#BrandMarketers and #CMOs take note: Companies using #Bae to Reach Millennials aren’t #sofleek

Companies like Taco Bell, Jimmy John’s, and IHOP have started using new tactics on Twitter to get in touch with the younger generations of customers. Is your company considering following into the same direction? Don’t.

Taco Bell, IHOP, and Jimmy John’s among others have been taking to social media using words that “the kids are using these days” like “bae”, “bruh”, and “fleek”.  Although companies believe that using these slang words are attracting a the millennial clients to your company, in reality it doesn’t.  In fact, Entrepreneur.com recommend that companies don’t try to “act hip” because millennials simply find it assuming and look right through the tactic. The President of Dorm Co., a company directed at the millennial generation, said “ college students are very quick to sniffing out a phony.” A new Twitter account, @BrandsSayingBae aims at calling out these companies and making fun of them. Although the saying goes, any press is good press; but a Twitter account making fun of your company definitely is not good.

There are much better alternatives to reach the millennial generation then trying to “talk like the kids these days”. For example, Entrepreneur.com several suggestions a couple include the following. First, get to the point fast, millennials lead busy lives and don’t enjoy messages that don’t have a clear point. Campaigns can be witty, sarcastic, and creative but should be concise as well. Second, win over the parents. Most millennials have college debt and are on a tight budget, by targeting the millennials’ and their parents, you max out your client base. Other sources suggest that companies should highlight the companies’ philanthropy. Not only does it appeal to all generations but the millennial generation is becoming known for their generosity and philanthropy, and appreciates businesses that are as well.

Most importantly, be personable. Not in a cheesy, hip way, but in a sincere way. Companies like Old Spice and Dollar Shave Club have especially done a good job connecting with millennials and building a deeper relationship because of the way they connect on a personal level. A simple reply or retweet to a user enhances that relationship so much more.   Your company will seem so much  more #fleek.

#BrandMarketers and #CMOs take note: Companies using #Bae to Reach Millennials aren’t #sofleek