Brands like Chase, Target, Nike, and Red Bull are considered the cream of the crop in the eyes of students. They’re all really awesome brands, but what makes them so special for Millennials?
In a nutshell, these brands follow three principles when interacting with students on college campuses:
Identify With Students
Millennials identify with the brands they support and like to feel connected to the brand in an authentic way. To connect with students, anticipate a need that they might have and deliver a solution, or support a cause that students will get behind.
Take A Stand
Well-respected brands find creative ways to show they care — whether that means delivering Red Bull to students’ doors while they study or helping freshmen move into their dorms. A brand that goes above and beyond to make a difference creates a strong impression of deserving respect.
Offer Brag-Worthy Benefits
High-clout brands reward students with meaningful job titles like “Brand Ambassador” and awesome benefits like free gear (we’re not talking ballpoint pens, but useful things like money, merch, and gadgets.
By creating value, demonstrating an understanding of what matters to students, and mixing things up with unique events and rewards, brands can stand out to Millennials and be the type of brand students want to represent on campus and share with their friends.
