Know Your Target Market

by Brian on May 24, 2010

This is one of the biggest mistakes most businesses make.

Businesses need to really understand their target market before they do anything else.

The average person only reads at an eighth grade level.

Let me say that again. The average person only reads at an eighth grade level. Seriously. You need to remember that when you’re writing.

In many businesses, you will be dealing with the “average person.”

Use language that someone who reads and writes at the eighth grade level can easily understand.

This means using clean writing, short sentences and very few “big words.”

This may sound harsh, but it’s reality… I’m sure you’ve heard of K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid

This is a general observation about most businesses. It may or may not apply to your business… And I’m sure you’d agree, knowing this aspect of your target market is important.

What are some strategies that can help you understand your target market better?

Interview Your Target Market

There’s no better way to know your target market than to get to know them one-on-one.

Just because you would buy what you’re selling doesn’t mean everyone else will too.

If you have the chance, interview a few people that fall into your target market (once you have it defined) to get a good feel for their likes, dislikes, interests, etc.

You can even keep some of them on-hand to review marketing materials to make sure your messages are tailored to your market.

Ask for Feedback

The most important feedback I think you will get is not from prospective customers… but from people who have bought from you. Here are a couple of different ways you can get feedback.

  • Send your customers a survey via mail or email.
    • It’s best to entice them with a coupon of some sort for completing the survey.
  • Speak to the people who buy your products or services.
    • Via the telephone or in person. When you ask your customer their opinion, not only do you get their valuable information, but you give your customers a sense of worth. They will feel like valuable clients.

If someone provides negative feedback… Remember, it’s not a personal attack on you or your business. Negative feedback can suck to hear, but it’s invaluable to know.

What are some other strategies you’ve used to learn more about your target market?

Previous post:

Next post: