“Millennials don’t just buy products, they buy into a brand’s values and mission. It’s like they’re swiping right on companies that share their values and swiping left on those that don’t.”
Companies cannot expect a universal solution for capturing business from the largest living generation, millennials, as their preferences and behaviors vary widely. Millennials represent the largest consumer group, and it’s essential for brands to understand their preferences and behaviors. Millennials prioritize authentic brand experiences, social responsibility, and technology. Companies must get creative with marketing strategies such as influencer campaigns and experiential events to engage with this audience effectively. It’s crucial to make marketing fun and engaging for millennials. In this blog post, we’ll reveal effective marketing strategies for cracking the code of targeting millennials – the largest consumer group in the market.
Who are Millennials?
Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are a demographic group that typically includes people born between the early 1980s to the mid-1990s to early 2000s. They are currently the largest living generation, surpassing Baby Boomers, and comprise a significant portion of the global population.
As the largest living generation, millennials make up a significant portion of the global population and have a major impact on the economy and society as a whole. They have unique preferences and behaviors compared to previous generations, such as valuing experiences over material possessions, prioritizing work-life balance, and placing a high value on social responsibility and authenticity.
Where are Millennials spending their maximum Money/Time?
Millennial Spending Habits:
- A Millennial lead household has a mean disposable income of approximately INR 62,952, based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 74.24 INR.
- Millennials spend a daily average of approximately INR 15,483.
- Housing, with approximately INR 2,582, is the biggest daily expenditure for Millennials.
- 78% of Millennials prefer spending on experiences rather than things they desire.
- The spending power of Millennials in India is approximately INR 185.6 trillion.
- Millennials spend approximately 26% of their monthly income on rent or mortgage payments.
- 36% of Millennials in India are concerned with the cost of living.
- 30.3% of Millennials in India use Buy Now, Pay Later services.
- Millennials in India do 54% of their shopping online.
- 48% of Millennials in India say they’ve spent money they didn’t have to keep up with their friends.
- 41% of Millennials prioritize their daily coffee expenses over saving for their retirement.
- Half of Millennials order takeout 2 or 3 times a week, indicating a preference for convenience and quick meals over cooking at home.
- 52% of Millennials prefer to shop at stores that align with their values.
Brands Millennials spending time according to the category:
| Category | Brands Used by Millennials |
|---|---|
| Social Media | Instagram, Tinder, Snapchat, Twitter |
| Messaging | WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage |
| Entertainment | Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Twitch |
| Gaming | Fortnite, PUBG, Candy Crush, Among Us |
| Music | Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud |
| News | BuzzFeed, Reddit, TimesNow |
| Fitness | Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, Nike Training Club, Amazfit |
| Education | Duolingo, Khan Academy, Coursera, |
| Online Shopping | Amazon, Myntra, Zara, Ajio |
| Food Delivery | Swiggy, Zomato, Uber Eats, Subways |
| Ride-sharing | Uber, Ola, Rapido, |
| Travel | Cleartrip, Airbnb, MakeMyTrip |
Why Millennials are so important for Brands?
- Millennials are the largest consumer group and have significant purchasing power.
- They value authentic brand experiences that align with their values and beliefs.
- They are tech-savvy and prefer digital channels for communication and engagement.
- They care about social causes and are more likely to support brands that align with their values.
- They are not easily fooled by marketing messages and prefer substance over gimmicks.
- Brands that effectively target and engage with millennials can build long-term brand loyalty and drive sales.
- However, it’s important for brands to avoid over-appealing to millennials and alienating other consumer groups.
- They are early adopters of new technology and trends, making them a good target audience for innovative and disruptive products or services.
- They are more likely to share their experiences and opinions about brands and products on social media, leading to greater brand awareness and potential for viral marketing.
- They are open to trying new things and seeking out unique experiences, providing opportunities for brands to differentiate themselves and stand out in a crowded market.
What type of marketing do Millennials prefer?
Developing a successful marketing strategy to target Millennials becomes more feasible when we understand their preferences and expectations from brands when it comes to making a purchase. So, let’s explore the types of marketing that resonate with this demographic group.
1. Personalized Products and Services:
Millennials want products and services that are tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Examples include brands like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon, which offer personalized recommendations based on user’s past behavior.
For example, Netflix’s “Pick for You” feature is a personalized recommendation system that uses an algorithm to analyze your viewing history and suggest new shows and movies that you may be interested in based on your preferences. This personalized approach enhances the user experience by providing tailored content and helps to build brand loyalty.
2. Innovative and Tech-Savvy Brands
Millennials are tech-savvy and want brands that offer innovative products and services that utilize new technologies. Examples include brands like Apple, Tesla, and Airbnb, which are known for their innovative and tech-savvy offerings.
For Example, Apple has been known for its innovative and tech-savvy approach toward products and services, which has made it a popular brand among millennials. Apple’s user-friendly interface, simple design, and cutting-edge technology have made it easy for millennials to integrate technology into their daily lives.
3. Convenience
Millennials have busy lives and prioritize convenience. Brands that offer seamless, hassle-free experiences, such as easy online ordering, fast shipping, and streamlined checkout processes, can win over this demographic.
For example, Swiggy is an Indian online food delivery platform that offers convenience to millennials by allowing them to order food from their favorite restaurants and get it delivered to their doorstep. With the Swiggy app, millennials can browse through menus, place orders, track deliveries, and make payments, all from the comfort of their homes. This convenience has made Swiggy a popular choice among millennials who value their time and want to avoid the hassle of cooking or going out to eat.
4. Mobile optimization
As mentioned earlier, Millennials are tech-savvy and prefer digital channels. Brands that optimize their websites and marketing messages for mobile devices can better reach and engage Millennial consumers. Examples include mobile-first brands like Uber and Airbnb.
For example, Uber’s mobile optimization allows Millennials to easily access and book rides from their smartphones, making transportation more convenient and efficient for them. This is particularly helpful for Millennials who may not have access to their own vehicles or prefer not to drive in busy urban areas. Additionally, Uber’s app provides real-time updates on estimated arrival times and driver information, ensuring a seamless and transparent experience for users.
5. Ease of use
Millennials prefer marketing that is easy to use and interact with, whether it’s a user-friendly website, a seamless mobile app, or simple and clear communication. They value convenience and efficiency, and brands that make their products and services easily accessible and user-friendly are more likely to capture their attention and loyalty.
For example, ChatGPT has become popular among Millennials due to its ability to provide quick and easy access to information. With the rise of technology and the internet, Millennials have grown up in a world where information is readily available at their fingertips. ChatGPT is a large language model trained by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, which allows users to input questions and receive accurate and informative responses. This has made it a valuable tool for Millennials who seek instant answers to their queries. Additionally, ChatGPT’s natural language processing capabilities and conversational tone make it easy and engaging to use. Its popularity among Millennials can also be attributed to the fact that it is available 24/7, providing constant access to information and advice. Overall, ChatGPT’s ease of use, accessibility, and reliable responses have made it a go-to source of information for many Millennials.
6. Cause marketing
Cause marketing has become a popular trend among brands looking to appeal to Millennials. Millennials are more likely to support brands that are associated with a social or environmental cause. Millennials tend to appreciate cause marketing because it aligns with their values and reflects a desire for companies to do more than just make a profit.
Nestle’s EducateTheGirlChild, demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, which is important to many millennials. Additionally, cause marketing campaigns can be more engaging and memorable than traditional advertising, as they create an emotional connection between the consumer and the brand. This type of marketing also offers a sense of purpose and community involvement, allowing millennials to feel like they are making a difference with their purchases. Overall, cause marketing can be an effective way for companies to build trust, loyalty, and brand awareness among millennials.
7. Authenticity
Authenticity is highly valued by millennials as they seek genuine, transparent, and honest interactions with brands. They want to feel like they are part of a community and have a personal connection with the companies they support. Authenticity in marketing involves showcasing the real values and beliefs of a brand, rather than simply trying to sell products. Millennials appreciate brands that are socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
For example, Millennials, in particular, are drawn to Amul’s authenticity and transparency in its sourcing and production processes. Amul has always been committed to providing pure, fresh, and natural products, and it has remained true to its promise over the years. Amul’s focus on quality, purity, and authenticity has helped it to win the trust of consumers, which is crucial in today’s highly competitive market.
8. Social commerce
Social commerce, which allows users to browse and buy products directly on social media platforms, has become increasingly popular among Millennials. This approach provides Gen Y with the opportunity to shop without leaving the platform they are already using, making it a convenient and easy way to purchase products or services.
For example, Instagram is a popular social media platform that also offers a shopping feature, commonly known as Instagram Shopping. This feature allows businesses to tag products in their Instagram posts and stories, making it easy for users to click on the product tags and purchase directly from the app.
9. User-generated content
Millennials value user-generated content on a brand’s website as it significantly influences their purchase decisions. According to surveys, over 80% of millennials find user-generated content useful when making purchasing decisions. And 57% of millennials discover the latest fashion trends via social media, making influencer marketing a potent tool for brands. Influencers can endorse products and services, leading to higher brand visibility, increased consumer trust, and ultimately, more conversions. For example, user-generated content is Nykaa, a beauty and skincare retailer. Nykaa encourages its customers to share their makeup looks on social media using the hashtag #NykaaBeauty and regularly reposts the best looks on its own social media channels. This not only helps to showcase the products in action but also creates a sense of community among Nykaa’s customers.
How to market to Millennials?
1. Produce genuine and authentic content.
Millennials devote most of their time to the digital world, frequently browsing apps and online platforms in search of captivating content. To them, authenticity is key, whether it’s from blogs, websites, or social media apps. They tend to rely more on genuine opinions from real people than on celebrity endorsements, resulting in greater trust in the brand.
This trust can lead to increased sales. Outbound marketing methods are less likely to be trusted by millennials. Therefore, it’s essential for brands to produce engaging, informative, and entertaining content that resonates with this audience. The content must transparently introduce millennials to the product or service and highlight the brand’s efforts to preserve environmental values and ethics, which this generation is more likely to prioritize.
2. Provide them with a sense of purpose and meaning.
Many millennials today are searching for purpose and meaning in their lives and careers, rather than just focusing on financial benefits. Therefore, it is important to communicate your message in an authentic and sincere way that aligns with higher goals and objectives, such as making a positive impact on the world. By demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices, brands can attract and retain millennial customers who value purpose and meaning in their purchasing decisions.
3. Seek out new and exciting experiences.
Millennials find the process of researching and browsing for products or services more appealing than the actual purchase. They enjoy the experience of shopping and online exploration has become a new form of entertainment for them, also known as Fauxsumerism. Pinterest is a prime example of this trend as it allows users to curate collections of potential purchases. Brands must recognize that young consumers seek an engaging online browsing experience, regardless of the platform. To market successfully to millennials, brands must provide entertaining and captivating content to keep them engaged.
4. Create a remarkable online presence.
Having a remarkable digital presence is crucial to attracting millennials as not only customers but also potential employees. To achieve this, it’s important to use social media platforms effectively and with transparency, such as offering live chats and ways for consumers to engage with your brand. Additionally, demonstrating strong leadership values and practices will have a positive impact on both customers and potential employees.
5. Focus on building trust and rapport
Millennials have different values and life goals compared to previous generations, prioritizing happiness and life experiences over material possessions. To connect with them, brands need to earn their trust and make them feel heard. Building positive relationships and showing transparency about the brand’s values and how it supports its employees and community is crucial. Marketers need to speak the language of Millennials and create content that resonates with them and is shareable.
6. Recognize the diversity among millennials.
It’s important to recognize that millennials are a diverse group and should not be generalized or stereotyped. This generation includes individuals from different ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, political affiliations, and social classes. As a marketer, it’s crucial to avoid being tone-deaf and narrow-minded while creating marketing strategies that resonate with the diverse values and beliefs of millennials.
7. Use inbound marketing to share information.
Millennials tend to gravitate towards brands that offer informative content that enhances their lives. They value content such as e-books, whitepapers, videos, how-to guides, and blog posts over simple product or service listings. This is where inbound marketing can be effective.
By establishing thought leadership and showcasing expertise in a specific area, brands can provide valuable content that not only ranks high on search engine results pages (SERPs), but also positions themselves as authorities in their respective industries. Millennials appreciate this kind of content and are more likely to trust and engage with brands that provide it.
8. Be Educational And/Or Entertaining
Millennials are a unique generation that values experiences over just making a purchase. Brands that can provide educational and entertaining content are more likely to capture their attention and build a loyal following. Educational content shows that a brand cares about its audience’s success and well-being, while entertaining content helps increase visibility and creates a positive association with the brand.
To truly connect with millennials, brands need to offer more than just a product or service. They need to provide value beyond the transaction by creating engaging experiences through informative and entertaining content. By doing so, brands can build trust and create long-lasting relationships with this generation that values authenticity and transparency. By focusing on being educational and entertaining, brands can set themselves apart from their competitors and capture the attention of millennials.
9. Avoid using technical jargon or buzzwords.
Millennials are a rising generation in the workforce and companies need to develop branding strategies that appeal to their values. Authenticity and relatable messaging are crucial to capturing their attention and avoiding a corporate, inauthentic feel. Companies can showcase their unique culture and values through visually appealing branding or messaging that resonates with millennials, who value transparency and authenticity in the brands they support.
10. Refrain from excessive control over them.
Millennials thrive when they are led, coached, and mentored instead of being micromanaged. This generation values flexibility in work hours, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of the bigger picture. The brand needs to be developed around the vision, culture, and leadership of the organization, showcasing a commitment to transparency and authenticity. Effective communication is also crucial to building a strong relationship with millennials, who want to feel like they are part of a team and share the company’s vision. By providing coaching and mentoring, flexible work arrangements, and an authentic brand that communicates clearly and transparently, companies can attract and retain the best millennial talent.
Brands that are nailing Millenial marketing
1. Uber
Uber is a prime example of a brand that has successfully targeted millennials through its innovative and convenient ride-sharing service. Millennials are often seen as a generation that values experiences over ownership, and Uber’s service provides a convenient and affordable way for them to get around without the need for car ownership. Uber has also leveraged mobile technology to create a seamless user experience, allowing users to easily hail a ride, track their driver, and pay for their trip, all from their mobile device.
2. Tanishq
Tanishq, a popular Indian jewelry brand, has successfully targeted millennials through a combination of authenticity, sustainability, social media marketing, and omnichannel experience. The brand’s commitment to using ethically sourced materials and sustainable business practices resonates with environmentally and socially conscious millennials. Tanishq’s collaborations with social media influencers and celebrities have helped it connect with a wider audience and create an authentic brand image. Additionally, the brand’s strong online presence and easy-to-use e-commerce platform provide a seamless shopping experience for millennials, regardless of their location or time constraints.
3. MYNTRA
Myntra, an Indian e-commerce company, has become a popular destination for millennials through its innovative approach to fashion and lifestyle products. The company’s personalized shopping experience, which uses machine learning algorithms to suggest products based on a user’s past purchases and browsing history, has been a major draw for millennials. Myntra has also leveraged social media and influencer marketing to build a strong brand image and connect with younger audiences. Its mobile app offers a seamless shopping experience with easy-to-use features, flexible payment options, and free returns, making online shopping more accessible and convenient for millennials. Myntra’s success in targeting millennials has helped it become one of the largest e-commerce players in India, with millions of active users and a wide range of products across various categories.
4. Amazon
Amazon is a multinational company that has successfully targeted customers through a wide range of products, discount offers, and convenient services. The brand offers a vast selection of products at competitive prices with daily discounts and seasonal sales. Customers can take advantage of free shipping on eligible products, quick delivery, and flexible payment options such as Cash on Delivery, as well as hassle-free returns and refunds. Amazon’s streaming service, Amazon Prime, offers exclusive access to movies, TV shows, and music. The brand has leveraged social media and influencer marketing to connect with its target audience, collaborating with popular social media influencers and celebrities to promote its products and services.
5. MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip is an Indian travel company that has been successful in targeting millennials through its innovative approach to travel bookings. The company uses machine learning algorithms to provide personalized travel options based on a user’s preferences and past bookings. MakeMyTrip has also leveraged social media and influencer marketing to build a strong brand image and connect with younger audiences. The company’s mobile app offers a hassle-free booking experience with real-time updates on travel information. MakeMyTrip’s emphasis on personalized travel options, social media marketing, and convenient mobile experience has made it a popular destination for millennials looking for affordable and hassle-free travel options. The company’s success in targeting millennials has helped it become one of the largest travel companies in India with millions of active users and a wide range of travel products across various categories.
6. Starbucks
Starbucks has been successful in targeting millennials through its focus on experiences and restaurant layout. The brand has made a comprehensive effort to succeed in millennial branding, with initiatives that include breaking through in the digital realm, personalizing experiences, and offering rewards. By placing an emphasis on engagement, Starbucks has won the hearts and minds of the millennial demographic. They have mastered the art of social media, fitting in without being too corporate or intrusive, and created rewards systems that customers love. Overall, Starbucks’ efforts to attract millennials through a personalized experience, digital engagement, and loyalty programs have helped it become a popular coffeehouse chain among this demographic.
7. Maggie
Maggi is a popular instant noodle brand that has successfully targeted millennials through its convenient and affordable product offerings. Maggi offers a wide range of flavors and packaging sizes, including healthier variants like whole wheat and oats noodles, and has leveraged social media and influencer marketing to build a strong brand image and connect with younger audiences. The brand’s products are easily accessible through various retail channels and its own e-commerce platform, making it a household name in India with a loyal customer base.
8. Noise
Noise is an Indian consumer electronics company that offers affordable and trendy audio and wearable devices, successfully targeting millennials. The brand’s emphasis on innovation, design, and social media marketing has helped it connect with its target audience, collaborating with influencers to promote its products. Noise has made its products easily accessible through online marketplaces and its own e-commerce platform, offering flexible payment options and quick delivery. The brand’s success in targeting younger consumers has helped it grow rapidly, with a strong presence across various retail channels and a loyal customer base.
9. Realme
Realme has been successful in attracting millennials to its market by offering affordable and feature-packed smartphones and other electronic devices. The brand’s high-end features and modern designs at an affordable price point have been a hit with younger consumers. Realme’s social media and influencer marketing strategies have also helped it connect with its target audience. Collaborations with popular social media influencers and celebrities have helped the brand build a strong brand image and attract a loyal customer base. Realme has made its products easily accessible to millennials through various retail channels, including online marketplaces and its own e-commerce platform, with flexible payment options and quick delivery options. Overall, Realme’s emphasis on affordability, innovation, design, and social media marketing has helped it become a go-to consumer electronics brand for millennials in India and other countries.
10. Croma
Croma is an Indian retail chain for consumer electronics and durables that has successfully targeted millennials through its modern store designs, interactive displays, knowledgeable sales associates, and social media marketing. The brand offers a wide range of electronic products at competitive prices and has made them easily accessible through various retail channels, including its own e-commerce platform. Croma’s emphasis on providing an engaging in-store experience, convenience, and social media marketing has helped it become a popular retail chain for electronics among millennials in India, with a loyal customer base and a strong presence across various retail channels.
11. Swiggy
Swiggy is an Indian online food ordering and delivery platform that has been successful in targeting millennials through its convenience and user-friendly app, as well as its innovative marketing strategies. The brand offers a wide range of cuisine options from local restaurants, allowing customers to order food from the comfort of their homes. One of the ways Swiggy has been able to attract millennials is by offering a seamless and efficient ordering and delivery experience through its user-friendly app and website. The brand has also leveraged social media and influencer marketing to connect with its target audience, collaborating with popular social media influencers and celebrities to promote its services. In addition, Swiggy has made a name for itself with its meme marketing strategy, creating and sharing humorous and relatable memes on social media platforms that resonate with its target audience.
There are several other brands in India that have recognized the importance of targeting millennials, the largest consumer group in the market, and are putting in efforts to attract them to their products or services. Millennials are not just ruling the corporate sector, they’re also dominating the marketing game. Brands are realizing the potential of targeting millennials and are creating campaigns and products that cater to their needs and requirements. This approach has been very successful in engaging with this consumer group and building brand loyalty. Brands are also using social media and influencer marketing to reach out to this demographic, as they are very active on social platforms and rely heavily on recommendations from their peers and online influencers. Targeting millennials has proven to be a successful strategy for brands in India and around the world, as they continue to dominate the consumer market.
At last, we just wanna say, Sorry Gen Z, you’ll have to wait a few more years before you can join the biggest consumer group in the market club.
