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February 27, 2023
Lauren Goldberg– Analyst
Gen Z is an important and dynamic U.S. consumer cohort. Their population is aging up into careers and their economic power is growing. So, brands have to step up their engagement of this influential (and not-so-young-anymore) consumer group to grow with them into adulthood. In other words: Now’s the time!
This powerful study explores three areas of our consumer fundamentals research: demographics, identity, and Group Traits to help your brand authentically connect with this generation of Americans.
Key Insight #1: Evolving Demographics
Gen Z is dramatically more diverse than older generations. They’ve already reached a 50% multicultural total threshold and are far more likely to identify as LGBTQ+. Their diversity and prioritization of inclusive marketing provides an exciting window into the future of the entire country.
Do This:
Lead messaging with Gen Z’s diversity: don’t tell one generic story, tell varied stories that capture the many ways Gen Z express their identity.
Key Insight #2: Complex Identity
As a generation, Gen Z is the least satisfied with how they are portrayed in advertising. In fact, MOST Gen Zers aren’t happy with how they’re being shown in ads.
Do This:
Expand beyond only speaking to Gen Z’s racial and ethnic identities and highlight their complex, intersections of identity. How do you do this? It starts with inviting Gen Z to lead your content creation.
Key Insight #3: Collective Individuality
Gen Z has internalized an openness to uniqueness, both their own and others. Greater diversity and more tools for finding content for every taste and interest has created a boom in individuality. What’s different from older generations, though, is the unifying power of their differences.
Do This:
Toss out ideas of identity that typify older generations. Celebrate how Gen Z’s identity is built around a collective acceptance of each person’s unique combination of many intersecting characteristics and rest assured in the robust halo effects that flow from telling real, specific stories.
Lauren is an Analyst on Collage Group’s Cultural Insights team. She recently graduated from University of Michigan, where she studied psychology and entrepreneurship. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys trying new restaurants in the DC metro area and keeping up with the Washington Capitals.
Where To Find Us
4550 Montgomery Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(240) 482-8260
Collage Group is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Understand & Embrace LGBTQ+ Terminology: A Pride Month Celebration
Authentically engaging and supporting the LGBTQ+ community is about more than saying the right word to refer to the right person, it’s about dignity and empathy.
Terminology is really a matter of respect: saying I see you, and I affirm your identity.
After attending this webinar, you will walk away with enhanced vocabulary and insights for cultural resonance beyond specific groups to Cultural Fluency across many. Happy Pride!