: 62% of Gen Z prefer to buy from brands that stand for something (Forbes).

At Foundcoo, we’ve found that when brands actively show their commitment to causes Gen Z cares about, engagement skyrockets. For instance, highlighting sustainability practices or showcasing community initiatives resonates deeply.

5. Interact, Don’t Broadcast

Gen Z wants a two-way street. They’re not here for one-sided marketing messages—they want to engage with brands that listen and respond.

Example: I’ve seen brands that actively reply to TikTok comments, run Instagram polls, or host Q&A sessions build deeper connections with Gen Z. It’s these interactive experiences that transform casual viewers into loyal advocates.

Final Thoughts: Marketing to Gen Z Is About Earning Their Trust

From my experience, successfully marketing to Gen Z comes down to being real, responsive, and value-driven. This is a generation that doesn’t just want to consume—they want to connect. And if you can meet them where they are, engage with authenticity, and align with their values, you’ll have the opportunity to build lifelong relationships with this influential demographic.

At FOUNDCOO , we specialize in helping brands navigate these changing dynamics. If your marketing strategy feels stuck in the past, let’s talk. We’ll help you craft a plan that resonates with the generation shaping the future.

Schedule a call?https://booking.foundcoo.com/#/foundcooltd