Millennials have gotten a bit of a bad rap lately. Maybe it’s because we’re impulsive or ask too many questions. Or, maybe it’s because we’re just too uncomplicated to be human. Whatever the case may be, the simple fact of the matter is that millennials make up the vast majority of the active population of this era.
I am a millennial and here is what I learned from attending a workshop on marketing to millennials in the digital age.
1. Transparency & Honesty Are Key
The thing about millennials is that we don’t mess around. Millennials value honesty and transparency above all else.
Don’t bother beating around the bush or trying to pull the wool over our eyes about your product or service. Regardless of the industry that you’re in, we can smell a liar from a mile away.
Be honest about who you are and how your product or services can help us grow and live easier. If you can stick to that, you’ll be fending millennials off with a stick.
2. Don’t Dress It Up
Millennials understand that nothing is all sunshine and rainbows. Some things are scary or nitty-gritty. But, that’s the way it needs to be and we understand that what we see is what we get.
Don’t put lipstick on a pig. It’s still bacon.
Some basic life necessities happen to be a little scary but are still necessary to a healthy life. Say it like it is. If you’re selling financing services…say so. Managing your finances is kinda scary, but we get that and we won’t shy away from straight talk and transparency.
3. Keep It Simple, Stupid
Seriously, the K.I.S.S. principle is still a thing. Whether you’re looking at a website or a TV advertisement, marketing to millennials should contain simple and easy to understand content.
Don’t overcomplicate things with extra hoops to jump through, industry jargon or overly stylized design. You have all of 3 seconds to grab out attention and roughly 3-5 additional seconds to keep millennials interested. Extra steps, flashy buttons or flowery content do nothing but distract us from the end goal…to buy your product or service. You don’t want that, do you?
So, what did we learn?
Millennials can’t stand fluff. Once you grasp that fact, you’re on your way to a successful and well-respected business.
Are you a millennial? Do you agree or do you have something to add?