Developing a product for members of Generation Z is different than any other group, even millennials.
With approximately 23 million Generation Z’s in the United States alone, it is obvious that developing products for these consumers could be the boost your company has been searching for.
But this leads to a very important question: How do you know if you are on the right path?
Here are several things you can do to find out if your product is Gen-Z friendly:
Use Social Media to Obtain Feedback
It’s easy to see that members of Generation Z are using social media at a high rate.
If you want to obtain feedback from these people, there’s no better place to hang out than Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (among other social platforms). You won’t have any trouble finding Generation Z’s who are more than willing to share their opinion.
Here are some ideas to experiment with:
- Ask a direct question on Facebook or Twitter regarding your product. For example: “If you are part of Generation Z, can you visit our website and then share feedback on our latest product?”
- Create an online survey. With SurveyKing, for example, you can create and share an online survey, form, or questionnaire – all for free. This gives you the opportunity to receive feedback from your target audience.
- Run a contest. A contest has a way of getting people excited. When they know they can win something, they’re more likely to get involved. Any prize, even if it’s something small, increases the likelihood of obtaining solid feedback.
Members of Generation Z are always looking for new and exciting ways to get involved with social media. Use this to your advantage when trying to determine if your product is Gen-Z friendly.
Go Face to Face
The birth range for Generation Z ranges from 1996 to 2010. This means that the youngest possible age today is 7, with 21 being the highest.
This means one thing: You can connect face to face with Generation Z in many places.
Have you given any thought to conducting an in-person survey at a local mall? How about visiting a local college or university?
Yes, this is more time consuming than using an online survey, for instance, but it’s also one of the better ways to connect with these people in person.
The approach you take depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Maybe you ask the people you encounter a few key questions. Or maybe you see if they are willing to complete a paper survey. You could also take this one step further by providing a product sample on the spot for their testing.
There is no denying the power of the Internet, but there will never be a replacement for personal interaction. Don’t overlook any chance to connect with your target audience in person.
See What Else is Out There
You don’t want to focus too much time and money on better understanding your competition, but market research is extremely important.
Are there similar products on the market? How have they been received by Generation Z to date? Is there any room for improvement?
Once you have a clear idea of other products in your space, you can answer these questions (among others). This will point you in the right direction in the future.
Spread Your Attention
If you’ve ever marketed a product to millennials, you know one thing to be true: It’s difficult to keep their attention.
But guess what? This is even more so the case with Gen Z’s.
If you want to connect with this generation, you need to spread your attention to these five screens: smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, and television.
On one hand, this makes it more difficult to connect with your audience. Conversely, it gives you more opportunities to get in touch. You need to find the right balance.
Conclusion
Did you know that Generation Z will account for 40 percent of all consumers by 2020?
With a number like that staring you in the face, there is no better time than now to turn your attention to this generation.
If you’re unsure of whether your product is Gen-Z friendly, the four strategies above will help you better understand. As you receive feedback, you can alter your approach to improve your odds of success.
Have you given any thought to if your product is Gen-Z friendly? What process did you use to figure this out? Did you make any mistakes that others should avoid? Share your personal experience with Generation Z consumers in the comment section below.
