Millennials & Marketing

As a healthcare media relations professional, I then wondered how they consume information, especially the onslaught of health information and the multitude of channels to which they were likely subject throughout the day. It may be hard for some of you to imagine, but when I was a young 20-something we weren’t even on the Internet quite yet!

Always keen to learn about marketing to specific demographics, I did some research and found a great website (http://www.pixelsandpills.com/2011/05/11/generation-health-marketing-millennials/) that outlines some key elements of things to consider in marketing efforts to this generation.  As I suspected, an understanding of the generational differences in online usage is key as well as taking into account that Millennials are used to instant gratification. While Millennials have instant access to a wealth of health information via their smartphones etc., it is interesting to note that offline input from friends, healthcare providers and parents is also very important to them. Moreover, in terms of their own personal healthcare experience, a recent survey by Capstrat-Public Policy Polling indicates that a majority of Millennials do not wish to communicate with their healthcare providers via social media, instead turning to more traditional ways of communicating.

I know that any healthcare communications plan these days must contain a social and digital media element, but I was heartened to learn that traditional media is still an important piece of the puzzle.  When it comes to Millennials, a communications plan that harnesses the synergy of traditional media and social/digital media will likely have the biggest impact in targeting your audience.

Do you have suggestions for targeting Millennials?

To reach Chris:

Phone: 212-584-5480
Email: chris@blisspr.com
Twitter: @cfsnyc
LinkedIn: Christopher Seger