Regardless of what type of business you are in, the key to success is being able to identify your target market, better known as those who are most likely to buy from you.  Not sure who your target market is?  Don’t worry, you’re probably not alone.  You would be amazed to find out how many small business owners do not have a concise answer to these questions. A huge mistake many business owners make is trying to be "everything to everyone."

Here are some simple tips you can use to help you identify your target market.  Once you have your target market identified, you can concentrate on the segment what will result in maximum sales, by tailoring advertising and marketing to fit their needs.  

1. Conduct market research.  Do your homework and see who your competitors are.  What are you doing that they aren’t?  What is your niche?  How do you compare?  What do you want to be known for?
   
   
2. Define your product/service and who will buy it.  It may be obvious to you, but sometimes you need to define what you do and how you do it, so you know how to market it.  Product definition should utilize as many aspects of market research as possible to get a true picture of the needs of customers. Knowing the true wants and needs of consumers will help you create a truly inspired product that meets those needs.
   
   
3. Target market analysis. What general strategy is used to reach targeted customers?  What are the needs and benefits sought by the market?  What is the perception of your product in relation to competitor’s products?  What is the target market’s attitude regarding your company’s product?
   
   
4. Know your customers. Take a look at your current customers.  Who are they? What are the characteristics of your customers? What are their spending habits? What commonality brings your customers together? How old are they? Where do they live? How much do they earn?  You can send out a brief survey to your current clientele to get a better feel for commonalities and why they are your patrons.
   
   
5. Focus groups. Utilize focus groups to determine which demographic groups and markets find your products appealing. A focus group is essentially an interview between a member of your company and 6 to 12 average consumers about the quality of your products and services

In order to market effectively, you must know who you are marketing to and how to use messaging that relates to them.  Once you do that, your marketing strategies will be more focused, cost-effective and results oriented!