Do you know what generation you belong to?

Marketers have given labels to groups of people born during a certain period of time in order to help identify who they are trying to reach. It helps to know what age group you are looking to target when you are marketing your brand, product or service. But do you know the classifications that are used and what ages/years it covers?

The Generations Defined - Network Design

With the coronavirus pandemic there is expected to be an increase in babies born in the next eight to nine months, these babies in turn look to be making their own generational label known as the ‘Coronials’ or ‘Gen C’ defined by the pandemic.

The generations don’t just have age in common they tend to have similar experiences, are subject to the same technologies and political situations which in turn leads them to be given a certain set of stereotypical attributes.

Which generation are you?

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There are no hard or fast cut off for dates for each generation but there is a general agreement that aligns to the dates shown in above chart.

If you find yourself on the cusp of a generation then choose the one that you most identify with.

 

Defining factors & Stereotypes

Gen Z and Millennials tend to be adept at technology and are defined by social media. These are the generations that have taken to social media and made it their own. Most if not all social media influencers will fall within these generations.

Technology has helped shaped generations, the Baby Boomers are defined by television and gave them the opportunity to be more connected with the world. Gen X are the generation of the computer age, whereas Millennials saw the launch of the internet and Gen Z are defined by mobile phones and wi-fi connectivity.

The following is a breakdown of some unique definitions attributed to the generations that can help to profile your target audience when looking to expand your brand reach.

Gen Z

The digital generation, heavy mobile phone users, tech savy, strong political views, more tolerant of others, Tik Tok and Insta over Facebook!

Millennials

Most millennials found themselves joining the workforce during a recession and this generation also spans a very turbulent political era too, with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan along with 9/11, 7/7 and other terrorist attacks

The may be referred to as the entitled generation, the hipsters. They are tech savy and live on social media, are unique and ethical.

Gen X

Materialistic, into brands and luxury items, competitive, ambitious, strong work ethic, invented new music genres like; punk, indie, grunge and techno.

There is a sub section to this generation that overlaps into the Millennials, those born between 1975 and 1985 who are referred to as Xennials – the older millennials, they are seen as the cross over generation.

Baby Boomers

The huge post-war generation, the Flower Children, ban the bomb movements, confident, idealists, revolutionary, into vinyl and movies, great consumers, and into environmental protection.

The Silent Generation

So named because it is thought they were told to keep quiet about their views on current affairs but in contrast played an important role in civil rights movements, lived through the Great Depression.

The Greatest Generation

Parents of the Baby Boomers, grew up during the Great Depression and World War II.

 

Defining your target audience

When looking at your marketing strategy and communications plans you need to consider your target audience and using these classifications is one way for you to help build a persona of those you want to reach with your brand messages.

Once you have defined your target audience you will need to think about how best to reach them, by what medium and what messaging you should use. For example, don’t use Facebook if you want to target Gen Z, think Tik Tok, Insta or Snapchat, for example. 

Think in terms of your audience, what will resonate best with them, when trying to reach them and you will ultimately get better results.

For more marketing tips and advice feel free to get in contact: lesley@designbynetwork.co.uk.

 

About Network Design

Network Design is an award-winning marketing communications agency with a reputation for producing marketing collateral that achieves the right results. The company offers research, strategic and tactical planning as well as the design and implementation of communications plans. The company specialises in brand development, design for print, advertising, website design and build, and exhibition design.

designbynetwork.co.uk 



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