As marketers, we’re lucky. We get to be a part of real-time cultural shifts that flow through our work. One of the most exciting changes is a seismic shift toward inclusiveness across all channels of communication. As you think about inclusive marketing at your organization, here are a few things to keep in mind.
People Want to Support Brands That Share Their Values.
Generation Z currently makes up 30% of the world’s population, and it’s expected to represent 27% of the workforce by 2025. For many Gen Zers, inclusiveness is a core value that shapes their identities and worldviews. They prioritize authenticity and equality, often supporting brands and movements that champion social justice and marginalized voices.
But it’s not just Gen Z that believes in social progress: fifty percent of U.S. consumers now believe brands have a duty to speak out on political, societal or cultural issues.
Just think about it. Brands like Toms, Bombas, Nike and Ben & Jerry’s (the list goes on), literally have made giving back a part of their core business model.
Inclusive Marketing Is Better for Businesses.
Our world is more connected than ever before. We all want to feel seen, understood and valued. It validates our identity, makes us feel less marginalized, and allows us to make more authentic connections with each other — as well as with brands.
It’s vital that as marketers, we celebrate the diversity of our customers. We must ensure that when a potential or current customer comes across your brand, they can see themselves represented.
Not only do inclusive marketing efforts enhance brand loyalty and trust, but they also allow brands to become active agents of progress by promoting equality and contributing to a better represented, more connected society.
Inclusive Marketing is More Than Checking a Box.
Inclusive marketing goes beyond race. It goes beyond gender. It goes beyond ethnicity. It’s not simply making sure your image selection shows people of different races, genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, etc.
It’s about really understanding who your customers are – and that they have multiple aspects of their identity and different life experiences. It’s about putting out content that your brand can truly stand behind, and not simply because it is [Insert] month or [Insert] holiday.
Inclusivity is all about creating spaces — whether in marketing, workplaces or communities — where people feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. It’s also making sure that everyone on your team feels empowered to speak up and weigh in. In addition, inclusivity gives your team the opportunity to learn more about inclusive marketing via professional development.
It fosters an environment where diversity is not only welcomed but celebrated as a strength. By embracing inclusivity, we create better workplaces and better experiences for all.
Our Own Commitment to Progress.
As a certified women-owned business, we at Sage Communications always strive to make a positive impact by celebrating and uplifting inclusiveness, whether it’s through our client partnerships, our creative or our own internal processes.