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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Future-proofing your brand: Staying ahead of Gen Z demands

Opinion

By Monica Chege | Aug 18, 2024

**Monica Chege, head of marketing at Jubilee Health Insurance.** [Courtesy]

Brands are operating in an interesting era, where the dynamics of consumer interaction are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Over the years, the way companies have engaged with their customers and stakeholders has undergone significant transformation.

From the early days of social media influence to the explosive growth of e-commerce, business leaders and brand custodians have had to adapt swiftly to remain relevant in a dynamic environment. Now, the rise of Generation Z and Generation Alpha has further disrupted traditional engagement models, introducing new expectations and challenges.

These upcoming leaders are not mere passive consumers; they are proactive, value-driven individuals who are holding enterprises accountable in ways never seen before. As this new era dawns, how should companies prepare to meet the ever-evolving needs of these discerning generations?

Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in a digital world. They are tech-savvy, socially conscious, and demand authenticity and transparency from brands. Their purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by social issues, and they expect institutions to take a stand on matters such as climate change, social justice, and ethical practices.

Generation Alpha, born from the early 2010s onwards, is set to be the most technologically advanced generation yet. They are growing up with AI, automation, and a deep integration of technology into their daily lives. Their expectations will likely be even higher, with an emphasis on seamless digital experiences, sustainability, and personalised interactions.

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The emergence of these two generations requires that firms re-evaluate their engagement strategies. To stay ahead, embracing authenticity and transparency will be crucial. This includes sharing genuine stories about a brand’s journey, values, and impact.

By openly communicating your contributions to the community and demonstrating how your brand aligns with the values of these discerning consumers, you can build trust and foster stronger connections with your audience.

Committing to sustainability is another essential strategy. Firms that will resonate with this new demographic must integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of their business, from production to packaging to distribution. Developing and promoting products and initiatives that are environmentally friendly, and clearly communicating their sustainability benefits, will be essential to connect with these forward-thinking consumers.

Leveraging technology for personalisation is also critical. Consumers now expect corporations to have a profound understanding of their needs and preferences. The era of generic products is fading as people increasingly seek tailor-made solutions that address their specific requirements. Leveraging technology through AI and data analytics will empower enterprises to deliver highly personalised experiences and meet these evolving expectations.

Lastly, modern brands must actively engage with social issues by implementing robust CSR programmes that align with their values and address both social and environmental challenges. Equally important is fostering community engagement by creating interactive spaces, both online and offline, to facilitate meaningful interactions between the company and its audience.

Failing to adapt to the expectations of Gen Z and Alpha can lead to significant risks for institutions. These generations are known for their digital fluency and ability to mobilise quickly on social media. Negative experiences or perceived insincerity can spread rapidly, leading to widespread backlash and reputational damage.

Moreover, these generations prioritise business entities that align with their values. Brands that do not take a stand on critical issues or fail to demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability and social responsibility may find themselves losing favour and market share.

As Generation Z continues to influence the market and Generation Alpha begins to emerge, businesses must proactively adapt to stay relevant. Embracing authenticity, committing to sustainability, leveraging technology for personalisation, engaging in social issues, and fostering community engagement are crucial strategies for future-proofing a brand.

In this era of heightened accountability, staying ahead requires more than just meeting current demands. It involves anticipating future expectations and continuously evolving to align with the values of these upcoming leaders.

The writer is head of marketing at Jubilee Health Insurance