What Should Brands Do To Connect With Gen Z These days, marketing focuses more on telling a brand's story and building stronger emotional connections with consumers than it does on just pushing things. And since members of Gen Z are digital natives, they would be a potential market for numerous brands.

By Kavya Pillai

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

charlesdeluvio

These days, marketing focuses more on telling a brand's story and building stronger emotional connections with consumers than it does on just pushing things. And since members of Gen Z are digital natives, they would be a potential market for numerous brands. Since they are the most active users on social media, their actions have the power to positively or negatively impact a brand's reputation. Thus, essentially, any business needs to interact with Generation Z efficiently and according to their terms.

Gen Z As A Consumer

The Gen Z group is known for appreciating uniqueness, honesty, and sincerity. Due to their upbringing in an environment where a wealth of knowledge is continuously being disseminated, kids are frequently able to recognize anything that seems false or deceptive. Many of them have grown weary of the constant visual perfection they see on dating apps, social media, and other websites. As a result, any digital business endeavorâ€"particularly those involving mobile appsâ€"must communicate with Generation Z in an honest manner. If not, a business may quickly become "clocked in" by them or even have its endeavor destined to fail.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Furthermore, Gen Z is a generation that favors inclusivity and diversity. Many desire to see representation of themselves and their peers in the brands they use. In order to make sure that even more individuals feel included, more platforms are establishing safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ users. One such example is the expansion of in-app gender options. Another illustration is the skincare line Fenty Beauty, which was started by singer Rihanna. The company introduced a variety of foundation hues that were designed to suit a broad spectrum of skin tones, including some that are frequently disregarded by other companies.

Adding features such as these could involve a major reworking of the product, involving a great deal of testing and user input analysis. Nonetheless, businesses may create a community that embraces and welcomes individuals from all walks of life by emphasizing inclusivity.

Engaging With Gen Z

Brands should use Gen Z-friendly tactics, including making entertaining, interesting, and shareable content, to appeal to them. Since social media was a part of Gen Z's upbringing, most of them like to share relevant content. Consequently, businesses may benefit from this by producing content that goes viral and grabs users' attention, inspiring them to share it with others.

For example, Durex, a brand of contraceptives, has a social media presence that is swift, clever, brave, and quick to respond to comments on any topic that is happening right now. Beyond simply the products, this strategy has helped the brand become well-liked by Generation Z, who like sharing the brand's content.

User-Generated Content

User-generated material is another tactic that frequently resonates with Generation Z. A large portion of this generation enjoys having a sense of involvement and belonging. By providing avenues for user-generated content, brands may interact with Generation Z and cultivate a feeling of community. This may entail adding new features that motivate users to produce more content for the app, making it a more engaging and involved experience overall.

Additionally, when speaking with Generation Z, authenticity is essential. In order to make sure the brands they utilize are consistent with their ideals, they frequently try to find the human side of the companies.In conclusion, businesses need to come up with fresh, creative approaches to connect with Gen Z as their purchasing power keeps increasing. In order to establish a stronger connection with this particular demographic, brands ought to think about producing content that aligns with their beliefs and passions, maintaining transparency and genuineness in their communication, and cultivating a feeling of community.

Kavya Pillai

Former Correspondent

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

This One Leadership Move Will Transform Your Team's Loyalty and Performance

Most leaders focus on technical skills, but this lesser-known trait quietly shapes team loyalty, engagement and long-term performance.

Science & Technology

We Spent a Decade Building Virtual Worlds — What We Discovered Could Reshape the Future of Business

What we learned about scale, AI and ownership when we tried to connect thousands of people in real time.

Science & Technology

The Hidden Dangers of Using Generative AI in Your Business

Rushing to adopt generative AI can derail your business. Here's what leaders need to know.

Side Hustle

7 Ways Ecommerce Is Helping People Rebuild Their Lives

Ecommerce is more than just a business model. For many, it's about finding stability, freedom and a way to feel in control.

Green Entrepreneur®

Here's How to Save the Planet and Make a Profit

You don't have to be Captain Planet to save the planet for future generations -- and you can make a profit doing it.