Ways to Identify Your Target Market

Ways To Identify Your Target Market

When it comes to running a business, knowing your consumers is crucial. It is unrealistic to target all people. Additionally, targeting a niche market is an effective way of competing with bigger companies.

Contrary to what many people may think, identifying a target market does not necessarily mean that you are excluding individuals who do not fit the criteria. Generally, it allows you to focus your marketing budget and brand message on a specific audience that is composed of people who are more likely to buy your products or avail of your services. Target marketing is an efficient and affordable way of reaching potential customers.

Things You Should Know

For a marketing strategy to work in your favor, you will have to tailor your efforts to specifically reach a segment of the population. Choose those who are most likely to be interested in what you have to offer. This way, you can effectively spend your energy and money.

Not knowing who your primary clients are will make it hard for you to determine how to meet their needs. You have to be aware of who they are, what their desires and needs are, where they are located, and how much they can afford. All of these are necessary to ensure the success of your marketing strategies.

Ways to Identify Your Target Market

Before coming up with a solid marketing strategy, you will have to figure out who it is for. Here are some tips you can use to determine a niche market:

  • Look at your current customers. Knowing the people who avail of your products or services will be a good start. You have to find out why they are buying from you. Check for common interests and characteristics. If you have a wide range of customer base, determine which group brings in the most business. It is very likely for similar individuals to benefit from what you offer.
  • Check out the competition. You have to know your direct competitors and their current clients. It may be better to not go for the same people. You may find an audience that they might have overlooked. 
  • Analyze what you have to offer. List down the features of your products or services. What are the benefits that they provide? Then, find out who is in need of the benefits that your company can fulfill. 
  • Choose certain demographics. When identifying possible customers, you have to consider various factors. Who needs your products or services? Here are some of the aspects you may have to think about:
    • Age
    • Geographical Location
    • Gender
    • Buying Power
    • Income Level
    • Educational Level
    • Marital Status
    • Ethnic Background
    • Occupation
  • Consider personal characteristics. Aside from the things mentioned above, you may have to dig a little deeper by considering psychographics as well. It means you may have to consider the following characteristics:
    • Personality
    • Values
    • Opinions
    • Interests and Hobbies
    • Attitudes
    • Behavior
    • Lifestyles

Think about how your product or service will fit into the lifestyle of certain consumers. How will they use it? When are they most likely to use your product or service? What is the most appealing feature of your product or service?

  • Ask the right questions. Once you decide on a target audience, you have to evaluate your decisions. You can do these by asking the right questions.
    • Are there enough individuals who will fit the criteria that you have chosen?
    • Will the target audience benefit from your product or service?
    • Will this group see a need for what you offer?
    • What drives your target to make their decisions?
    • Can your target afford the products or services that you offer?
    • Can your message reach them?

Final Thoughts

When determining who your target market is, you have to remember to take various factors into consideration. You have to use qualitative and quantitative elements before deciding. Additionally, you have to keep in mind that it is not necessary to only have one niche market. If your products or services can be beneficial for more than one group, then you can consider them as your target audience.

You can adjust your marketing strategies to fit a specific niche market. This way, you can be sure that your brand message appeals to the right people. The most important thing in creating these strategies is balance. You need an effective message and understand the audience to whom you are sending your messages.