So, let’s circle back around to where you need to start because this will serve as the foundation for building your business plan and building your business. This is all about target market clarity building.

These are the things you will want to get from your market research so that you have a really clear idea of who they are, where they are, what they like to do and what problems they have that you can solve.

Demographics

When you think about the DEMOGRAPHICS of your target market, think about what knowing these things about them will make them your IDEAL target market and most likely to buy from you.

What are some demographics to consider:

• What is the age range of your ideal customer?

It’s easy to make this really broad, but it will serve you better if you narrow your focus to a more specific age group. Their pain points, their language and where they hang out will be different from other age groups.

• What is their gender?

Sometimes that doesn’t matter very much and sometimes it matters a lot!

• Where are they located, geographically?

How far are they willing to travel to do business with you? Even broader terms like are they rural or city dwellers and help you get a clearer picture of who they are?

• What income level are they in?

What do they need to have in disposable income to afford what you have to offer? Even if your product or service is not considered a luxury, it is good to know what they money mindset might be.

• Then there is their level of education.

If they are more educated, are they more likely to want and need what you have to offer? Do your products and services only apply to highly educated customers?

• Marital status.

Does that matter to what you have to offer? For some types of products and services this could be important.

What makes up Target Market Clarity Building?

Psychographics

The PSYCHOGRAPHIC Traits give you clues about what is important to them and areas to connect with them.

What are some psychographic traits that could help you better understand and reach your target market?

• What are their interests? Their hobbies?

Things they choose to spend time doing? Where does that happen at?

• What are their lifestyle choices?

This can cover a really wide range of choices that will affect whether or not they can identify with what you have to offer, and the language you would choose to reach them.

• What do they value?

If their values align with yours, there will be a connection between you and them that can make a difference in whether or not you get their business.

• What is their overall attitude?

Are they laid-back? Driven? What motivates them?

• What about their buying behavior?

Where do they choose to buy? In person or online? Do they only shop sales? Do they choose quality over quantity?

Problem-Solution

Now bring this all together and evaluate what you identified as the top 3 Problems and Solutions. Are they the same or did you learn something new? What did you learn as you gained more insight into your ideal target market?

If you haven’t done this step yet, use the attached Problem-Solution Worksheet to identify them.

Problem Solution Worksheet

What can you identify as the PRIMARY NEEDS? These are the basic instincts that are often underlying the buying decisions they will make.

What are their COMMON PAIN POINTS? This can help you make sure you have the right problems and solutions identified. These are the things that motivate them to take action. If you can identify those, and you have a solution, you have a better chance of connecting with them and converting them to a customer.

One area often overlooked is what brings them JOY or PLEASURE. We often talk about solving their problems, but what about bringing them joy or pleasure? Is there a way for your business to meet them there?

This whole exercise is to help you get absolute clarity on who your target market is in as many specific ways as possible. This would be your primary target market, the ones who want and need what you have to offer and are willing to pay for it.

There is also a secondary target market. These are people that might have an interest in what you have to offer, sometimes for different reasons than your primary market. While these will not be your main focus, they can represent valuable opportunities for increased revenue.

By knowing each of them, you will know where to go to find them with your marketing message.

Now your next step is to do your market research and find out how big of a market there is for what you want to do to make sure you can be profitable!

If you would like help with getting clarity on your target market we can help!

Email us at rhondaloweconsulting@gmail.com