Gen Z consumers value honesty and transparency, and they tend to support businesses that feel real. For your brand, this means showcasing the people behind it, being open about your processes, and engaging in genuine conversations with your audience.

Authenticity starts with your brand story. Consider sharing how your brand was founded, the challenges you've faced, and the values you stand for. If you support sustainability, inclusivity, or social causes, don’t just talk about these issues—demonstrate real actions that prove your commitment.

Also consider publishing behind-the-scenes content and sharing real customer testimonials, and make sure to acknowledge mistakes when they happen.The more human and relatable your brand feels, the more likely young people are to support it.

Gen Z buyers expect a hassle-free shopping experience. They don’t have the patience for slow websites, complicated checkout processes, or limited payment options. If buying from your brand feels like a chore, they will likely move on to a competitor that makes it easier for them to get the things they need.

To prevent this, ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Offering multiple payment options is also key to making the buying process as convenient as possible. E-wallets are particularly popular in the Philippines, so ensuring these options are available will definitely help. Additionally, link payment tools can be useful, too. For example, Maya Payment Links allows businesses to quickly share a link for payment through popular messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram. Another advantage of link payments is that they enable businesses to accept multiple payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and QR Ph, even if they don’t have an e-commerce site, making it easier for customers to complete their purchases.

Gen Z consumers can have the tendency to reject traditional sales tactics. Many don’t like feeling pressured into buying something, and they tend to ignore overly promotional content. Instead of directly selling, use storytelling to make your brand more relatable and engaging.

For example, instead of saying, "Buy this product now!", show how it has helped real customers. Highlight your product’s benefits through real-life scenarios. If your brand offers apparel, for example, showcase how your garments help customers feel more confident, or highlight their practical or technical benefits. If you sell gadgets, demonstrate how they solve everyday problems or how they fulfill the entertainment needs of young people. If you offer food products or beverages, emphasize qualities like their standout flavors, their unique origins, or how they fit into a healthy and convenient lifestyle.

Gen Z buyers don’t just want to purchase from a brand—they want to feel like they are part of something bigger. Creating a sense of community around your brand can turn casual customers into loyal advocates who actively promote your products.

One way to build this community is through online engagement. Create exclusive social media groups where members can interact, share their experiences, and participate in discussions. Encourage conversations beyond just your products—talk about topics they care about, whether it's fashion, self-care, or social issues.

When Gen Z customers feel connected to your brand and see that you value their input, they are more likely to stick around and recommend your products to their friends.

Gen Z consumers trust real people more than traditional advertisements. They rely on customer reviews, testimonials, and organic product showcases to make purchasing decisions. If they see their peers using and loving your product, they are more likely to buy it too.

Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand. Ask them to tag your brand when they post about your products, and feature their content on your social media pages. You can even create branded hashtags to make it easier for others to find posts related to your products.

Offering incentives like discounts, giveaways, or a chance to be featured on your official page can also encourage more customers to share their experiences. The more authentic and relatable your brand feels, the more trust you’ll build with Gen Z consumers.

Influencer marketing is a major driver of Gen Z purchasing decisions. However, big-name celebrities aren’t always necessary. Micro-influencers or content creators with smaller but highly engaged audiences often have a stronger connection with their followers and can drive better results.

If you want to collaborate with influencers, choose ones who genuinely align with your brand’s values and aesthetic. Instead of giving them a rigid script, consider letting them create content in their own style. Gen Z consumers can often tell when an endorsement is forced, so it’s important that influencer collaborations feel organic and natural.