The generation born between 1997 and 2012 is best known for growing up in the digital age. As true digital natives, they are highly connected, socially aware, and seek authenticity in the media they consume. In this article, we will explore key social selling strategies that retailers can use to effectively engage and convert this influential demographic.
Social selling is transforming the way brands connect with consumers, especially Gen Z shoppers who crave authenticity and engagement. Unlike traditional advertising, social selling leverages social media to create meaningful relationships, drive product discovery, and build trust through interactive, engaging content.
Why does this matter? Gen Z trusts social proof over traditional ads, making social selling a powerful strategy for boosting conversions and brand loyalty.
Top Social Selling Strategies to Win Over Gen Z
1. Be Active on TikTok and Instagram
When it comes to Gen Z product discovery, TikTok and Instagram are leading the way. According to Sprout Social, Gen Z prefers short-form video content, making these platforms the perfect places for brands to showcase products.
To maximize your impact:
- Create engaging, visually appealing videos that grab attention in seconds
- Use trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags to boost visibility
- Leverage influencer collaborations to enhance credibility
2. Prioritize Authenticity and Real Connections
Gen Z doesn’t just want ads—they want real stories. They trust nano and macro influencers who feel genuine rather than overly polished brand ambassadors.
- Showcase real people, behind-the-scenes content, and user-generated content (UGC)
- Engage in meaningful conversations through comments and DMs
- Avoid overproduced content—Gen Z values authenticity over perfection
A Beauty Brand’s Success Story: Glossier
Glossier’s rise to success is a textbook example of authentic social selling. Founder Emily Weiss built the brand by sharing relatable beauty experiences, making Glossier feel more like a friend than a corporation.
Her transparent storytelling helped turn a simple beauty blog into a global brand, with millions of loyal followers. The key takeaway? Authenticity fuels engagement and sales.
3. Use Social Commerce Features to Drive Sales
Social media has evolved from a content-sharing platform to a full-fledged shopping destination. Gen Z actively searches for new trends through social content, making shoppable posts and live-stream shopping essential for conversions.
Key social commerce tactics:
- Use product tags on Instagram Reels and Stories to enable instant purchases
- Host live-stream shopping events for real-time engagement
- Leverage AI-powered chatbots to provide instant product recommendations
4. Empower Local Sales Specialists for Personalized Engagement
Beyond influencers and brand pages, local sales associates can play a crucial role in social selling.
At Salesfloor, we developed Storefronts, a feature that allows local sales specialists to create personalized online pages with their top product picks. These pages can be shared directly on social media, making social selling even more personal and effective.
Final Thoughts: Social Selling is the Future of E-Commerce
Social selling isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of retail. With Gen Z’s preference for authentic engagement, brands must move beyond traditional ads and embrace genuine storytelling, social commerce, and direct interactions.
By leveraging TikTok, Instagram, and social commerce tools, brands can successfully convert Gen Z consumers, boost sales, and foster long-term brand loyalty. The brands that master social selling today will lead the e-commerce space in 2025 and beyond.
If you are interested in learning how Salesfloor can help you with clienteling and social selling, don’t hesitate to book a free demo with one of our experts today!
