In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one thing remains unchanged—the constant need for blood donations. However, as blood donors begin to age out of being able to donate and times change, so must the methods used to connect with potential donors. In this digital age, blood centers are faced with the challenge of engaging younger generations, namely Gen Z and millennials, to encourage them to give blood.
Understanding the unique characteristics and preferences of this tech-savvy and socially conscious age group is crucial for blood centers to ensure a sustainable and robust supply of blood. This blog explores the innovative strategies employed by blood centers to bridge the gap and captivate the attention of Gen Zers.
Influencer Incentive Campaign
Influencer is a household word these days, with many in younger generations even aspiring to be an “influencer” or “YouTuber.” They make up the majority of who we follow on social media and we often look to their accounts over people we know in real life. Gen Zers are also known for being socially minded, so we love that LifeShare Blood Center leaned into the ‘be a difference maker’ theme and even paired it with the influencer tagline. Even the model looks like he fits the demographic.
Tiktok and Instagram Trends
In order to become and stay relevant, blood centers need to actively search trends on the platforms Gen Zers are using most (such as Tiktok or Instagram) and use them to make content. The best way to grab their attention is to create content similar to what they’re already creating.
We’ve noticed that blood centers like Vitalant, Versiti, and Central California Blood Center have been leaning into TikTok and Instagram trends, sounds, CapCuts, etc., and we think that’s really helped create relevance and engagement with the Gen Z audience.
Relevant and Popular Incentives
One of the easiest ways to draw people in the door to donate blood is to offer an incentive that they don’t just want, they feel like they NEED. Yeah, gas and grocery store gift cards are nice, but below we list a couple incentives that really spoke to donors and brought them in to donate blood in droves
We all know Stanley tumblers are all the rave right now, and Central California Blood Center leaned into that! They ran a promotion giving away Stanley cups during all the hype. You can see the post below.
How about a Taylor Swift concert ticket incentive?! Last summer, Lifestream Blood Bank ran a couple promotions for donors to have a chance to win two tickets to the Eras Tour and let’s just say, people were all about it! This can be replicated with other concerts, comedians, sports teams, etc. that are insanely popular in your area. If you’re not sure what your donors would like to see, poll them!
Partner with local universities
Where can you find countless Gen Zers all in one place? College campuses! Blood centers have been partnering with universities for a while and we recommend more of these! Rather than simply hosting a drive on a college campus, why not host a drive at a their sporting event? This can help increase exposure on your drive and even get non-students to donate blood.
Conclusion
If your blood center hasn’t employed a tactic from this list, we suggest you get on it! Gen Z donors are out there, you just might have to work a little differently compared to other generations to bring them in.