- Mobile-friendliness
- Visual content
- Personalization
- User experience
- Speed
- Security
- Accessibility
- The Places Where Brands Can Reach Gen Z
- Step-By-Step Approach for Designing a Website for Gen Z
- Research your target audience
- Build a clear and concise value proposition
- Make the website mobile-friendly
- Use engaging design elements and visuals
- Focus on usability
- Make the website interactive
- Put in customer reviews and ratings
- Use storytelling to connect with Gen Zers
- The Reasons Gen Zers Hate Slow Websites
- Important Gen Z Statistics for Marketers to Consider in 2023
- Favorite E-commerce Websites for Gen Z in 2023
Today, the internet plays an important role in people’s daily lives. They are using it to perform virtually any task, whether paying bills, surfing and buying products, accessing entertainment or any other. Using internet for various tasks provides consumers convenience and saves them time. Also, it allows businesses to reach a larger customer base locally or internationally and increase their sales. But to capitalize on these opportunities, they must understand how to reach and engage with their target audience effectively.
This understanding is especially important for businesses and organizations while designing a website. It enables them to build a website that can significantly impact visitors with its layout, content and overall experience. So, they stay on the website, convert, and purchase their products or services. The lack of this understanding may result in the creation of a website that fails to leave an impact on visitors. So they have no choice but to move to a competitor’s website that gives them a better experience.
If your business has to grow, succeed, and thrive, your website should provide an exceptional overall experience to your target audience. The experience should align with the audience’s interests, preferences and expectations.
You can identify your target audience based on age, profession, geography, etc. If you have segmented and targeted your audience based on age, then your website needs to cater to the needs and interests of a particular age group. Some major age groups are Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980), Gen Z (born between the years 1997 and 2012) and Millennials (1981 to 1996). It would be best to market your business differently to each one of these groups to get the desired business gains.
Gen Z is an important age or demographic group for businesses for marketing their brand and products due to their spending power of over $ 140 billion, which grows yearly. Gen Z, alternatively called iGen group, is made up of individuals born between the years 1997 and 2012. There are 70 million Gen Zers in the U.S. and over 7 billion worldwide. This group consists of the most racially and ethnically diverse people so far. They are concerned about political, social, and environmental issues. Being mobile savvy, Gen Zers spend hours searching and accessing information online. Gen Z generation people are more likely to purchase online than people of other age groups.
Gen Z is the first group whose people have grown up with the internet and technology as an integral part of their daily lives. When it comes to website design, their expectations and preferences are different from the expectations and preferences of people of other age groups.
Gen Zers are looking for mobile-friendly websites that use visual content, load faster and provide personalized experiences to users. Thus, for website designing & development companies, these factors should be prime considerations while designing a Gen Z-centered website.
While designing your business website, understanding Gen Z’s unique characteristics and focusing on the considerations mentioned below is necessary. It will enable you to build and adapt your website according to this age group’s preferences and interests. So you eventually get the website that lets you better connect and engage with Gen Z users and brings you leads, conversions and sales.
Let’s talk about these key considerations in some more detail.
7 Major Considerations for Designing Websites for Gen Z
Mobile-friendliness
Nowadays, the use of smartphones and tablets has become quite widespread. So, websites need to be mobile-friendly. Gen Z especially relies on mobile devices for accessing the internet. So, a website not optimized for mobile device use is likely to turn this audience away. You have to check and ensure that your website is mobile responsive and user-friendly across a wide range of devices.
Visual content
Fond of highly visual content, Gen Z tends to respond well to images, videos and other kinds of visual content. Incorporating relevant and high-quality visual content in your website can help you catch the attention of Gen Z users and keep them engaged.
Personalization
Gen Zers care for authenticity and personalization. So, it is important to consider how to adapt the user experience to this audience. It may involve using personalized suggestions and creating content that aligns with the interests and preferences of these users.
User experience
Gen Z people have high expectations from the user experience and expect websites to be easy to use and navigate. So you need to create a website that is intuitive, user friendly and equipped with clear calls to action and a straightforward layout.
Speed
Gen Zers have a low tolerance for websites that load slowly. So, it is important to optimize your business website for speed. For its fast loading speed, you need to use optimized images, minimize using large files, and use a fast web host.
Security
According to The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), Gen Zers have the highest victimization rates for identity theft, phishing and romance scams. So they are naturally more concerned about their online privacy and security while surfing and interacting with business websites. So it has become paramount for businesses to take necessary security measures for protecting Gen Zers’ privacy and security from various online threats and risks. These measures can include installing HTTPS on your website, setting up and implementing stringent password policies and updating your security protocols consistently.
Accessibility
Gen Z is a multifaceted group encompassing a wide range of individual differences. So, it is essential to account for all users’ needs, including those having disabilities, when building your website. It would be best to focus on creating an inclusive website design that accommodates individuals with visual, auditory and motor impairments. Also, the design should cater to those users who use assistive technologies to navigate your website.
The Places Where Brands Can Reach Gen Z
Gen Z has been the initial generation that matured in an era of extensive internet and social media accessibility. So, it has a distinct association with technology and digital media. As a result, brands are finding creative ways to reach this key demographic through various digital channels.
Social media is one such way that brands are using to reach Gen Z. Social networking platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram are particularly popular among this age group. Many brands have succeeded by creating content for these social platforms and using influencer marketing to reach their target audience.
For example, fashion brands often use Instagram to exhibit their products and work with influencers to promote them to their followers.
Experiential marketing can include holding events, opening pop-up shops and providing other interactive experiences to Gen-Z people. They allow them to interact with a brand in a more meaningful way.
Brands are also using interactive content and gamification to engage with Gen Z. This includes creating interactive polls, quizzes and surveys that inspire Gen Zers to participate in them and share their opinions with the brands. Brands can also use gamification to create more immersive and engaging experiences. They can use augmented reality or virtual reality to provide such experiences.
Besides digital channels, brands use traditional marketing channels like radio and television to reach Gen Z. However, these channels may be less effective at reaching Generation Z. This is because this demographic group tends to consume media differently than people belonging to older generations.
Overall, brands must understand Gen Z’s unique preferences and characteristics to reach and engage with this group effectively. To successfully connect and build long-term relationships with this important demographic, brands need to use both digital and traditional marketing channels. Also, they require creating interactive and immersive experiences for Gen Z.
Step-By-Step Approach for Designing a Website for Gen Z
For designing a website for Gen Zers, it is necessary to consider their consumer behaviours and preferences.
These are the steps to design a website that appeals to this generation.
Research your target audience
You need to understand Gen Z’s demographics, needs and behaviors to make sure your website design is relevant to them. It will require you to gather data about their preferred devices and browsing habits. The data will also help you understand what they are looking for when they visit a website.
Build a clear and concise value proposition
Gen Z is known to be highly selective and discerning in making purchase decisions. For this reason, it is important to communicate the value of your products/services to this audience.
Make the website mobile-friendly
Gen Z is extremely reliant on mobile devices. So, it is necessary to design a responsive and easily navigable website on a smartphone or tablet. It includes ensuring the website loads fast and that users can easily access all its links and buttons.
Use engaging design elements and visuals
Visually appealing websites attract Gen Zers. So, you need to use high-quality images, videos, and graphics to engage this audience. It will help if you consider using unique typography, bold colors and other design elements to make your website stand out from other websites in your field.
Focus on usability
Generation Z cares for ease of use and convenience. So, it is important to design a website that is easy to use and navigate. You need to ensure that your website uses clear and intuitive navigation. Also, it is equipped with clear calls to action that stimulate users to take the desired action.
Make the website interactive
Gen Z loves experiences and wants to be able to interact with products and brands. So, you consider adding various interactive elements to your website to engage this audience. Some of these elements are games, quizzes or social media integration.
Put in customer reviews and ratings
Gen Z gives weightage to the opinions of their peers. So, it would be best to consider including customer reviews and ratings on your website. They will help to build your brand’s trust and credibility with this audience.
Use storytelling to connect with Gen Zers
Gen Z highly rates authenticity and is attracted to brands with a purpose. Storytelling is the best way to connect with this audience and showcase your brand’s mission and values.
Following these above measures can help you build a website that strategically appeals to and captivates Generation Z.
The Reasons Gen Zers Hate Slow Websites
There are several reasons why Gen Z users may dislike slow-functioning websites.
Firstly, Gen Z is accustomed to growing up with widespread access to the internet and technology. As a result, they have come to expect swift and seamless experiences online. If a website loads slowly or is difficult to navigate, it can frustrate and annoy Gen Z users.
Secondly, Gen Z people have a short attention span and like to use this for quickly accessing information and content. Gen Zers will struggle to stay engaged if a website functions slowly. So, they may lose interest in the content or move on to another website.
Thirdly, Gen Z is a digital-native generation used to access various content and information at their fingertips. A slow-working website can limit their access to this content. Also, it can prevent them from finding their desired things on time.
Overall, it is significant for brands and businesses to prioritize user experience and website speed. It will enable them to effectively reach and engage with Gen Z. By ensuring their website is equipped with fast speed, easy navigation and seamless user experience, brands can better connect with this important demographic.
Important Gen Z Statistics for Marketers to Consider in 2023
Here are some Gen Z-related statistics that marketers may like to consider in 2023.
⦁ Gen Z is a significant portion of the population. Their population is estimated to range from 61 million to 90 million in the United States alone.
⦁ Gen Zers are highly connected. 89% of them report using the internet daily, while 85% state using social media at least once daily.
⦁ Online reviews and recommendations influence Gen Z. 79% say they go through online reviews before purchasing.
⦁ They value authenticity and transparency. 80% of them state that they prefer genuine and honest brands. ⦁ Social media influencers greatly influence Gen Z. 71% state they are more likely to purchase based on an influencer’s recommendation.
⦁ They are immensely concerned about environmental and social issues. 73% of Gen Zers state that they prefer purchasing from brands that align with their values.
⦁ It is highly likely for Gen Z to research a product or service online before making a purchase. 82% of them state that they do research before purchasing a product.
⦁ This demographic group is likely to make a purchase online. 80% of them state that they purchase at least once a month.
⦁ Gen Zers are highly engaged with mobile devices. 70% said they use their smartphone for at least three hours daily.
Favorite E-commerce Websites for Gen Z in 2023
Tastes and trends can change quickly. So, predicting the favorite e-commerce websites for Gen Z in 2023 takes a lot of work. However, based on current trends and the popularity of certain websites, the following websites will likely be among Gen Z’s favorite ones in 2023.
Amazon: A global e-commerce giant, Amazon offers a huge selection of products and services. These include clothing, electronics, home goods and more. It provides a convenient shopping experience and fast shipping to buyers.
eBay: eBay is an online marketplace that lets users buy and sell a variety of items, including both new and used products. It has gained popularity among Gen Z due to its wide selection and the ability to find unique or difficult-to-find items.
Alibaba: A Chinese e-commerce company, Alibaba offers an extensive range of products, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. It has acquired popularity among Gen Z due to low prices and convenient shopping experience.
ASOS: ASOS is a fashion-centered e-commerce website that offers a broad range of clothing and accessories for both men and women. It is popular among Gen Zers because of its fashionable styles and affordable prices.
Zara: Zara is a clothing retailer with a powerful online presence. It is famous for its fast fashion and regularly releasing new styles. It has gained popularity among Gen Z due to its stylish and affordable clothing.
Supreme: A streetwear brand, Supreme has a cult following among Gen Z. Its range of products includes clothing, accessories, and skateboards. Its products are highly sought after and often sell out quickly.
Depop: Depop is an online marketplace centered on fashion with a strong focus on vintage and second-hand items. Its unique and affordable fashion options have made it popular among Gen Z.
Apart from these websites, it is likely that Gen Z will continue to use social networking platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Because they provide them the opportunities to discover and purchase products from smaller or emerging brands. These platforms often allow customers to have direct communication with sellers. Furthermore, they can offer them a more personalized shopping experience.
In conclusion, Gen Z is likely to continue using various e-commerce websites in 2023 that focus on unique or trendy products, affordability and convenience. Does your business want to effectively tap into this major demographic audience and convert them into active customers of your products? Then you must collaborate with Vcana Global experts, a leading website design and development agency, to realize your Gen Z-friendly website development requirements. It will eventually deliver you an innovative, appealing, user-friendly, and high-quality website
The website will help your brand effectively catch the attention of Gen Zers. Also, it will provide them with smooth navigation and enable them to access their desired product-related information quickly. Thus, the website will inspire Gen Z visitors to purchase. The elevated, satisfied and secure shopping experience will motivate them to return again and again for more purchases.
Your business’s path to success and prosperity starts exactly from here. So take the first step towards this by sharing your custom business website development needs with our company experts.
