Target Market - 3 Big Reasons You Need To Know Yours

Rule Number One when writing marketing materials is "Know Your Target Market." There's a lot of foundational work to do before you ever put a word on paper but this is the place to start.

What happens when you define your target market and become intimately acquainted with their needs and problems?

1. Prospects who read your materials will know exactly why they need you

There's a big difference between marketing to just anyone who crosses your path and a target market of seniors over 65, who own their own homes. A senior over 65, who owns her own home, has very specific needs. When you know her needs you can develop a sharply focused marketing message that makes her feel you're talking directly to her. And guess what? When she feels that you understand her, she'll be more willing to do business with you.

2. It gives direction to your product or service

"The Apprentice" is a hit TV series where two opposing teams are given a business project to complete. In the first episode of the second season, their assignment was to develop a new toy for Mattel, the largest toy manufacturer in the world. During the project evaluation, a Mattel executive said: "In this business you always want the kids to steer you." In the end the losing team was told that their idea showed a lack of understanding of what children want and like. Bingo! They had not paid attention to their target market - children. And they lost.

When you define your target market and know their likes and dislikes, you can direct all your ideas and resources towards this group. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, your business will gain focus.

3. It's easier to plan an effective marketing strategy

Knowing your target market helps you decide how and where to promote your business. If you're targeting doctors, then you can decide how and where to find doctors to talk to. On the other hand, if you're targeting corporate executives, it's clear that you won't achieve your objectives by hanging out with small business owners.

The result: less time wasted running down marketing cul-de-sacs, more time dedicated to finding and talking to your perfect clients.

Have YOU identified your target market?

Copyright 2004 Maggie Dennison

Maggie Dennison is a Marketing Writer and Consultant, who writes marketing materials for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. You can pick up a FREE report "11 HOT Keys To Website Content That Works" at her website http://www.MyMarketingMessage.com

---

Good Marketing Pays for Itself

Most companies ask themselves this question: "How much will this... Read More

Lack Of Business Isnt Always The Problem

When you're just starting out in business, it's a safe... Read More

Marketing Manual Sample Outline

The key to success in any business relies a large... Read More

Six Ways to Boost Response on Your Surveys and Gain More Useful Information

So... you spend time and effort putting together a survey,... Read More

B2B Marketing - Why it Should be Subtle

Subtle adj. Showing or making, or capable of showing or... Read More

Marketing A Misunderstood or Scary Product or Service

What do you do if your business, product or service... Read More

Good News Travels Fast

This newsletter is full of opportunities staring you in the... Read More

Key Marketing Strategy - You Need To Stay Visible!

If you want to get consistent results from your marketing,... Read More

Writing Sales Letters That Sell

The most important part of any marketing you do is... Read More

Why Market to Generation X?

Generation X"--the 40 million or so people born between 1965... Read More

How to Convey Trustworthiness in Direct Mail Marketing Sales Letter

A person or business that might buy from you is... Read More

Creating Your Unique Selling Proposition or USP

Creating Your Unique Selling Proposition"Don't tell them what you do.... Read More

It Takes Two - How to Cultivate Profitable Alliances

"Cross promoting with other businesses can give you a significant... Read More

Help! What Happened?

Let's be honest, when you're writing sales material for a... Read More

Selling To Your Affiliates

While success with any internet marketing program falls on the... Read More

What Does Your Logo Color Say About Your Business?

And not only your logo, but also your website, your... Read More

10 Reasons Why Businesses Fail at Marketing.

1) They don't fully understand it.Perception: Marketing is advertising. Reality:... Read More

How To Use Humor Successfully In Your Business Communications

For generations people have been saying that laughter is good... Read More

Are You Ready To Research Your Market?

Picture this. You develop some product or service, spend countless... Read More

Do You Know Where Your Email Address is Today?

Having people go to your website is not always easy:... Read More

How to Save Thousands on Your Marketing

Marketing can be expensive. It doesn't have to be, but... Read More

Real Estate Investing - Writing Killer Postcards to Attract Motivated Sellers!

So many of you have been telling us that you're... Read More

Direct Mail

Do you have a website? A Web Newsletter? A mailing... Read More

Boost Your Direct Mail Response Rates with Mapping Technology

On Superbowl Sunday, Domino's Pizza delivered more than 900,000 pizzas-and... Read More

The Apprentice: 5 Lessons in Marketing

Donald Trump's hit reality show, The Apprentice is a godsend... Read More

Knowing Your Customer Is The Key

Without doubt, understanding what a customer's wants and needs are... Read More

Shopping Comes Back To The Community

THE GREAT BRITISH TRADITION OF STREET MARKETS IS UPHELD AT... Read More

An Easy Start to Mail Order

Listing names of Big Mail Requestors, and sending out packages... Read More

The Right Logo

The Logo: a little historyLogotype, commonly know as a logo,... Read More

The Secret to Good Writing

Skilful business writing involves getting your message across simply and... Read More

CRM: Strategic Engine or Just Another Tool?

CRM?strategic engine or just another technology tool? How would you... Read More

Becoming The Obvious Choice In A Sea Of Competition

Differentiation, niche marketing, and positioning. These and other related business... Read More

Ten Amazing Ways To Increase Attraction at a Trade Show

These ideas are for anyone that has a small budget... Read More