So how many generations do we have now?
We have the Silent Generation (1925-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1979), Generation Y or Millennials (1980-2000), Generation Z or the New Silent Generation (2000-2020). So we have FIVE that we are serious about marketing to.

You still need to know your AUDIENCE

Everyone can tell you how to market different to each one of these groups, however, the process to me is the same, it’s just the execution that varies. A great example is do you send a postcard to Generation Y to introduce your product? Probably not since 48% don’t consider mail as a priority until Friday. Generation Y is all about Extreme things (concerts, movies, hiking,and video games) Viral marketing is a great way to catch them. By the way, 36% have a least one tattoo. You would be better saving your dollars on that postcard and sponsoring a video game competition to reach this target.

You will always need TIMING

Timing is so important in marketing. Any ad agency can steer you in the right timing. Think of it this way, do you advertise tax software on April 16 of any year? What is your right timing of your product. If you don’t know that answer, then your agency or a test market needs to be explored to find your results. Pushing your offer to make sales in a timely manner may not be the answer. Educating your buyer at the right time will make sales happen automatically and surely increase sales.

Should always include an OFFER

That’s right, a simple reason to buy that provides some benefit to the buyer and eases them to the buying step. Make it real. Let them make the decision on their terms. Any generation loves to be in control of the situation. Of course your website needs to reflect the simplicity and comfort from ordering from you.

You must be AUTHENTIC

No one wants to waste time on people or companies that aren’t real. Earn the respect and make Authentic equal truthful. Understand your target audience by hanging out with them and seeing how they interact. Watch the shows they watch or listen to the songs they hear. Audiences wants to be listened to NOT MARKETED TO.

The MESSAGE needs to get through and resonate

Your message must have a benefit for any generation you are talking to. It must deliver on your promises or the social sites will have you closed before you opened. There are a number of basic marketing practices out there but in all my years these five concepts have always remained true and should remain true for the next decade. Every generation wants to be heard, not preached to, so listen to them and that just may shape a new direction for your company or product.

Remember each generation is so different than the next. The beauty behind the Y generation is that they believe anything is possible. We have made them believe that. As Apple says, Think Different. I am going to close this blog with a link to a concert that the Y generation help conceive. This is a clear example of how each generation is different. It was recorded in 12 countries and 185 computers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7o7BrlbaDs