Creating Loyalty: What Works With Millennials
Being a Gen Y, I can personally attest to my generation’s dislike of being sold to. I dislike sales so much I chose a career path to avoid it! If the only way I can purchase something is by forcefully spending my precious time with a gym membership or car salesmen, I am immediately turned off from the company.
Being a Gen Y, I can personally attest to my generation’s dislike of being sold to. I dislike sales so much I chose a career path to avoid it! If the only way I can purchase something is by forcefully spending my precious time with a gym membership or car salesmen, I am immediately turned off from the company.
Starting to feel concerned? You should be. But don’t worry, I’m here to tell you how to create an experience with Gen Y that can be a win-win for you and the Millennials.
CREATE AN EXPERIENCE
Gen Y isn’t looking for the one-time sales deal, but rather a commitment or partnership with a brand or organization. Once you hook us we are very loyal. The question is, are you ready for a relationship with Gen Y?
Synergy
Unlike other generations, Gen Y is used to new and emerging technologies. This is a generation that can easily adapt and juggle different platforms. One thing should be consistent across all your platforms: your design and message.
Gen Y should instantly be able to recognize a brand simply by the look of a product, based on how a company markets themselves. The same should be true for all marketing channels. The experience should be similar (not duplicated) in social media, traditional and online advertising. Take advantage of each platform’s strength, and cohesively insert your organization’s message.
Engage
Traditional sales methods often lead the potential consumer out of the equation. Research to find where your target market is, when they’re there and what they do. Gen Y likes to build a community, so show them what you bring to the table. How will Gen Y benefit from joining your community? Host, cater or sponsor a popular Gen Y event. It’s a great way to interact with your consumers face to face and hear what they have to say.
Word of mouth
Word of mouth is, by far, the most crucial seal of approval from Gen Y. If they like a company’s product, experience or message they WILL let their followers, family and friends know. Gen Y reads product and customer reviews and takes the feedback or criticism to heart when making purchasing decisions. Whether you receive a positive or negative review, respond to it immediately. Gen Y likes to see you care about them and each individual purchase, like or comment is valued.
Whether you’re an established brand or just starting out, don’t forget the power of Gen Y in today’s economy. As one of the largest groups since the Baby Boomers, Gen Y has a very influential impact on business. Instead of always trying to forcefully sell a product, focus on how to present your company/brand in a cohesive manner. Interact with Gen Y across all available channels to prove you are listening and are committed for the long haul.
Looking for additional ways to engage Gen Y? Download XYZ University’s latest white paper “Getting Gen Y to Buy.”
Photo credit: ProjectGlobalGeneration.com