The Marketing Memo #71: Market to Gen Z, and Get It Right

Plus: Write headlines that spark curiosity

Author

The Marketing Memo Editors
November 03, 2025

Hey there marketers,

Welcome to the 71st issue of The Marketing Memo. We’ve pulled in a couple of can’t-miss resources for you to check out.

But first, let’s start with a Monday marketing meme:

Had a good chuckle? Now you’re ready for today’s newsletter. Here’s what we’ve got:

  • A guide to marketing to Gen Z, from a Gen Z marketer

  • A quick tip to make sure your clear marketing campaigns actually land

Let’s jump in.

Guide: Why Your Gen Z Campaign Flopped — Straight from a Gen Z Marketer

From forced slang to hollow “activism,” brands are missing the mark with Gen Z.

“It’s not that Gen Z hates brands. It’s that Gen Z hates being misunderstood, underestimated, and marketed to like we’re a trend instead of people.”

In this guide, Gen Z marketer Selithra Vayen breaks down the most common mistakes brands make when trying to connect with younger audiences, and how to actually get it right.

Why Your Gen Z Campaign Flopped -Straight from a Gen Z Marketer

Common missteps brands make when trying to “relate” to younger audiences

medium.com/better-marketing/why-your-gen-z-campaign-flopped-straight-from-a-gen-z-marketer-2f9393bae807

Today’s Tip: Find The Sweet Spot Between Clear and Interesting

If your marketing message is so clear it could be mistaken for everyone else’s, it’s not clarity, it’s camouflage.

If people instantly “get it” but feel nothing, it’s too clear. If they feel intrigued and want to know more, you’ve nailed it.

Why Crystal-Clear Marketing Is Killing Your Business

And 6 easy steps to fix it

medium.com/better-marketing/why-crystal-clear-marketing-is-killing-your-business-6da7565b88c6

The Marketing Memo: Our Favorite Tools 🛠️

Want to see a comprehensive list of our favorite marketing tools? Check out our full recommendation list here. If we come across a new tool we love, we’ll highlight it in an upcoming newsletter.

Loved this newsletter? Forward it to a marketer you love in your life.

We’ll see you next Monday for the next Marketing Memo.

- Kati Amberry and Sinem Günel

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