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Marketing to Gen Z vs Millennials: A Fun Dive into Two Power Generations

Writer's picture: Maddy RohrerMaddy Rohrer

We couldn’t be prouder of our team for the incredible effort they put into helping our clients each month. Their passion, dedication, and unique perspectives on marketing trends keep us ahead of the game. With a blend of Millennials and Gen Z in the office, there’s never a dull moment—we’re constantly learning from each other and evolving alongside societal shifts. From Millennial trends making a comeback to Gen Z’s fresh takes on music and culture, our approach to marketing bridges generational gaps in the most dynamic ways. Let’s dive into Marketing to Gen Z vs Millennials!


Millennial vs. Gen Z generational marketing differences

Who Are They?

  • Millennials (Born 1981-1996): The OGs of social media. They remember a time before smartphones but have adapted to the digital world like pros. Think Facebook, Instagram, and email newsletters. They’re all about nostalgia, personal connection, and experiences.

  • Gen Z (Born 1997-2012): Digital natives who’ve never known life without Wi-Fi. Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and BeReal are their playgrounds. They’re highly visual, brutally honest, and not afraid to call out a brand that misses the mark.


Communication Styles

  • Millennials: Love a good story. They’ll read your heartfelt blog post and share it with a thoughtful caption. Relatable memes? They’re all in. They’re the generation that grew up with Myspace Top 8 drama and AIM away messages, so they’re used to “meaningful” online interactions.

  • Gen Z: Keep it short, snappy, and authentic. These are the masters of the 7-second attention span. If you can’t communicate your message in a single Reel or short-form video, you’ve lost them. Transparency and humor are their love languages.


Buying Habits

  • Millennials: Value-driven shoppers who are loyal to brands they believe in. They’re likely to leave reviews, compare prices, and invest in quality. Bonus points if you’re eco-friendly or have a cool backstory.

  • Gen Z: Impulse buyers who want things fast. They’re influenced by trends, social media, and—let’s be honest—their favorite influencers. But don’t think they’re shallow; they demand inclusivity and accountability.


Social Media Preferences

  • Millennials: Instagram and Facebook are their jam. They love curated feeds and will totally save that perfectly staged flat lay for inspiration. They also engage with long-form content like IGTV and YouTube videos.

  • Gen Z: They’re here for unfiltered content and viral challenges. Snapchat and Instagram Stories? Yep, those too. The more real, the better. Polished marketing campaigns? Meh, they’d rather see a behind-the-scenes blooper.


✨Aesthetics✨

  • Millennials: They’re drawn to clean, minimalistic designs with a touch of nostalgia. Think pastel color palettes, geometric patterns, and curated Instagram grids. They appreciate polished branding that tells a story.

  • Gen Z: Bold, experimental, and unfiltered. Neon colors, glitch effects, and maximalist vibes reign supreme. They love content that feels raw and authentic, like behind-the-scenes footage or imperfectly perfect visuals. If it’s eye-catching and unconventional, you’ve got their attention.



Marketing Do’s and Don’ts

  • For Millennials:

    • Do: Focus on experiences and emotional connections.

    • Do: Use email—yes, they actually check it.

    • Don’t: Overload with ads. They’ve got ad-blockers and know how to use them.

  • For Gen Z:

    • Do: Embrace trends and keep it real.

    • Do: Partner with influencers they trust.

    • Don’t: Try too hard. They’ll sniff out inauthenticity faster than you can say “YOLO.”


Key Takeaways Marketing to Gen Z vs Millennials

  1. Be Authentic: Both generations value authenticity, but Gen Z demands it like it’s oxygen.

  2. Stay Relevant: Millennials love nostalgia, but Gen Z wants what’s trending now.

  3. Platform Matters: Choose your platform wisely. Facebook for Millennials, Reels and Stories for Gen Z.

  4. Visuals Are Key: Whether it’s a curated feed or a viral video, both generations are drawn to strong visuals. Invest in high-quality imagery or video content - they’ll both love you for it.


Marketing to Millennials and Gen Z isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. Each generation has its quirks, preferences, and platforms. The key is to understand their vibes and speak their language. Get it right, and you’ll win the hearts (and wallets) of these influential consumers.


Now go forth and conquer—whether it’s with a clever meme or a snappy short-form video! And remember, the only thing these two groups really have in common is that they’re both judging your font choices. No pressure!


Want to take your marketing to the next level? Millennials, grab your phones and give us a call for that classic connection. Gen Z, don’t worry—we’ve got an online booking link just waiting for your click. However you roll, let’s team up and create some marketing magic!




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