Wise & Young: The nuances of Gen-Y marketing, branding, advertising, trends, & more

The power and integration of social media marketing on Gen-Y has shown up once again, this time with something a little bit more important: tomorrow’s election. Barack Obama has dominated the space, and spread his message efficiently through all the social media channels, as well as through multiple layers of demographics.

However, we won’t know how effective both campaigns will be at getting Gen-Y to the polls until the numbers roll in a few days later. Turnout has been been non-existent for young voters for decades (including the disappointing results in the 2004 election.) But with the advances of online social media and Internet usage by Gen-Y (particularly Facebook), I have a feeling we will see a huge uptick — at least a 65% turnout rate for 18- to 24-year-olds this year (turnout for 18- to 24-year-olds was at 41.9 percent in 2004.)

Here is why: online peer pressure/word of mouth. Facebook is becoming increasingly integrated in to Gen-Y’s lives, and tomorrow we’ll see a huge outpouring of communication/expression about Gen-Y’s voting experiences. Users will update their statutes, bragging about voting, bragging about standing in long lines and voting for history (or voting for experience.) Users will send messages, post notes, and post links to each other to keep up with their favorite candidates. For most, this will be completely transparent to other impressionable friends and family members.

Furthermore, tomorrow is a big day for everybody in America, but it’s also a huge day for online social media — I believe this is the day that social media solidifies its lead as the new marketing direction for the future, especially with Gen-Y. Then, hopefully, marketers will open their eyes.