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How to Market to Different Generations

No two people are the same. If that’s true, can you imagine the difference in marketing to a 70-year-old male versus a 13-year-old female? Yikes. That’s why you’ve got to be aware of the types of people you’re trying to reach and how.

Let’s talk about how your business can distinguish between different generations to achieve marketing success with your next campaign.

Step One: Know Your Demographic
The first step is to do some research to figure out who you’re trying to reach. If you don’t know, it’s time to collect some data. That doesn’t sound like a fun thing to do, but trust us when we say it will be fun when the return is worth it.

It’s actually fairly simple to gather that information from your customers. Send out a mailing or email asking if your customers would be willing to disclose a bit about themselves to help you better fit their needs. You can even ask them the best way that they’d like to hear from you, which will help with step number two.

Step Two: Go Where the People Are
Ariel from the Little Mermaid proclaims that she wants to be where the people are, and you should, too. After all, your marketing efforts are dependent on the medium that your target demographic uses. You’ll need to figure out where your audience is in order to reach them.

For example, baby boomers still check the mail regularly, whereas millennials only check their mailbox once a week. However, be careful about how you interpret this information. Mailings might be more special for people who don’t receive it all the time.

Step Three: Make it ‘Wow’
No matter what channel you use, your marketing piece has to stand out if you want it to be noticed. Have a brainstorming session to take your marketing efforts to the next level. If you’re doing a direct mail piece, consider alternate shapes, colors and sizes. If you’re sending an email marketing campaign, make sure the subject line stands out. If you’re hosting a marketing event, make sure the small touches are different from other events you’ve attended.

People notice the extra touches, and it’s what can make or break your marketing piece. Know your demographic, meet them where they’re at and then completely WOW them. You won’t be disappointed with your next marketing venture.