Much research is available about marketing to different generations. From the aging Traditionalists and retiring Baby Boomers to the social‐media savvy Millennials and Gen Zers, with the Gen Xers in the middle, each generation requires significantly different marketing techniques. Each generation contributes its unique value to practice, but they all need to be pampered in different ways. Once you know the best way to attract each group, the next step is to gain their loyalty. Differentiated marketing can be done in ways that are simple and affordable and yield tremendous results.
2.6.2 Terms Defined
Traditionalists, Silent, Greatest Generation: Born before 1945, the “Depression Babies” influenced by the Depression and World War II.
Baby Boomers: Born 1946–1964, the “Woodstock Generation” influenced by Vietnam War, the 1960s and postwar social change.
Generation X: Born 1965–1981, the “Latchkey Generation,” products of divorced parents and major corporate scandals.
Generation Y, Echo Boomers, Millennials: Born 1982–1999, the “Entitled Generation” influenced by technology and doting parents.
Generation Z: Born after 2000, the “Facebook Crowd” influenced by a media‐saturated world.
The most effective way to market veterinary services is to customize the marketing strategy to target client demographics. Until a few years ago, you would have been right in thinking that differentiated marketing is for big business with big budgets. However, that is no longer true. The internet has become the great marketing leveler, allowing you to effectively customize your approach to marketing to different generations at affordable costs.
Client demographics are a major influence in buying behavior (see 5.4 The Changing Nature of Pet Owners). Individuals born at different points in time have distinct preferences in what they value, how they spend their money, and what advertising channels they use. Recognizing these behavioral differences in your clients is essential for maximizing treatment recommendation compliance. There are five distinct American demographics and although Generation Z has just begun to flex its consumer potential, they are in your practice today as new team members and will be the pet parents of tomorrow.
Traditionalists: Respect authority, loyal, patriotic, excellent work ethic, stubbornly independent, dependable, advanced communication and interpersonal skills.
Baby Boomers: Well‐educated, question authority, excellent teamwork skills, fiercely competitive, thrive on adrenaline‐producing assignments.
Generation X: Independent, family‐focused, intolerant of bureaucracy, critical, hardworking, and socially responsive.
Generation Y: Highly socialized, loyal, technologically savvy, socially responsible, and require work/life integration.
Generation Z: Technologically dependent, closely tied to parents, tolerant of alternate lifestyles, involved in green causes and social activism.
2.6.3 The Silent Generation
This generation has 50 million consumers in the US. They displayed tremendous resolve to overcome the impact of the Great Depression and World War II. They seek value for money, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Many of them are active seniors and do not like to be regarded as old or dependent.
They did not grow up using computers and probably retired before using them in the workplace; many are still lairy of technology. Therefore, the best marketing tools are the traditional ones that are printed, on the radio, or via telephone as many of them still answer their phone when it rings. They are the least likely to make an impulsive purchase. They respond best to traditional marketing tools such as flyers, newsletters, and postcards. These materials should be in larger font for ease of reading, use proper grammar, avoid slang and contain a single image (one that conveys emotions) rather than a collage. They should contain polite greetings with sir, madam, Mr or Mrs. And provide them with a phone number to call rather than a website to visit.
2.6.4 Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers grew up during the American‐dream, white‐picket‐fence era post World War II. Comprising 76 million consumers in the US, this second largest demographic group represents individuals who focused on hard work, individualism, and social activism. They value trust, loyalty, and sense of community. Many Baby Boomers are retired or will be retiring soon. Baby Boomers have experience using technology. Most were in the workplace when computers were installed. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are both members of the Baby Boomer generation, so members are generally comfortable using text messaging and other basic apps on their smartphones. The group still leaves and listens to voicemails. As their younger counterparts have taught Boomers how to use technology, this generation is slowly embracing it, with the vast majority utilizing Facebook to revive “dormant” relationships.
The Boomers do not enjoy Facebook ads clogging up their social media and would prefer to talk to real people. Boomers have the highest value as consumers in the market today and are more likely to splurge on items that are important to them (such as their child replacement pet as many are now empty nesters).
This group appreciates both traditional marketing (education) and twenty‐first‐century marketing. Baby Boomers appreciate the opportunity for face‐to‐face communication and having real humans answer the phone. However, when using other forms of marketing materials, it is important to include well‐written content without slang or hashtags, an appeal to their youth with references to “the good old days.” Solutions should simplify and improve their lifestyle. They are fiercely loyal, so having a practice app with a loyalty feature is very important, although this generation is least likely to make a purchase on their smartphone. In addition to using your smartphone app, Boomers will research product and services online and respond to email reminders and confirmations.
2.6.5 Generation X
Generation X is often referred to as the bridge between Millennials and Baby Boomers. Gen Xers number 65 million in the US and are now juggling child care, home ownership, and reaching the peak of their careers.
They grew up without the online shopping experience, so they still enjoy a trip in‐store, but have fully embraced online shopping as well. Generation X also has strong brand loyalty, particularly to those brands who give back. Members of Generation X will not accept your treatment recommendations because you ask them to, and especially not if you tell them that you are the expert and know best. Gen Xers are known for their research skills and will conduct extensive research before deciding. They often will not make decisions in the exam room and pressuring them to do so will not have a positive outcome. They do want you to tell them all of their treatment options, not just your “A” Plan. They will rely more heavily on reviews and client testimonials than your recommendation.
When preparing marketing materials, note that they do not want to read large amounts of content. Some will prefer email, and some will prefer traditional mail, and all will enjoy video content.
2.6.6 Millennials
This generation has taken over the workforce and at 80 million strong in the US, out‐number Baby Boomers. Millennials began entering the workforce as the economy crashed, and as a result are the largest generation of entrepreneurs. They are notoriously soft‐hearted and soft‐shelled, valuing social issues far ahead of economics. This generation is the most