Gen Z is the future of marketing. They are growing up and becoming the main consumers of media, products, and services. Marketing to them requires some understanding of their digital habits, values, and expectations. Here is guidance on how to market to those between the ages of 11 and 26 years old so you can secure their support as consumers and followers of your brand, company, or product.

1. Leverage Social Media to Its Full Potential

• Utilize TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram – These are the dominant platforms where Gen Z consumes and interacts with content. Snapchat and Discord are also important for community-based engagement.

• Create a strong visual brand identity – Have all your marketing materials follow a cohesive aesthetic and color theme. A well-curated feed signals professionalism and credibility.

• Engage with trends in real-time – Social media moves fast. Hop on trending sounds, challenges, or formats to boost reach.

• Short-Form Video is Key – TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominate engagement. Prioritize high-quality, entertaining, and informative short videos.

2. Authentic Collaborations & Sponsorships

• Partner with genuine fans of your brand – Gen Z can instantly spot inauthentic endorsements. Work with influencers who already love your product or brand.

• Micro & Nano Influencers Matter – Smaller influencers often have higher engagement and trust within niche communities.

• Encourage real, unfiltered reviews – Even when paying influencers, allow them to share honest feedback rather than scripted responses.

3. Be Personal & Interactive

• Engage with comments and messages – A brand that actively replies and interacts builds a loyal community.

• Humanize your brand – Show behind-the-scenes content, introduce employees, and share stories about your company.

• Make customer service a social experience – Quick responses and friendly interactions on social media make a lasting impression.

4. Show Sustainability & Ethics

• Transparency is key – Be open about your sourcing, sustainability efforts, and ethical practices.

• Make sustainability a core part of your brand – It’s not just a trend; it’s an expectation. Highlight eco-friendly initiatives in product packaging, production, or charity partnerships.

• Diversity & Inclusion Matter – Showcase a diverse range of people in your campaigns and ensure your brand supports inclusivity in its actions, not just words.

5. Invest in Gen Z

• Hire younger employees – They understand their generation better than anyone and can help tailor strategies.

• Create internship programs – Engaging young talent early builds brand loyalty and fresh perspectives.

• Encourage employee advocacy – Let younger employees contribute to social media content and marketing strategies.

6. Prioritize Entertainment Over Hard Selling

• Education with Entertainment is powerful – Blend education with entertainment. Tutorials, product demos, and behind-the-scenes videos work well.

• Memes & Humor Work – Relatable, witty content fosters engagement and shareability.

• Interactions Boost Engagement – Interactive polls, quizzes, and challenges

These six tips can help you market your brand and company better to Generation Z. Here we shared how important social media presence is and how to navigate collaborations. We also highlighted Gen. Z’s desire for sustainability and seeing the personal connections to brands from those behind them. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to market to any age group and understand what types of strategies they interact with more.