How E-Cigarette Companies Are Targeting Youth
The e-cigarette industry has seen rapid growth in recent years. This can be attributed to technological advancements, changes in social norms, and the need for smoking cessation products as well as tobacco companies’ desire to increase profits. Several strategies have been employed by e-cigarette companies to target youth with exotic snacks and other flavors. Here are some of the tactics they use to reach the youth into vaping.
Celebrity endorsements
Celebrity endorsements are one of the most popular marketing strategies used by e-cigarette companies. Many celebrities have been featured in e-cigarette company ads and social media posts, including actors, musicians, and athletes.
One study found that celebrity endorsements can be effective at attracting youth smokers to e-cigarettes. The study found that when an actor or athlete is endorsing an e-cigarette brand, it leads to a greater awareness of that brand among youth smokers than if they were not endorsed by a celebrity.
Flavors that appeal to youths
Some of the most popular flavors include bubble gum, cotton candy, frosted orange, and fruit punch. These flavors are popular among children but also adults who like sweets.
Most come in different types of packaging that appeal to teenagers: clear plastic tubes or boxes with colorful graphics. The designs are often designed to look like candy or fruity drinks.
Many e-cigarette companies also offer adult flavors such as chocolate chip cookie dough or vanilla ice cream.
Colorful candy-like designs
The colorful candy-like designs of many e-cigarettes have been designed so that they look appealing to young people and make them want to try them out. These brands often have cartoons or characters on them, which are targeted at younger audiences as well as adults who have children at home who might be interested in trying it out as well.
Promising benefits to young people
E-cigarettes are often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, with claims that they are less harmful than combustible tobacco products. They also often promise improved health by reducing or eliminating the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions related to smoking cigarettes.
Youth-oriented social media
There’s no doubt that youths love social media, especially Instagram because it is trendy. Many of these companies have taken to social media, especially Instagram, where many brands have at least one account dedicated solely to promoting their products.
Another way these companies are targeting youth is by posting pictures or videos of themselves with younger users, sometimes in what looks like family settings.
Sponsoring youth events
Youth-oriented events and activities are a great way to reach out to young people and encourage them to use e-cigarettes. E-cigarette companies are also sponsoring sports events like basketball, soccer, and hockey games. The goal is to appeal to young people by using sports as a vehicle through which they can promote their products.
There are a number of things that the youth are attracted to in the vaping industry. Advertisers understand this, and they know how to play on their weaknesses to make a profit. These companies have learned the tricks and are minting millions from their target customers.