Five Lies About the Youngsters

• March 15, 2011
Steph

OK, so we’ve know how important it is to know your market, and know what appeals to them, what attracts them. In other words, know your age groups, genders, and races. There are a lot of stereotypes about ages, especially marketing to the youth. So which ones are true and which ones are not? Miami Web Design Pro is about to let you guys know.

1. If mom like its well then, it’s not cool anymore. This couldn’t be any more wrong. Today’s parents and children actually have more in common, and they agree on more things, than ever in recent memory. So just because something is healthy, educational or has the parental seal of approval does not make it “un-cool” for kids. Instead of seeing the parents as the enemy, see them as your allies, and your references. Kids like it when their parents approve what they buy or do, it’s human nature to like approval.

2. Being healthy is enough for today’s youth. While teens, pre-teens, and children are aware that eating healthy, and staying active, are vital to a satisfying life, they need more than just being told. They want plans, solutions. Instead of merely informing them, find a way to make it happen, and make being healthier more fun and easier.

3. Social Networking. Social Networking. Social Networking. Although it is true that teens and some pre-teens are in the social networking world, and are attracted to brands on Facebook and Twitter, social networking may not be applicable to everyone. Remember that younger pre-teens, and children, just aren’t in the social networking world. They noticed brands through video games and television. Always remember your audience, and the media outlets they use.

4. Gender marketing is strict. Many believe that girls will value whatever kind of girl or boy is on tv and is being marketed, but boys will only be attracted by the typical boy – masculine, athletic, popular. While this image is fixated in their minds, other boys value looking good, being a nerd, or joining the glee club. Today’s generation is not obsessed with labels and stereotypes, they value acceptance more. And the same goes for girls, they struggle with finding brands that market to the less-girly kinds of girls. So next time you are planning a marketing strategy don’t forget gender. Embrace it and play with it, don’t just stay in black and white.

5. This generation is growing too fast. Children in today’s market may be developing quicker, and may be exposed to more risque material at a younger age; but if you sit down and talk to a tween they have similar values to the tweens of a decade ago. They don’t all want to grow up quickly, and are still terrified about becoming teens. They value being good kids, and the value of a game, not so much the violence of it. So here’s a tip: instead of focusing on sexual material or violence, know your audience and really learn what they like and value. You may be surprised with the innocence of it all.

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