At the Multifamily Social Media Summit 2024, multiple speakers are talking on how to attract Gen Z. Do you speak Gen Z's language? Do you know what makes them tick…is TikTok really the only way?

Understanding how Gen Z interacts with brands—in this case, apartment brands—is integral to attracting them as a lead and capturing them as a resident. Your brand should work towards that goal. Understanding, creating strategies, crafting an experience, and building community through engagement are all part of the puzzle. The key here: 76% of Gen Z consumers state that they like to buy from brands that stand for a greater mission or purpose. That alone should tell you a lot about what they want from you—and how, in branding for Gen Z, you can make it clear to them.

Gen Zers are independent thinkers. According to Forbes, "Gen-Z is well-known for holding deep convictions and high ethical standards." They prioritize diversity and inclusion and are focused on maintaining both their mental health and keeping their finances in the black.

• Currently Ages ~12-27 (born 1997-2012)
• Prefers access over ownership (streaming vs. CDs)
• Attracted to brands with a story or purpose
• Values social and political involvement; racial and social justice; sustainability
• Spend 6+ hours daily on phone; check online for reviews before purchases; TikTok is the #1 app
• Racially and ethnically diverse
• Have completed more education than previous generations
• Have the most pessimistic outlook of the future and highest prevalence of mental illness

(Sources: McKinsey; Pew Research; Forbes)

Because of Gen Z's situation in life, they're prone to look for value (bang for their buck) and values (companies that share their care for social and environmental causes). Your apartment community must align with, or at least consider, Gen Z's values and preferences as they create their branding. This is particularly true as Gen Z gets older, moves out of the house and into the city, works toward building a career, and looks for a home—which could be at your community.

Being an authentic brand, meeting Gen Z where they are, and focusing on sharing values with them will help you reach this new generation of residents. Here's how:

Gen Z will see right through your barely-propped-up values statement. You'll have to state and act on the things that your community cares about, with full proof. Being an authentic brand is more than a mission/vision/values page. It's the events you create, the companies you partner with, and the way that you celebrate specific holidays. Transparency is key here, because they're going to see through you anyway. Your heart has to match your appearance! 

Screen time knows no limits with Gen Z. Get in front of them with social ads and a full-on social media strategy. At the Multifamily Social Media Summit 2024 we're looking forward to a specific talk on Gen Z and TikTok. Use the info to your advantage and find a way to meet Gen Z where they are.

"The earth is failing and humans are to blame." — this could be said by practically any Gen Zer. The factors of zero waste and sustainability are huge in the Gen Z generation. How will your brand address this? What kind of sustainability measures is your community putting in place? Walking the walk here will especially get you brownie points with Gen Z. Living somewhere that shares your values is a kind of heartwarming feeling that could extend into the signing of a lease. ("They know what I care about most! They know me! This is home!")

Creating a branded experience is one thing. Creating a branded experience that actually resonates with Gen Z is an entirely other thing—and it could eventually create the culture of community in your apartments.

Amenities and spaces must work within the values framework you've built. Because Gen Zers crave authenticity when interacting with brands, creating social spaces and community amenities that feel in line with what you prioritize will be important. For example, offering a coworking space as well as flexible home office space in your apartments could be helpful for a community brand that wants to support the next wave of entrepreneurs.

Technological and digital updates or experiences you can add to the community can make you stand out among the competition. Gen Zers expect things to happen quickly, at the touch of a button. Having a beautiful website with branded messaging and aligned aesthetics makes it a full experience from home page to home sweet home.

Additionally, as Gen Zers spend more time on TikTok than any other group (and more time on their phones than most) work on leveraging user-generated content, get some hashtags going, and consider partnering with influencers to create a real-life feel to get more brand engagement from this target market.

As for digital marketing, make it personal. According to marketing tech company, SheerID, Gen Zers want personalized ads (preferred by 81% of Gen Zers vs. just 57% of Millennials). So start segmenting.

Your resident events and activities can speak volumes about your values—where your priorities are. Remember how we talked about being eco-conscious or zero-waste? Host a Fix-it Fair, or offer up electronics recycling a few times each year. Create fun resident events and activities that are centered around volunteering for the community.

Most of all:

Start rethinking your branding strategies to attract the next wave of residents. Get branding for Gen Z—be authentic, be personable, and live out the values you claim to have as a brand.

(And probably don't fake it till you make it. They'll just know.)