Here’s what I know to be true…

No matter what type of business you have, you need a target market. Period. Point blank. Bar none!

I don’t know why we try to escape this in our businesses and wonder why we aren’t generating income, creating a robust list of people who are interested in what we have to offer and or say, let alone create a sustainable business!

You do know there are people who want and need your products, right? Well, the goal of your marketing efforts is to connect with them. But without a clearly defined target market, you’re taking shots in the dark and just hoping that you’ll find people who will listen, stay, and buy. You have no real idea if you’re aiming too high, too low, or in the wrong direction entirely. Sound familiar?

In marketing, there is no in between. You either hit or miss. If you don’t target your market as best you can, you’ll not only waste your advertising dollars, but you’ll find yourself in the wrong networking (online/offline) groups, memberships, events, and if masterminds – because you’re broadcasting your message to the wrong people.

So you may ask, what’s the solution to this? I’m glad you asked.

The key to successful marketing is to identify your market‘s pain or problem and offer a solution. If you know exactly who they are, you can communicate your product’s benefits and the results they can expect in a language they understand. If you cast your net too wide, you’ll be speaking to people who have no interest in your products or services.

For example:

Let’s say you’re involved in (own, manage, etc.) a resort that targets retirees.

Suggestion: Tell your target market of retirees that at your resort, they don’t have to fight the crowds.

One added benefit is that your target market can relate to each other. By identifying them and marketing to them, you can create a ‘tribe’ based around common interests. This is especially powerful online, where people spend a great deal of time on social networking sites, forums, and blogs. – Hint-hint!

When defining your target market, be careful about making assumptions. Marketing is a science and you need to look for objective data. Research your target market and they’ll tell you what they like, what they think, and what they want from you.

I suggest you create a message around their needs / pain / solutions. Then what’s the best method of getting eyeballs to your blog? Relationships, online groups on that subject, offline networking events around that subject, advertising in magazines, newsletters, newspapers, radio shows, and Facebook ads on that subject.

Until next time, don’t waste unnecessary time in 2017. Get laser focused on YOUR target market!

Blessings!