Queer people are a vast, growing market. Therefore, it is essential that LGBTQ+ consumers feel like your business is welcoming and inclusive. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s also good for business. It will attract customers without relying on them to research for themselves if you are an ally. In this blog post, we will discuss LGBTQ+ marketing strategies for business owners.
LGBTQ+ marketing can be tricky, but as more and more people come out of the closet (including high-profile celebrities), it’s easier than ever to find LGBTQ+ resources. However, though people in the queer community prefer it, not everyone has the time to make sure everything they buy is LGBTQ-friendly. By making your marketing LGBTQ-friendly, you are making it more likely for people like me to buy your products and support your business.
First and foremost is to make your company LGBTQ-friendly on the inside. If people know that you are accepting, then this will spread from employees to family to friends. It also means that once you begin gearing your marketing towards them that anyone who looks into your actual stance won’t find out you’re not an ally. This is important for retaining customers as shying away from outright saying you are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community will deter people even if your marketing is on point.
Next, try using inclusive language and symbols in your marketing, especially if the ads are in queer spaces. Say people instead of women or men. Try using gender-neutral or rainbow colors. Put a rainbow flag somewhere in the advertisement. Research appropriate modern terms and symbols as this knowledge will aid you in being a better ally and creating better ads.
In ads on platforms such as YouTube or simply on T.V., a great way to show your commitment to diversity and inclusion is to represent these people visibly. Show a same-sex couple holding hands or kissing their partner. Have someone who had top surgery in your ad or who doesn’t fit the stereotypical depiction of their gender. It is crucial for people to see themselves represented in the media, which especially applies to the younger members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lastly, LGBTQ+ marketing is not just about LGBTQ+ people. It’s also about LGBTQ+ allies who help educate the population and get more LGBTQ-friendly products into the mainstream. Showing and spreading acceptance through your ads also attracts these people to your company.
If you’re a business that wants to welcome LGBTQ+ customers, make it known in your advertisements. Yes, it is very realistic that you will get backlash, but you will also gain the support of so many more people. Don’t let the negative voices of some affect your decision. LGBTQ+ marketing is about inclusion and diversity, and those are much better messages than hate and exclusion.