Marketing in 2025 isn’t just about digital vs. print or TikTok vs. email—it’s about relevance. And that means understanding who you're talking to. Each generation brings different values, communication styles, and buying behaviors. Smart marketers don’t try to reach everyone. They speak clearly to someone—and they do it with intention. In this post, we’ll break down the key generational segments in 2025 and show you how to tailor your marketing for maximum impact.

“The most powerful marketing is personal.” – Seth Godin

What is generational marketing?

Generational marketing is the practice of segmenting your audience by age group and tailoring your message to their unique preferences, behaviors, and life stages. It’s not about stereotyping—it’s about aligning your message with what resonates.

The 4 Key Generations in 2025

1. Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964)

• Age in 2025: 61–79
• Values: Trust, reliability, personal service
• Habits: Prefer phone calls, emails, and in-person communication
• Spending power: High—especially in healthcare, travel, and home services

Marketing Tips:

• Use clear, respectful language
• Highlight testimonials, guarantees, and service quality
• Avoid slang or overly casual tone
• Don’t assume they’re tech-averse—they’re active on Facebook and read email regularly

2. Generation X (born 1965–1980)

• Age in 2025: 45–60
• Values: Independence, practicality, efficiency
• Habits: Multichannel users—use both traditional and digital platforms
• Spending power: High—especially in home improvement, financial services, education

Marketing Tips:

• Appeal to their desire for control and options
• Offer value-driven deals and time-saving solutions
• Be transparent—this generation dislikes pushy sales tactics
• Use email, podcasts, and search ads effectively

3. Millennials (born 1981–1996)

• Age in 2025: 29–44
• Values: Experience, authenticity, purpose-driven brands
• Habits: Mobile-first, big on reviews, social media savvy
• Spending power: Growing—especially in family, housing, and subscription services

Marketing Tips:

• Highlight your mission and values
• Make mobile experiences seamless
• Invest in visual content (Instagram, YouTube, Reels)
• Leverage user-generated content and peer reviews

4. Generation Z (born 1997–2012)

• Age in 2025: 13–28
• Values: Individuality, speed, humor, inclusivity
• Habits: Constantly connected—short-form video is king
• Spending power: Rising—especially in fashion, tech, food, entertainment

Marketing Tips:

• Be fast, bold, and real—no corporate speak
• Use platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord
• Collaborate with micro-influencers
• Focus on social causes and identity

What resonates with each generation

Message focus:

• Boomers: Trust + Service
• Gen X: Value + Time-saving
• Millennials: Purpose + Experience
• Gen Z: Identity + Speed

Preferred channels:

• Boomers: Email, phone, Facebook
• Gen X: Email, search, podcasts
• Millennials: Instagram, YouTube, email
• Gen Z: TikTok, Snapchat, influencers

Don’t guess—ask and test

Even within generations, behavior varies. Use your own customer data to:

• Segment your email list by age or purchase history
• A/B test messages across platforms
• Survey your customers regularly
• Track engagement and adapt

Marketing is about relevance—and relevance starts with knowing who you're talking to.

“Don’t find customers for your products. Find products for your customers.” – Peter Drucker

The bottom-line

In 2025, one-size-fits-all marketing is a missed opportunity. Each generation responds to different tones, channels, and values. The more you tailor your approach, the more trust you build—and the better your results.

We can help. Let’s chat.

Need help tailoring your brand message for different generations? We’ll help you segment, test, and optimize your marketing to speak directly to your best-fit customers. Connect with us.