How to Sell to Millennial's

Millennial's have a reputation of being lazy, narcissistic, and over sensitive. Despite hearing constant criticism about my generation, I am proud to be a Millennial. The term “millennial” is not the equivalent to being uneducated and careless- it’s the opposite. We are the most innovative generation.

Millennial's challenge convention and create new ways of doing things every day. As a marketer, I am aware that millennial's represent the market of the future. They already account for an estimated $1.3 trillion in direct annual spending and are the largest generation in history. Businesses must adapt their marketing strategy to tap into millennial's consumer habits.

Here’s how you can gain more millennial customers...

We are Tech Savvy

Millennial's are 2.5x more likely than other generations to be early adopters of technology. (Millennial Marketing).

As a millennial I am a part of the first generation to grow up with the internet as an everyday part of my life. I embrace technology and would call myself a digital native .

Technology is ingrained in my entire life...

I wake up with Google Home. I hear about my schedule, weather, traffic to work, and listen to WSB AM. On social media, I stay connected with my friends through Memes and DM's and follow influencers for inspiration. Just like other millennial's, I see the value technology offers, like saving time, organizing my life, and remaining connected with friends and family.

If your not online, your business does not exist to millennial's. This includes your website, social media, and review sites. This means posting on social media daily, encouraging customers to submit online reviews, and having a mobile optimized website. As we've heard a million times, content is king. Their is not such thing as posting too much on social media, as long as your content is of interest and relevant to your consumer base.

---

We Value Time

With the adoption of more smart devices utilizing voice, real time data, and streaming, it’s evident why we are labeled as the “ We Want It Now” Generation. I value my time more than anything else. On my way to work, I send texts using Siri and set reminders on Google Assistant. If I have a question about a service, I will Direct Message Business on their website or Instagram. And if I want to book an appointment I do so online or use my Google Assistant to call. 48% of consumers would rather connect with a company via live chat than any other mean of contact (Hubspot).

To increase revenue, show millennial's you value their time. Add online booking to your website. Be sure to include wait times and an estimate of the amount of time it takes to complete the service. If your business has a longer service timeline, explain what that timeline looks like and each step in the process. Send emails to confirm appointments with links to your business address and the option to add the appointment to an online calendar like Google or Outlook. Utilize Live Chat on your website to engage with customers and provide 24 hour service.

---

We Listen to Others

84 percent of Millennial's say user-generated content has at least some influence on what they buy (Bazaar Voice).

They are inspired by people they know in person or online, and even strangers who share their interests on social networks. Millennial's are 3X as likely to turn to social to get opinions on products to buy (Bazaar Voice). Millennial's carry these “advisers” with them on their smartphones and everywhere they go. I can't remember the last time I didn't ask my Facebook friends or check yelp for reviews for a product or service.

Take Action : Use subtle advertising like influencer marketing or social ads on Facebook and Instagram. Put consumer opinions front and center. Everywhere. Millennial's want to share, so get them talking and ask them to review your business on social and review sites. Be sure to thank customers for becoming your advocates!

---

We are Connected

62% of millennial shoppers state that interacting with a brand on social media makes them more likely to become a customer (Forbes).

With these stats in mind, it’s clear that brands who engage their millennial consumers on social are more likely to increase their revenue.

Prove you care. Respond directly to customer and reply to every person who comments or sends a direct message. Develop a consistent strategy on how to engage with potential and previous customers on social media. Contests and giveaways are a great way to increase engagement and build a stronger following.When they know you care, they’ll come back with more feedback, and these conversations will create costumer loyalty .

---

Bottom Line

Winning Millennial Costumers takes a whole new way of selling. How is your business working to become more social, transparent, and engaging?