What to Expect When Marketing to Gen Alpha

Let’s talk about Marketing to Gen Alpha…

It seems as if we just started to get our footing when it comes to engaging with Gen Z. Now, it’s time to begin tackling the understanding of a brand new consumer audience— Generation Alpha. Marketing to gen alpha will be a different from any other group we’ve seen. Let’s dive in.

What is Gen Alpha?

Those who are classified as Gen Alpha were born between 2010 and 2024. By the end of this year, there will be about 2 billion of them making Gen Alpha the largest generation in the history of the world. 

group of gen alpha kids on their phone, classroom

How will marketing change for Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha is growing up in an era where technology is deeply integrated into every aspect of life. Similar to Gen Z, they have been exposed to smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices from a very young age. Gen Alpha will consume their marketing almost entirely through online platforms like social media, YouTube, streaming services, and interactive websites.

Where print materials and television commercials still have somewhat of an impact now on consumers, Gen Alpha is unlikely to take any action on traditional forms of marketing. 

What does Gen Alpha care about?

  • Cause Marketing: Generation Alpha is socially conscious and cares about making a positive impact on the world. It’s important to align your brand with social or environmental causes that resonate with them and communicate your commitment to these causes transparently.

 

  • Augmented Reality (AR): Think of those infamous SnapChat filters, the ones with a sloth on your shoulder or a potato-for-a-head. Fun, right? Experiment with AR filters, lenses, and VR experiences to provide immersive brand experiences.

 

  • Personalization: Gen Alpha values personalized experiences. Nowadays, it is easy to use data analytics to understand their preferences and behavior, and tailor your marketing messages and offers accordingly. Personalized emails, product recommendations, and targeted ads can help increase engagement and conversions.
    • Pro tip: Don’t overdo it. While personalization is important, it’s best to stay authentic and not overwhelm shoppers.

 

  • User-Generated Content (UGC): Gen Alpha trusts content created by their peers more than traditional advertising. It is smart to encourage consumers to engage with and post about your brand, opening up an entire realm of trustworthy content for potential new customers. 

 

  • Social Media Marketing: Be present on platforms where Generation Alpha spends most of their time, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. Use these platforms to showcase your brand’s personality, share behind-the-scenes content, and interact directly with your audience.
    • Pro tip: When marketing to gen alpha, keep in mind that nowadays social media is not primarily used for generating hundreds or thousands of leads. Instead, social media is a tactic in building a loyal consumer base and developing trust with both current and potential customers.

 

  • Short-form Video: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are popular among Generation Alpha. Create short, attention-grabbing videos that are entertaining, informative, or relatable to capture their interest quickly.

 

blue background, gen alpha girl taking a selfie

Gen Alpha Learning Styles

Gen Alpha will never know a world without technology, which will highly influence their schooling and the way they learn.

This generation was extremely young (aged 10 or younger) when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As the world shut down and classrooms had to adjust to remote learning, kids had to also adjust their learning styles. Screen time increased, forcing students to increase their attention levels and absorb the information being provided to them. 

A UCLA study found that students actually learn well when watching lectures up to or at twice the speed. Apps like Apple Podcasts and TikTok incorporate adjustable speed levels to allow users to speed up or even slow down content to their liking– this is where short form content will play a large role in grabbing the attention of generation alpha.

People who fall into this generation also value independence, and marketers who foster independence and self-reliance will hit their mark with them.

Tackling a New Generation

Overall, Gen Alpha is still young, and its full characteristics and impact on society are yet to be fully realized. However, they are expected to be a highly connected, diverse, and tech-savvy generation with unique perspectives and priorities. Marketing to gen alpha will be a challenge, but with their hyper-connectivity and independence in mind, piquing their interests will get easier in time.

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