10+ Gen X Statistics & Trends That Businesses Must Know
I’ve compiled a list of insightful Gen X statistics and trends For marketing statistics, a brief overview is provided below.
Gen X Statistics: Key Facts For marketer
- 72% of Generation Xers use the internet to research businesses.
- Generation X accounts for 31% of total income in the United States.
- 54% of Gen Xers feel brands and marketers ignore them.
- 95% of Generation X uses Facebook, 46% use Instagram, and 25% use Twitter.
- In the last year, 64% of Gen X consumers made a purchase after receiving an email.
- 82% of Generation Xers are more likely to buy from a company they can trust with their data.
- 80% of Generation X prefer email marketing as a communication channel.
- 1/3 of Generation Xers believe businesses should take a stand on social issues.
- 90% of Generation X prefer to do their grocery shopping in-store.
- 42% of Gen Xers purchased a product because it was manufactured by a small business.
Sources: (Revlocal, Forbes, PR Daily, Market Splash, Sailthru, HubSpot.)
#1. 72% of Gen X Turn to Web to Research Businesses.
Source: Revlocal
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: BigCommerce, HubSpot, Research Gate, PR Newswire, L3 Funding, Market Splash, 1827 Marketing, Sprout Social, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Focus marketing strategies on online platforms | Gen X’s substantial online presence demands attention to digital marketing. |
Invest in online reputation management | Trustworthiness is vital; Gen X frequently checks online reviews and feedback. |
Enhance the business’s online user experience | A seamless and informative online experience will cater to the majority of Gen X researchers. |
#2. Generation X Represents 31% of Total U.S. Earnings.
Source: Forbes
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Sogo Cash Card, Big Commerce, Response Media, Dima Ghawi, Credit Acceptance, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Prioritize Generation X in financial products and services | With substantial financial power, Gen X remains a pivotal market segment. |
Develop tailored economic policies that address Gen X’s needs | Their significant share of income affects national economic trends and decisions. |
Engage with Generation X in financial education and planning | Ensuring their financial literacy can optimize their contribution to the economy. |
#3. 54% of Gen Xers Feel Overlooked by Marketers.
Source: PR Daily
Significance of the Data: High
Mentioned By: Entrepreneur, Haymarket Media Group, BigCommerce, Lucid Advertising, Marketing Charts, Linkedin, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Re-evaluate and adjust current marketing strategies | Over half of Gen X feels overlooked, indicating a significant gap in market engagement. |
Cultivate personalized and relevant campaigns for Gen X | Addressing their unique needs can foster loyalty and trust. |
Invest in market research focused on Generation X | Understanding their preferences and pain points will refine brand outreach and resonance. |
#4. 95% of Gen X Active on Facebook; 46% on Instagram.
Source: Market Splash
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Hootsuite, Pew Research Center, Linkedin, Creatopy, Sprout Social, Social Pilot, Statista, Misco Malta, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Allocate a significant portion of digital marketing to Facebook | Its ubiquitous use by Gen X makes it a primary platform for engagement. |
Diversify marketing strategies to include Instagram | While not as dominant as Facebook, Instagram still attracts a notable Gen X audience. |
Use Twitter strategically, targeting niche Gen X segments | Its lower usage by Gen X suggests more specific, tailored campaigns might be effective. |
#5. 64% Gen X Bought Products via Email Last Year.
Source: Sailthru
Significance of the Data: High
Mentioned By: Marketing Beat, Hubspot, Retail Minded, Word Stream, Data Axle, Research Gate, Sprout Social, Bluecore, Hootsuite, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Intensify email marketing campaigns for Gen X | Their demonstrated buying behavior from emails suggests a significant ROI potential. |
Ensure email content is relevant and actionable | Focused, value-rich content can drive further conversions among this demographic. |
Optimize email design and user experience | A streamlined, user-friendly design can enhance the purchase journey for Gen X consumers. |
#6. 82% of Gen X Prioritize Data Trust in Purchase Decisions.
Source: HubSpot
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Gladly, Sailthru, Business Wire, SAP, Oracle, LinkedIn, Marketing Dive, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Prioritize data privacy and transparency in operations | Trustworthiness is a decisive factor for Gen X’s purchasing behavior. |
Implement and communicate strong data protection measures | Showcasing robust data security can build confidence and brand loyalty. |
Engage in public awareness campaigns on data safety | Educating Gen X on how their data is used can fortify trust and encourage business. |
#7. 80% Gen Xers Favor Email for Brand Communication.
Source: Market Splash
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Ad Shark Marketing, Haymarket, Wordstream, Medium, Acs Creative, Answernet, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Elevate email as the primary marketing channel for Gen X | Given their preference, it maximizes chances of engagement and response. |
Optimize email content for relevance and clarity | Tailored, clear messaging resonates with this audience, ensuring better reception. |
Invest in advanced email marketing tools and analytics | Leveraging technology will fine-tune campaigns and enhance understanding of Gen X’s behavior. |
#8. A Third of Gen X Demands Corporate Stance on Social Issues.
Source: Market Splash
Significance of the Data: Medium
Mentioned By: SAP, HubSpot, Sprout Social, Jobsage, Civic Science, Pew Research Center, Mckinsey & Company, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Consider integrating social stances in brand narratives | Addressing social issues can resonate with a significant segment of Gen X. |
Strategically choose causes that align with company values | Authenticity in social stances fosters genuine connections and trust. |
Engage in open dialogue with Gen X on pressing social matters | Facilitating discussions can lead to deeper brand loyalty and understanding. |