Tapping Into Gen Z Humor and Sensibilities in Marketing

Gen Z represents 20% of the U.S. population, and they possess a digital DNA that is quite unlike their millennial predecessors. Their unique blend of humor and activism makes them one of the most rewarding demographics to market to, and they engage online like fish engage in water.

Many companies miss the mark when they market to Gen Z. They rely too heavily on slang they don’t understand* or pick up on digital trends weeks after they’ve passed. Some businesses even underestimate this generation and end up condescending to them.

Ready to create content that lives rent-free in Gen Z’s head? Let’s get started.

 

Embrace Memes and Internet Culture

Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up with the internet, so it figures that their humor is enmeshed with memes and internet culture. That means keeping up with the latest memes is actually a valuable form of market research – who’d’ve thought?

Find creative ways to incorporate internet humor into your content while being mindful of the quick pace and dynamics of the online world. Keep it hilarious, relatable and shareable.

 

Leverage Short-Form Videos

Did you know that 60% of TikTok users are Gen Z? Brands trying to reach this demographic without some form of short video content are, as they say, delulu. Experiment with funny skits, challenges and trends that align with your platform’s format, and above all, keep it authentic.

If you’re struggling to create this type of content, try developing a customer persona and journey map. Only when you’ve walked a mile in Gen Z’s platform sneakers can you understand what kinds of video content they want to see.

 

Champion Social Causes

Gen Z is the most socially conscious generation yet. They seek brands that align with their values and enact positive societal change.

Not every brand is saving the rainforests or fighting economic inequality, but they can certainly take a stance on hot-button issues. Whether it’s donating a portion of sales to an important cause or sharing informative, actionable content on social media, there are endless ways to champion social causes and earn Gen Z’s favor. 

Just be sure your actions go beyond empty gestures, or this demographic will get the ick.

 

Harness Influencer Marketing and UGC

Does the canyon between your brand and Gen Z feel insurmountably wide? Bridge the gap with an influencer. Influencers are Gen Z celebrities and already have a genuine connection with their fan base. With the creative freedom to incorporate Gen Z humor into sponsored content, influencers can help you cook and leave no crumbs.

User-generated content (UGC) is another way to encourage Gen Z’s humor, creativity, and engagement. Running contests or challenges that invite Gen Z to create and share content can help them feel like the main character while calling attention to your brand. It’s a G.O.A.T.ed situation all around.

 

Based Marketing Strategies for Your Business

By embracing Gen Z humor, short-form video content, championing a cause and tapping into UGC, you too can capture the interest of this weird and wonderful generation. Get ready for brand awareness and engagement like you’ve never seen before. No cap.

Bullseye is a Gen-Z and Millennial-run digital marketing and media company. We exist in the context of all in which we live and what came before us. We balance proven methodologies with constant discovery to create relevant, dynamic content that grows brand awareness across target demographics. 

Reach out today to learn how we can empower your brand. 

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*We’d certainly never do that.