By Sahil Chopra
For a long time, we marketers have had our eyes set on Millennials and Gen Z. However, it’s time to look a little further and pay attention to the newest kid on the block. Gen Alpha is here, born between 2010 and 2025, and it will grow into the biggest yet.
It shouldn’t be surprising that they have already begun running the show. Brands and marketers are adapting to Gen Alpha’s whims and fancies. It’s like investing today to get the best returns tomorrow. Listening to Gen Alpha now will definitely give brands a head start on securing their loyalty early on.
Who’s Gen Alpha?
To put it simply, a generation that’s been swiping screens and talking to AI assistants before they learned to speak. Yes, the true digital natives. By 2025, this generation will make up for nearly 2 billion people worldwide. That’s a huge number of followers for a brand growing up in a world where technology is as natural as breathing.
Gen Alpha knows its way around technology from the get-go, unlike any previous generation. They have smartphones and tablets on their tips like it’s nobody’s business. The digital world is their reality. They expect seamless, personalized online experiences because that’s all they’ve ever known.
Why this generation should matter to marketers because small as they may be, they have a big say in family purchases. From toys to clothes and from gadgets to holiday destinations, nothing happens without seeking their opinion on the matter. In fact, a survey by ViacomCBS found that 87% of parents admit their Gen Alpha kids influence their buying decisions. So, connecting with these little influencers today will help you sway household spending in your favour in the coming times.
If you are lucky to strike a chord with Gen Alpha now, you’ll be laying a strong foundation for your brand, one that ensures lifelong loyalty. When a brand starts resonating with a child, creating experiences that appeal to them, it makes a bond that can last well into adulthood. It’s like planting a tree that continues bearing fruits year after year.
How do you get Gen Alpha hooked?
Gen Alpha is all hearts for innovation. Creativity, authenticity, and instant gratification are what this generation values more than anything else. Brands that understand what the generation wants are more likely to capture their attention and, as a result, win their loyalty. An added benefit is that your brand stays fresh and relevant, moving parallelly with the market shifts.
It all boils down to creating engaging, interactive, yet educational content. Brands investing in making such experiences can move forward in building a positive resonance among this generation. Finding new ways to be a part of their daily lives in a fun and meaningful way can help brands create familiarity and trust that can last a lifetime.
To get Gen Alpha’s attention, you’ve got to speak their language – and that language is tech. Think augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI-driven experiences. Interactive apps and games? Absolutely. These tools can create immersive brand interactions that this tech-savvy generation will love.
Gen Alpha is growing up in a world where environmental and social issues are front and center. They care about the planet and social justice and expect brands to care, too. Being transparent about your eco-friendly practices and social initiatives can resonate deeply with them and their families.
Educational and creative content is a big win with Gen Alpha. They love learning and exploring new things. Brands that offer products and experiences that encourage creativity and education can position themselves as valuable allies in their growth and development.
In a nutshell, Gen Alpha is a generation that brands can’t afford to ignore. They’re tech-savvy, influential, and have the potential to become loyal customers for life. By engaging with them early and through innovative, responsible strategies, you can build lasting relationships that ensure your brand’s future success. Remember, it’s all about planting those seeds now so you can reap the rewards for years to come.
The author is founder and CEO, ICubesWire.
(Views expressed are the author’s own and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com)