Marketing to Each Generation in 2025

Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and in 2025, understanding who you’re speaking to is more important than ever. Each generation—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—has its own personality, habits, and quirks. What works for one group might completely miss the mark with another.

That’s why you should take the time to tailor your marketing strategies to fit the unique needs and preferences of each audience. If your marketing feels like it’s stuck in neutral, now’s the time to rev it up with strategies that connect. Whether you aim to win over Boomers with reliability, impress Gen Z with creative TikToks, or find the sweet spot that works across generations, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll break down what makes each generation tick, share tips to get their attention, and even spotlight some campaigns that nailed it. Let’s dive in and get ready to level up your marketing in 2025!

Marketing to Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)

Let’s talk about Baby Boomers. This generation might be in or approaching retirement but don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re stuck in the past. Boomers have embraced technology in ways that would surprise many people—think streaming TV shows, online shopping, and even staying connected on Facebook.

Drew Medley from The Diamond Group explains, “Boomers seek quality and reliability and value personal touch in customer service. They grew up with traditional media but are more tech-savvy than you might think. If you’re aiming for Boomers, it’s all about trust and loyalty.”

When targeting the baby boomer generation, make sure you are doing the following:

1. Write straightforward content.

Boomers don’t connect with abbreviations, slang, and memes. ClearVoice recommends using clear and insightful content to make it more digestible for them. Breaking up the content with bullet points, subheadings, and more white space will help to keep them more engaged.

2. Incorporate more videos.

According to ThinkwithGoogle, “One out of three boomers learns about products or services on YouTube, while 68% regularly watch videos for entertainment. Furthermore, boomers are 1.3 times more likely to refer to YouTube tutorials than written instructions.” In other words, incorporating YouTube videos can benefit your business’s marketing strategy if you share well-structured videos with informative visuals that resonate and provide value to them.

To determine what types of videos will resonate with your audience, track the engagement your videos generate. If your how-to videos are generally performing better than other content, you would see that you should focus more on creating these types of videos to target your boomer audience.

3. Build a Facebook Presence.

Baby boomers primarily use Facebook as their preferred social media platform. Many individuals in this demographic use the platform to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones to stay informed. Meeting boomers where they already are can help you market to them more effectively.

ClearVoice refers to Facebook as a versatile content distribution platform where you can promote blog posts, images, videos, and resources—anything that speaks to boomers.

Marketing to Boomers is about respecting their preferences while showing them how your brand aligns with their values. Build trust, keep things simple, and meet them where they are—you’ll have a winning formula.

Marketing to Generation X (Born 1965-1980)

Let’s talk about Generation X—the quiet powerhouse of marketing audiences. Often called the “forgotten generation,” this group is sandwiched between the larger Baby Boomer and Millennial generations, which means they don’t always get the spotlight. But here’s the thing: Gen Xers are hugely influential, juggling careers, family responsibilities, and financial goals all at once. They value practicality, efficiency, and—above all—authenticity.

While Gen Xers like in-store shopping, they also use digital channels for research and purchasing. They’re frequent users of Facebook for connecting with friends and family and LinkedIn for professional networking. They also appreciate the occasional dive into Instagram for a mix of aspirational and relatable content. And email? It’s still a tried-and-true way to reach them.

Here’s some strategies to win over Gen Xers in 2025:

1. Focus on quality and value.

They’re busy, so make sure that your message communicates how your product or service makes their lives easier or saves them time.

2. Be Transparent.

Gen X is skeptical of hype. They prefer straightforward, no-nonsense communication. Avoid gimmicks and focus on delivering what you promise.

3. Meet Them Where They Are.

A mix of Facebook ads, LinkedIn content, and email campaigns works well. Post engaging content regularly, including behind-the-scenes looks and customer stories. Don’t underestimate the power of a targeted online ad paired with an informative follow-up email.

Gen X might not demand the spotlight, but their loyalty and buying power make them a crucial audience. Speak to their practical side, be authentic, and show them you understand their busy lives. They’ll notice—and they’ll stick around.

Marketing to Millennials in 2025 (Born in 1981-1996)

Now let’s dive into Millennials, or Gen Y—arguably the most talked-about generation in marketing. Millennials are the largest demographic group in the U.S. and are considered the largest and most educated generation. These digital natives have shaped the way businesses approach branding, social media, and customer experience. They’ve grown up alongside the internet, so they know how to spot inauthenticity from a mile away. If you want to connect with Millennials, you need to be genuine, socially responsible, and ready to offer an experience.

Millennials value authenticity, transparency, and purpose. They’re not just buying products—they’re buying into brands that align with their values. They want to see that your business stands for something meaningful. On top of that, they love experiences—whether it’s traveling, dining out, or even a memorable unboxing moment.

Here’s some tips for effectively targeting Generation Y in 2025:

1. Go Mobile-First

 Millennials are glued to their phones, so your website, ads, and content need to look great and function flawlessly on mobile devices.

2. Marketing Campaigns

When crafting your marketing campaigns, highlight your efforts in sustainability, diversity, or community involvement. Millennials want to feel good about supporting your brand.

3. Leverage Influencer Marketing

Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand values and have authentic connections with their followers.

For Millennials, it’s all about feeling connected—to your brand, your mission, and the experience you offer. Show them you understand their values, and they’ll reward you with loyalty (and probably a few Instagram posts).

Marketing to Generation Z in 2025 (Born 1997-2012)

Say hello to Generation Z, the most connected, tech-savvy, and trendsetting generation yet. If Millennials were the pioneers of digital culture, Gen Z is taking it to the next level. This group has grown up with smartphones in hand, social media as second nature, and a world of information at their fingertips. For Gen Z, content isn’t just consumed—it’s created, curated, and shared, making a generation you can’t afford to ignore.

The 2024 Social Media Content Strategy revealed that 91% of Gen Z social media users are on Instagram and another 86% are on TikTok. They use Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok as search engines, making it important to tailor your business’s SEO efforts to these social media channels. This approach ensures visibility and fosters deep engagement and loyalty among Gen-Z consumers. 

Because this demographic has endless information and content at their fingertips, they have a preference for visual and interactive content, short attention spans, and a demand for authenticity and transparency from brands.

Here’s some ways to market to Gen Z in 2025:

1. Showcase your values

Don’t just talk about sustainability or diversity—prove it. Share behind-the-scenes content that shows the real people and practices behind your business. Supporting social causes and using real customer stories will help you show your brand’s authenticity to further resonate with Gen Z.

2. Utilize short-form videos 

Short-form videos match Gen Z’s preference for quick, visually engaging content. They respond well to informative, entertaining videos that highlight a product or teach a new skill. Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are perfect for short-form content.

3. Engage in real-time with your audience. 

Quick responses to comments, witty banter on Twitter, or hosting live Q&A sessions show you’re approachable and in tune with Gen Z’s fast-paced world.

Gen Z isn’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for real. If you can meet them where they are, speak their language, and show them you stand for something meaningful, you’ll win their hearts (and their wallets). The secret? Be bold, be fun, and most importantly, be genuine.

Final Thoughts

Marketing in 2025 isn’t about casting the widest net—it’s about speaking directly to the hearts and minds of your audience. Each generation brings its own unique perspective to the table. Baby Boomers value trust and simplicity, Gen X seeks authenticity and practicality, Millennials crave connection and purpose, and Gen Z thrives on creativity and bold values.

Tailoring your strategies to resonate with these preferences isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential. By understanding what drives each group, meeting them where they are, and showing them you care about what they care about, you can create campaigns that truly connect.

So, whether you’re sharing how-to videos on Facebook for Boomers, crafting a loyalty program for Gen X, aligning with influencers for Millennials, or diving into TikTok trends with Gen Z, there’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Remember, the key is to be genuine, adaptable, and willing to evolve alongside your audience.

With these insights, you’re ready to level up your marketing game for 2025 and beyond. At Dream Media Designs, we’re here to help you effectively tailor your marketing strategy to different generations.