To succeed in marketing, you need to know who your target audience is, where they hang out, and how to connect with them. But here’s the thing: many businesses tend to overlook a significant portion of their consumers—teenagers.
Teens play a crucial role in marketing demographics. They’re open to new ideas, excited, and curious—qualities that brands need to notice in today’s market. Whether it’s pop culture, fashion trends, or the latest in food crazes, teenagers lead the way with their fresh perspectives.
To stay dynamic as a business, it’s essential to put a greater focus on reaching out to a teenage audience. So, it’s time for your business to change things up and make your marketing strategy fit what teenagers like.
In this definitive guide, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of marketing to teens—defining who they are, uncovering why it’s a great idea to tailor your marketing strategies to this dynamic age group, and learning tips to resonate with their unique preferences.
Role of teenagers in consumer leads
Teenagers form a significant part of the population and are major consumers, heavily influenced by what they see in the media. In fact, a whopping 85% of Gen Z, which includes teens, uses social media to find and buy new products and services. When they like a brand, they tend to stick with it and create long-term relationships.
Teenagers are smart shoppers, so if you want them to buy from you, it’s crucial to talk to them in a way they understand and share your message where they’re most likely to notice.
7 must-know strategies for marketing to teens
Be real and open
Teens appreciate when brands are genuine and open. Share real stories, be honest about your values, and let them see the people behind your brand. For instance, consider sharing stories about the people involved in making your products, or how you come up with ideas. This not only helps build trust but also makes your brand more relatable to customers. By giving them a glimpse behind the scenes, you create a connection and show that there are real people and a creative process behind the products you offer.
Hang out where they do—social media
Teens love social media, so it’s essential to be where they are. Create visually appealing and relatable content on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Engage with them by responding to comments and messages. An excellent example is the fast-food chain Wendy’s, which uses humor and memes on Twitter to engage teens. Their witty and informal tone makes them a favorite among the younger audience.
Team up with influencers
Influencers are like the cool kids of the internet, and teens love them. Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can help you reach a broader audience. Ask them to make content that feels genuine and relatable to their followers. This kind of connection through influencers can make your brand seem trustworthy and cool to the teen demographic.
Make your marketing efforts fun and interactive
Teens don’t just want to be passive consumers—they want to participate. Create fun online quizzes, polls, or challenges that they can engage with. If you’re a beauty brand, for instance, you could create a challenge where teens share creative makeup looks using your products. This not only entertains them but also gets them involved in your brand.
Go mobile
Since teens are always on their phones, make sure your content looks good and works well on mobile devices. This means your website, videos, and anything else you put out online should be easy to see and use on a phone.
Stay trendy and current
Teens are all about what’s cool and in, so make sure your brand reflects the hottest trends. Whether it’s the newest fashion styles, the latest music hits, or the trendiest gadgets, staying in the loop helps your brand stay connected with the ever-changing interests of teens. Being on the pulse of what’s popular ensures that your marketing campaigns remain relevant and resonates with the tastes of the teenage audience.
Consider teen budget
When planning your marketing campaign, it’s important to consider the financial situation of teenagers. Most teenagers don’t have hefty incomes—they’re usually working part-time jobs or dealing with irregular income. If your business is focused on selling high-priced items, teens might not be your target audience. Sure, teens might nudge their parents towards certain buys, but remember, they often have to spend with their own wallets. When it comes to pricing, it’s all about figuring out what fits their budget.
5 benefits of age-centric marketing
Connection and engagement
Tailoring your approach to teens fosters a deeper connection. When they feel understood and acknowledged, they’re more likely to engage with your brand.
Brand loyalty
Forming brand loyalty during the teenage years can lead to long-term customer relationships. If your products resonate with them, they’re more likely to stick with your brand as they transition into adulthood.
Cultivating trends
Teenagers are often trendsetters. By understanding their preferences and staying ahead of emerging trends, you can position your brand as innovative and appealing.
Word-of-mouth influence
Teenagers are highly influential within their peer groups. Satisfying a teenage customer can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing, amplifying your brand’s reach.
Lifetime value
Capturing a teenager’s loyalty can result in a high lifetime customer value. Their purchasing power and potential for repeat business can be substantial over the years.
Craft a winning marketing strategy for today’s savvy generation
Young people today are constantly evolving, full of new ideas, and hold a substantial share of purchasing power. They’re the first to try out and embrace new trends, but they’re not quick to buy into things. They purchase only products and services they see a real benefit in.
So, when marketing to young people, it’s important to be creative and present yourself well online. Tailor your messages on your website and social media to match what the youth market cares about. Don’t forget to be human — respond to comments on social media, share your thoughts on your website, and let people see the real you and your product. Young folks today want authenticity, so be genuine and show the person or story behind what you’re selling.
