Establishing a target audience is essential to knowing where to focus your efforts most efficiently. However, simply identifying your target audience is not enough. Thinking like your target audience is key to growth. Getting to know your customer base on a personal level will provide invaluable information on how to sell your product.
Let’s take a deep dive into the psyche of your audience: Who are they really? How do they view the world? What are they looking for? What do they care about? By applying these tips, you’ll be thinking like your target audience and leaps ahead of the market in no time.
Skim your website/social media like a newcomer
First things first, you’ve visited your website more than anyone else and are keenly aware of every detail that went its design. When was the last time you looked at it with fresh eyes? Put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer who stumbled upon your site with zero background knowledge. Take note of questions you might have or elements that may be a little unclear. This is a great practice to perform regularly to ensure the content you are producing isn’t getting overcomplicated or too specific.
List benefits to THEM
Next, listing customer benefits is a great way to identify key marketing points and better define your brand. Make it obvious that ordering your custom t-shirts will allow customers to revamp their wardrobe, receive a cute package in the mail, support small businesses, save on shipping, AND earn discounts in the future. Even the most selfless shopper couldn’t care less about what you will gain out of a transaction if they cannot see the plus sides for themselves.
Consider how they want to communicate
We’ve all been added to an email list we had no intention of subscribing to and growing more pessimistic each time another newsletter rolls in. Maybe your client wants to be kept up to date via text, keep your number handy, or just want to visit your website on their terms and timing. Think about your target audience’s life and how many notifications are appropriate to receive from you. Offering your customers open communication without bombarding them will help you turn a casual browser into a lifelong, committed consumer.
Identify stresses they might be experiencing
Depending on your product or service, you will likely have a portion of customers who arrive at your website in a state of panic. Whether their caterer canceled, they realized they have no clue how insurance works, or need medical assistance ASAP, your business can be a healing balm. Simply adding an item to an online shopping cart can be difficult when blinded by urgency. Having the hindsight to address these worries and make your services easily available earns the trust of your target audience.
Look at your competitors’ websites
If you’re having a hard time reviewing your own website with fresh eyes, try investigating your competitors. Can you understand right off the bat what their product is and what they can do for you? How does it feel to be on their page? Is it easy to contact them? Take note of what you think while playing their target audience and incorporate that into your own website.
Remember how you felt when you first started
With any long-term passion, it can be difficult to recall a time when you didn’t know what you know now. Recall your first exposure to your product or first day on the job. Though some details of the business may seem self-explanatory, patiently helping your customer understand the basics can avoid confusion in the long run. Acronyms, specificities, and advanced information can turn potential clients away and make you seem unreachable. Let them know you hold their questions with the highest consideration and will be there for them every step of the process.
Ask current trusted customers
Lastly, the best way to better understand the perspective of your target audience is to ask them! Surveys, follow ups, and in-person conversations can provide vital insight. Ask your target audience what they think and how you can best support them. Offering free samples in exchange for feedback is a great way to show clients you really care about how they feel.
In the end, even the best service in the world can leave customers dissatisfied if their perspective seems to be ignored by the business. Learning to think like your target audience on a more raw, personal level is key to successful growth. Contact our team of experts at Big Red Jelly today if you have questions about strengthening your client relations.
