4 Things Companies Need to Understand to Market to Millennials

It might seem like marketing agencies are constantly talking about how to market to Millennials. And we are. Every demographic poses its own unique challenges of being marketed to but it seems Millennials have a special spot in history with this, in a good way. They are young enough to grow up with technology but old enough to remember a world before cell phones, easily accessed internet, buying CDs instead of simply downloading an MP3, etc.

They are the like a "Pivot Generation" in which they have shifted how consumers think and are setting things on a new course. Every few generations, there is a pivot generation that changes things up. It's refreshing. It's wonderful.

There are four things that brands must understand to help market to Millennials. 

1. Brands must have utility. Brands can't just pay to be shown on a billboard or poster, they have to create legitimate connections with consumers. Show how you connect with Millennial consumers. This generation wants to know what brands bring to the table, why, and not with cliché marketing techniques.

2. Not all Millennials are the same age. Remember, Millennials are anyone between the ages of 19-35. There are several stages of life within that range. You have kids going off to college, young professionals, all the way to established professionals with kids. They are not in the same mindset and consequently, they do not behave that way.

Younger Millennials will have more disposable income and be up for things like music festivals, while older Millennials have more restrictions on their income due to things like rent, mortgages, other bills, and maybe even taking care of children. One way to reach older Millennials, in regards to events, is to have it be a one day event with a reasonable price. 

3. Don't use pitchmen, especially on social media. Millennials can spot a pitchman from a mile away. And they don't like it. Having something tangible for the group to hold on to will do more for a brand than any pitch will. A physical memento is one thing this generation loves. At concerts, one of the best sellers for bands are posters. T-Shirts do well, too.

Before we mentioned how Millennials (most of them) are old enough to remember a world before you could download MP3s and had to actually buy a CD. Well, that is trending again. Millennials are appreciating actual records and CDs again. The sales of vinyl records has shot up 52 percent in the last 12 months.

4. Brands have to be willing to give stuff away. It sounds crazy to some businesses. Why would you want to give stuff away for free; won't that encourage people to get freebies and never purchase? No, surpassingly not. When people get free stuff, it enables them to experience the product or service with no commitment. This allows them to enjoy it, stress free.

It also allows Millennials to have a tangible connection with the brand. Back to the music and concerts examples, it's a great way for brands to physically connect with their fans.

It can be confusing but it really does pay off when brands comply with the various tips for marketing to Millennials. If your business needs help, then email Integraphix, a Los Angeles marketing company. With so many Millennials on staff, our creative marketing team knows how to connect with this great demographic.