.

Selling to Gen Alpha: What the Next Generation of Customers Wants

Move over Millennials and Gen Z—there’s a new generation stepping onto the world stage, and their buying power is only going to grow. Meet Gen Alpha: the cohort born from 2010 onward, currently comprising kids and young teens but poised to shape the consumer landscape more than any generation before.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to future-proof your business, it’s time to tune into the tastes, habits, and values of Gen Alpha. Here’s what you should know—and how you can prepare.

Who is Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha is the first group to grow up entirely within the world of TikTok, iPads, virtual assistants, and the Internet of Everything. According to McCrindle Research, who originally coined the name, roughly 2.5 million Alphas are born globally each week (McCrindle, 2023). By 2025, they’ll number nearly 2 billion worldwide.

What Makes Gen Alpha Unique?

1. Digital Natives from Birth

While even Gen Z remembers life before widespread smartphones and tablets, Gen Alpha was swiping screens before they could talk. This generation instinctively understands how to use devices and expects seamless digital experiences. Slow load times? Outdated apps? Forget it—they’ll move on in a heartbeat.

Tip for Entrepreneurs:

• Ensure your website, game, or app is fast, intuitive, and mobile-first.

• Lean into interactive experiences—think AR filters, gamification, and AI-driven personalization.

2. Visual and Snackable Content Rules

For Gen Alpha, YouTube is TV and TikTok is the local mall. They’re more likely to watch a 15-second product demo than to read a blog post (present blog excluded, of course!). Visual storytelling, quick how-tos, and influencer partnerships will win attention far faster than text-heavy campaigns.

Tip for Entrepreneurs:

• Invest in short-form video.

• Work with young creators on platforms where Gen Alpha already spends their time.

Reference: Pew Research, 2023 - Teens and TikTok

3. Socially Conscious (and Informed!)

Even as pre-teens, Gen Alpha kids are exposed to world issues—climate change, diversity, mental health—thanks to social media and school curriculums. They care about brand values and will call out inauthenticity. Brands like LEGO and Nike are already addressing Gen Alpha directly with sustainability and inclusion campaigns (LEGO, 2024 Sustainability Report).

Tip for Entrepreneurs:

• Be transparent with your mission, values, and sourcing.

• Align your product with causes that matter to young customers and their families.

4. Influenced by Family—and Each Other

Despite their digital fluency, Gen Alpha’s spending habits are shaped heavily by their parents and siblings. They’ve grown up co-shopping online, influencing family purchasing decisions, and participating in “unboxing” culture together.

Tip for Entrepreneurs:

• Market to the whole family. Show benefits to kids and parents alike.

• Create shareable moments—think reviews, interactive packaging, or QR codes with bonus content.

5. Eager Co-Creators

This is the “creator generation.” With easy access to tools like Roblox, Canva, and CapCut, Gen Alpha doesn’t just consume content—they build, remix, and share their own. They expect to have input, whether it’s designing their own avatar or voting on your next product drop.

Tip for Entrepreneurs:

• Let kids design, customize, or contribute in some way to your product or service.

• Run contests or solicit ideas—engagement is currency for Gen Alpha.

Preparing for the Alpha Era

Gen Alpha will soon wield more direct and indirect spending power than you might think. A report from GWI estimates their global influence is already over $500 billion annually, factoring in their sway over household purchases (GWI, 2024).

If you’re adapting now—by focusing on frictionless tech, fast content, family inclusion, and authentic values—you’ll be ahead of the curve as this remarkable generation grows up.

In a Nutshell:
Gen Alpha isn’t just the future—they’re already shaping the way forward for businesses, brands, and entrepreneurs. Listening to their voices (and their clicks) is the smartest investment you can make today.

References:

• Pew Research Center, "Teens and TikTok," 2023. Link

• McCrindle Research, "Meet Gen Alpha," 2023. Link

• LEGO, "Sustainability Report," 2024. Link

• GWI, "Gen Alpha Trends," 2024. Link

Want to prep your business for the shoppers and creators of tomorrow? Contact me for a chat about future-proof strategies!