6 Proven Strategies for Successfully Market Your App to Teenagers

Today’s teens are a mobile-first generation. They tweet, snap, and send over 60 emoji-laden text messages a day. According to Pew Research, 58% of teens have downloaded apps to their smartphones, with social media platforms like Instagram, Vine, and WeChat taking the top spots for popularity. Given that 15-20% of teens spend more than five hours a day on their devices, it's no surprise that marketers are increasingly focusing on this demographic. When launching ShuttleSong, a mobile app that combines 15 seconds of sound with any digital image, we understood that winning over teens was essential to our success. Here are the six key strategies we learned during our eight months of marketing to teens:

Be Real and Transparent

The first step in marketing to teens is to be real and transparent. This means understanding their values, interests, and the way they interact with technology. Teens are a savvy audience and can quickly detect inauthenticity. Therefore, it's crucial to provide genuine content and experiences that resonate with them. For example, use real user testimonials and show authentic user engagement.

Understand What They Love

To successfully market your app, it's essential to know what teens love. This could be anything from music and memes to games and challenges. By understanding the interests of your target audience, you can tailor your marketing messages to appeal to them. For example, if teens love music, incorporate musical elements into your app marketing strategy. This could include incorporating viral music challenges or collaborating with popular teen influencers in the music industry.

Keep It Conversational

Teenagers are known for their love of conversationalism. They prefer informal, friendly, and relatable content over stiff, corporate messaging. Therefore, it's important to keep your app marketing messages conversational. Use a tone that invites engagement and encourages interaction. For example, use hashtags, emojis, and short, snappy captions to make your content more engaging.

Have Fun with It

Teens love a good laugh and finding joy in the simple things. To capture their interest, make your app marketing fun and light-hearted. This doesn't mean you should sacrifice the credibility of your app, but it does mean you should infuse your marketing with a sense of fun and playfulness. For example, create viral challenges, memes, and interactive content that teens can share with their friends.

Be Responsive

Responsiveness is key when it comes to marketing to teens. They expect quick responses to their comments and questions. Whether it's through social media, email, or direct messaging, make sure you're always available to engage with your audience. This not only builds trust but also encourages ongoing engagement. For example, respond to comments on social media within a few hours or provide real-time chat support for your app.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Seriously, respect is vital in any marketing strategy, but especially for marketing to teens. Show that you understand and value their opinions and feedback. Teens are more than just a market; they are individuals with their own unique perspectives and ideas. Be open to criticism, use it to improve your app, and show that you care about their experiences. This will foster a sense of community and loyalty among your young users.

Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies for Teens

If you want to reach teenagers, social media is your best bet. Here are some specific strategies you can use on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr:

Paying Influencers: Paying an Instagram influencer, for example, to give a thirty-minute promotion might cost a 15 iTunes card. In return, the influencer's 50,000 followers will see your app. This can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience quickly. Twitter: Although fewer teens use Twitter, it can still be a useful platform. Look for accounts with a high percentage of teen followers and reach out to them for collaboration. Tumblr: Tumblr is primarily made up of teenagers, making it an excellent choice for marketing. Consider creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience.

By incorporating these strategies, you can effectively market your app to the teenage demographic, build a engaged community, and achieve your marketing goals.

Conclusion

Marketing to teens requires a combination of authenticity, understanding, fun, and responsiveness. By following these strategies, you can create a strong, engaging presence on social media and successfully market your app to the mobile-first generation. Remember, the key is to connect with teens on a personal level and provide them with an experience they'll enjoy and share with their friends.