How to market to an older generation: Part 1

With many articles covering how to market to younger generations - namely millennials - it can be easy to forget the older demographic. We would suggest that this is individuals above the age of 60. The older generation, spanning from the age of 60 upwards, can vary widely in their marketing needs, however we know that their needs differ a lot from millennials. Forget high-tech, advanced digital marketing techniques and social media, and focus on the marketing techniques we are going to share with you. Let's jump straight in.  

Use promotional merchandise 

Promotional merchandise is one of the few marketing techniques that are suitable for any age. Depending on the merchandise you choose, you can tailor it effectively to one demographic, or you can order it so it is specifically suitable for everyone. For example, pens, mugs, and flasks are often happily accepted by all ages, meaning that whether you give this promotional merchandise to someone who is 16 or 60, you can be sure that it will have been both effective and appropriate to them. 

Don't only be social  

Older generations prefer to be speaking to humans, rather that Internet robots! Therefore, we recommend having multiple ways for them to contact your business or customer service team, particularly a free telephone line. Research has shown that nearly 60% of over 55-year-olds are likely to buy again from a brand if they have spoken to someone from the company on the phone. Ensure that your telephone line number is clearly displayed on your none page. If, like a lot of new businesses, the only way someone can contact you is through social media, ensure that you are authentic. Specifically, be a person and not the business. For example, start off with something and friendly such as: "Hi, my name Sophie from the customer service team..." And then continue with personalised advice for the person contacting you.  

Later this week we'll be going through a few more tips for marketing to an older generation.

Written by

Adam Carter | Head of Products

Adam has been leading the Product team for over 18 years, during which time he's built up an enviable reputation as one of the industry's most trusted authorities on promotional merchandise. As well as supplier relations, product sourcing and pricing, Adam is also responsible for ensuring our promotional merchandise is presented on the website in the most effective manner. His expertise makes him the go-to person on the team for spotting merchandise trends and he's highly experienced in identifying the best branded products to meet our customers' needs. When he's not working, Adam enjoys travel, electronic music and all forms of cinema.

Connect with Adam Carter on LinkedIn Connect with Adam Carter on LinkedIn

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

If you've never ordered promotional products before, it can feel a little overwhelming. After all, there are countless product options out there and it can be hard t

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

With Blue Monday in sight, there's no better time to take a moment or two to think about the colour blue in all its glory. Because it's really not all bad, despite the n

The Best Office Award Ideas (And The Trophies To Match!)

The Best Office Award Ideas (And The Trophies To Match!)

If you're currently planning an awards ceremony and are looking for the perfect trophy titles - not to mention the perfect trophies! - we can help. We've got yea

Just In: The Promotional Merchandise That Will Be Trending In 2022

Just In: The Promotional Merchandise That Will Be Trending In 2022

For 2022, we predict the promotional merchandise that will be trending is UK-made products. Why? Read on to find out... READ MORE:

Cheers! Our Top Picks Of Promotional Drinkware This Spring

Cheers! Our Top Picks Of Promotional Drinkware This Spring

With temperatures reaching a welcomed 20+ degrees Celsius across parts of the UK this week, it's only fitting that we take a look at our spring and summer-friendly branded d

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Promotional Umbrellas have long been one of our most popular promotional items. They are a great giveaway opportunity that offers a large imprint area with high visibility and c

Revealed: The Best Corporate Food Gifts For Christmas 2024

Revealed: The Best Corporate Food Gifts For Christmas 2024

Corporate food gifts are the perfect way to leave a lasting impression with your clients this Christmas. With options to suit all budgets, we've got everything from

How Total Merchandise Supported the WellChild Awards 2024

How Total Merchandise Supported the WellChild Awards 2024

Total Merchandise was proud to recently support nationwide charity WellChild with the 2024 edition of its WellChild Awards. We always love to support and give back where

TM Edit: Best UK-Made Merch Ideas For Winter 2024

TM Edit: Best UK-Made Merch Ideas For Winter 2024

Winter is fast-approaching - and from cold weather essentials to festive gifting ideas, we've decided to round-up some of our favourite seasonal UK-made merch ideas for your