TikTok's meteoric rise has changed the landscape of digital media, and at the forefront of this evolution stands Generation Z. Born between 1996 and 2010, Gen Z is a cohort of digitally native, tech-savvy, and socially conscious individuals who have stamped their presence all over the internet. They're often praised for their authenticity, and while many are discussing the right Gen Z marketing strategies, there's an even more interesting angle to consider: How can we take what we learn from them and apply it to our own marketing strategies?
In a recent episode of Remotely Cultured, FPS Founder and Chief Remote Officer Jeanna Barrett explored this question with Angela Cope, Director of Demand Generation at Softchoice. The bottom line? As Angela put it, “We have a lot to learn from Gen Z about how to be great storytellers and connect with our audience as humans.”
In this blog, we’ll tap into the role of storytelling in marketing that Gen Z is nailing — and highlight some content marketing tips to help your band authentically thrive.
Gen Z Marketing Strategies We Could All Benefit From
Gen Z might be young, but they're digital maestros, effortlessly carving out a space for themselves online — and racking up millions of followers along the way. Let's explore what they’re doing right.
Here are four content marketing tips that you can implement into your own marketing strategy, inspired by Gen Z.
Tip #1: Be Effortlessly Authentic
Gen Z keeps it real. They showcase their highs, lows, quirks, and everything in between. Even when they’re marketing a product, they do it in a way that feels relatable — sometimes, you don’t even realize you’re watching an ad until it’s over and you feel compelled to buy the product they were showcasing.
Cope encourages you to follow suit. Ditch the buzzwords and the jargon and opt for authentic, meaningful content in order to resonate with your audience in a meaningful way.
Tip #2: Be Transparent and Accountable
Honesty is the best policy for Gen Z. When they slip up, they own it, apologize, and learn. This transparency has built trust among their followers, a crucial lesson for brands in this age of information.
People want to engage with brands that they trust. The more you can engage honestly with your audience and own up to any missteps, the more likely you are to foster loyal, long-term customer relationships.
Tip #3: Tell a Great Story
Whether it's a 15-second video or a tweet, Gen Z has a knack for narrative. They understand the elements of a good story and how to engage their audience from start to finish. Their TikTok marketing strategies often revolve around crafting tales that are both entertaining and impactful.
Their stories are never centered around selling a product or highlighting a service — they’re about real human experiences. The more authentic and specific the story, the more likely it is to resonate.
Tip #4: Treat Your Audience Like Real People
For Gen Z, it's not just about numbers; it's about building a community. They interact, listen, and treat their audience as friends. They understand the value of two-way communication and the magic of genuine connections.
The next time you’re gearing up to launch a campaign, ask yourself, “Is this how I would want to be spoken to? Am I engaging with my audience on a real, human level, or am I treating them like just another statistic?”
TikTok influencers have mastered this art of conversation, speaking to their followers as if they're close friends. This genuine approach makes their audience feel valued and understood, leading to higher engagement and more frequent interactions.
Embrace the Future of Content Marketing
Generation Z has given us a masterclass on the future of content marketing. They're genuine, they're innovative, and most importantly, they treat their audience with respect. As we navigate the evolving digital landscape, taking cues from this generation can set us on the path to authentic engagement.
Want to keep the conversation going? Tune in to Remotely Cultured.
