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Success in the dynamic field of marketing hinges on understanding each generation’s unique characteristics and evolving needs as they gradually populate the market. As the years pass, these distinct cohorts bring their own sets of priorities, aspirations, and generational traits into the consumer landscape.
Today, the spotlight falls on Generation Alpha, the newest addition to the market, with its eldest members stepping into their teenage years. Marketers must delve deep into the intricacies of the Gen Alpha mindset to effectively engage with this emerging demographic.
What is Generation Alpha?
Generation Alpha is the cohort born from 2010 to 2024, succeeding Generation Z. As the first generation entirely raised in the 21st century, they are growing in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Gen Alpha will be the largest and most diverse generation ever, with a projected population surpassing 2 billion by the time they’re all born (2025).
Digitally endemic, exposed to emerging technologies, and a unique perspective on global issues mark the upbringing of Gen Alpha, shaping their attitudes and expectations as customers.
Why Should Marketers Care About Generation Alpha?
Understanding Generation Alpha traits is invaluable for marketers, even though its members may not yet be old enough to make purchases themselves. This demographic wields a significant, though currently indirect, influence on the market through several compelling factors.
1. Influence parents’ decision-making
When people become parents, their priorities naturally change to account for their offspring. Generation Alpha is doing the same for their parents’ purchasing decisions. Their preferences, interests, and needs shape family expenditures. Examples include educational resources, entertainment options, dietary preferences, and lifestyle choices.
2. Empowered to make decisions for themselves
Unlike prior generations, Gen Alpha is growing up in a digital age that empowers them to make decisions for themselves at a younger age. They have unprecedented access to information, online content, and social networks, allowing them to form opinions and make choices independently.
Marketers must recognize that, although they’re not currently primary consumers, Gen Alpha is laying the groundwork for future brand preferences and loyalties.
3. Will impact work and consumption in the future
As Gen Alpha matures and enters the workforce, these values, preferences, and expectations will significantly influence the job market and consumer behavior. Businesses that understand and adapt to them will position themselves better for success. A forward-thinking approach is essential for long-term relevance in the market.
4. Largest generation so far
Generation Alpha will be the largest generation in history, surpassing the namesake Baby Boom two generations prior. Their sheer demographic size underscores their importance to marketers. Gen Alpha’s market representation will far outweigh their predecessors’ as they age. Ignoring their impact could mean missed growth opportunities.
5. Shaping technology due to being early adopters
Gen Alpha’s early exposure to and immersion in technology make them poised to be influential early adopters who shape the development and direction of digital products. Their preferences will dictate the research direction and success of tech companies, making them a crucial focal point for tech marketers.
Key Generation Alpha Characteristics and Values
Defining the characteristics of Generation Alpha at this early stage might seem ambitious. The canvas is still unfolding, after all. Still, comparing preliminary insights based on their upbringing, technology immersion, and global awareness against previous generations can offer a glimpse into what makes and will make this generation unique.
1. Digital-first generation
Generation Alpha is the most digitally adept generation, with 54% already owning tablets. Many could tap before they could walk! Their future suggests a strong inclination towards virtual reality due to their profound and prolonged digital immersion.
As technology continues to shape their lives, marketers should prepare to engage them where they’ll be most comfortable: digitally. As the digital-first generation, Gen Alpha will most likely be quickest to adapt to new digital formats beyond virtual reality, and marketing must be ready to evolve with them.
2. Socially aware and vocal
These youngsters are not only socially conscious but also already vocal about their beliefs. In a survey, 96% of Gen Alpha respondents claimed to believe that people should be given fair treatment regardless of their appearance or demographic.
They’re taking their cues from their Millennial and Gen Z predecessors in holding brands accountable for social justice from a very early age. Their collective voice and advocacy are poised to impact consumer behavior and corporate responsibility.
3. Climate advocates
Climate change is perhaps humanity’s most pressing issue, and Gen Alpha is distinctly aware of that. Over half (63%) said they would work somewhere helping to save the planet. They’re using their voices to address broader social issues, even within their homes.
The vast majority – 80% of parents – report their Alpha children have influenced their actions and consumption decisions towards a more sustainable future. So, the traits of Gen Alpha are already moving consumer behavior before they can even begin to purchase things for themselves.
4. Well-traveled at a young age
Millennials and Gen Z are more travel-happy than their predecessors, and they’re taking their Gen Alpha children with them. Gen Alpha’s early exposure to diverse cultures and increasing globalization efforts will likely shape their global perspective. They’ll become more culturally attuned consumers as they grow.
Marketers can capitalize by highlighting the cultural richness and authenticity of their offerings. Elements of multiculturalism and global awareness in marketing narratives can foster a sense of inclusivity, aligning with this well-traveled generation’s values.
5. Passionate about mental health
Mental health awareness continues to grow through Generation Alpha, with 59% already acknowledging its importance. This early recognition signals a distinct shift in societal values from the grind-centric mindset of the Baby Boomers and Millennials. Their growing awareness suggests they will actively engage in the advocacy and destigmatization of mental health.
Marketers should take heed of this pivotal trait. Campaigns promoting mental health awareness and support will likely resonate deeply with Gen Alpha’s characteristics.
6. Raised by health-conscious parents
Gen Alpha’s parents are raising them in an environment where health-consciousness is prevalent, largely thanks to their Millennial values. They actively discuss physical well-being, which can influence Alpha’s consumer choices, steering them towards products and services that align with that upbringing.
However, they’re not immune to occasional indulgences. Almost half of parents (43%) admit their children eat fast food weekly. This balanced approach to nutrition can hint to marketers that catering to healthy preferences with the odd treat or two might be the way to go for food and beverage marketing.
7. Prefers visual content
Gen Alphas have an affinity for visual content, spending ample time on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. These visual mediums hold a captivating allure for Alphas, opening an opportunity for marketers. Over half (51%) first discover brands through YouTube videos, showing the importance of visual storytelling in modern marketing.
Video is proving to be the method for effectively engaging with this tech-savvy generation. Marketers must skillfully leverage visuals to craft their narratives in their preferred format.
8. Growing up faster
Generation Alpha is growing up faster in the digital age, displaying remarkable maturity in its brand preferences. Surprisingly, eight out of ten favorite brands of Gen Alpha overlap with those of Gen Z. This affinity for “adult” brands reflects Alpha’s accelerated exposure and interconnection with preceding generations’ tastes and preferences.
They may be young, but they’re not immature. Marketers would do well to avoid condescending or overly-simplistic tones in their messaging.
How Can Marketers Reach Generation Alpha
While the Alphas may share certain traits with preceding generations, marketers must recognize that marketing to Millennials or Gen Z is completely different. Marketers must tailor their strategies to reach this emerging audience. Here are six best practices based on the alpha generation characteristics known so far:
1. Establish clear, strong values
Generation Alpha is highly attracted to brands that exhibit a clear mission and strong values. Their already socially conscious nature drives them to support businesses prioritizing sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.
Brands with these values can earn the trust of Gen Alpha and gain a competitive edge in the market. As the generation is so young, establishing yourself early can lead to lifelong brand loyalty.
2. Consider their parents
As previously mentioned, Gen Alpha exerts significant influence on their parents’ purchasing decisions. Therefore, a brand’s marketing strategy should not only target this young audience but also consider the preferences and values of their parents.
Recognizing the family dynamic and crafting appealing messages for Generation Alpha and their parents can create a more holistic and effective marketing strategy.
3. Double down on social media and video marketing
Social media marketing campaigns are essential for reaching Gen Alpha. They are avid consumers of visual content and spend an average of eight hours a day on video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok. These sites are an ideal place to center engagement efforts.
Marketers must ensure their content is visually appealing and competitive with the already loud and crowded sites to capture their attention.
4. Utilize influencer marketing and gamification
The opinions of peers are significantly important to Gen Alpha, potentially more than their parents. Influencer marketing can be a potent tool for reaching and engaging this demographic. Collaborating with influencers of similar age groups can help get your message across more clearly to them.
Additionally, gamification strategies can captivate Gen Alphas. Adding interactive elements has seen significant success in education for Gen Alpha, so extending these practices to marketing can also boost engagement.
5. Build and engage with online communities
Connection is paramount in Gen Alpha’s interconnected upbringing. They’re more likely to support brands that actively engage with their customers. There’s a reason why music “stan” culture has some of the most active and engaged communities. Brands can tap into the same energy with a robust digital presence.
Some ways to grow your online community include encouraging user-generated content, responding promptly to messages, and actively engaging in viral trends.
6. Invest in experiential marketing
Gen Alpha is so incredibly saturated in digital content that its members may begin to ignore conventional marketing strategies. Instead, you must provide memorable, novel experiences and encounters to attract attention and distinguish your brand.
Marketers should consider hosting interactive events, local initiatives, or creating pop-up shops to offer immersive experiences for this young audience. Opportunities for hands-on engagement will leave a lasting impression and forge deeper connections.
Generation Alpha Characteristics: Marketing’s North Star
Understanding the driving forces behind Generation Alpha is paramount for any marketer seeking lasting success. You can unlock the key to engaging with this influential demographic effectively by comprehending their unique values, preferences, and aspirations.
Preparing for the future means following the North Star, the combined characteristics of Alpha Generation, whose traits will shape industries, influence consumer choices, and drive technological advancements.
Consider partnering with Spiralytics to start your marketing transformation. We’re a leading digital and social media marketing agency in the Philippines! Contact us today to position your brand for remarkable growth in the age of Generation Alpha.
