Gen Y – also known as Generation Y, echo boomers, and of course, millennials – is the largest generation since the Baby Boomers.

With a different take on the world than those before and after them, marketing to members of Generation Y takes a unique approach.

Note: we covered the ins and outs of Gen X marketing in this post.

Here are four Gen Y marketing tips that will put you on the path to success:

1. Ask for Feedback

Marketing to Gen Y is unlike any other generation. For this reason, you shouldn’t assume you know what you’re talking about. Instead, go to the source.

By asking millennials for feedback on everything from your marketing strategy to your products and services, you can guarantee yourself of spending your resources in the best way possible.

2. Don’t Hide Anything

In the past, companies could get away with being less than transparent. If you take this approach with Gen Y it won’t be long before you’re called out.

You can show millennials what your company is all about in a variety of ways, ranging from behind the scenes videos to regular updates on social media.

3. Know Where They’re Gathering

Twenty-five years ago marketing was nothing like it is today. It was all about direct mail, television and radio spots, newspapers, and other traditional media.

You can still connect with millennials through these methods, but it’s critical to show up where they’re gathering.

Focus more time and money on:

• Content marketing
• Social media
• Video marketing
• Apps
• Text marketing

You won’t reach the largest possible audience in the same way as marketing professionals of the past. Millennials have changed everything.

4. Authenticity Rules

Just the same as Gen X, authenticity is the name of the game when marketing to Gen Y.

Try to be something you’re not and your audience will see right through you. Try to sneak a fast one past your audience and you’ll find yourself in a bad spot in no time.

Personal and authentic brands are the ones that connect best with millennials.

This article is a few years old, but it provides a clear idea of the types of companies that got millennial marketing right. You can follow in their footsteps.

Final Thoughts

To a certain degree, success with Gen Y marketing is based largely on trial and error. As the days go by, you’ll see what’s working, what’s not, and how you can adjust your strategy for better results in the future.

With millennials overtaking Baby Boomers as America’s largest generation, this is one audience you can’t afford to ignore.

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, subscribe to the FreshLime Newsletter here. Connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. And last of all, if any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!