One of the most common missteps made by businesses large and small, in both the for-profit and not-for-profit arenas is a failure to clearly identify the desired target market. Why? In my experience, I see this happen for a variety of reasons:
1) Failure to understand the value of being specific
2) The fear of “missing opportunities” by not casting a wide net
3) Jumping to tactics before spending sufficient time in analysis
At the outset, companies need to carefully determine who they wish to serve based on demographics including geography, age, sex, income, industry, etc. and psychographics (e.g. interests and hobbies). Their goal should be to identify the potential market segments that may hold promise based on these attributes and then to prioritize the markets to focus on those with the most promise of achieving the best results with the least effort (time and money).
Even though a small company selling “widgets” online could conceivably define their market as global doesn’t mean that they should. Segmentation is all about prioritizing and maximizing resources. Importantly, the decisions you make today do not mean that you are “stuck with them” and cannot review and, potentially, expand your market at some point. In fact, you should undergo such a review at least annually.
A careful analysis of potential target market segments will allow you to identify the best communication tools to reach those segments and to create the most impactful messages to move those audiences toward some desired action (again, based on what you learn/know about these audiences).
Each semester I teach a session on marketing to a group of area entrepreneurs. Without exception, I find that these new or soon-to-be entrepreneurs fail to adequately define their target audience–they cast a net that is too wide and in their efforts to appeal to everybody they end up appealing to nobody.
The most successful organizations–small and large–do not attempt to be everything to everyone. They recognize the importance of segmenting and targeting specific market groups — and, ultimately, positioning their products/services against competitive offerings.
Tags: customers, Marketing, segmentation, target audience
Yes, very true – and great that you’re getting the opportunity to “practice” this through your studies. It seems like such a simple thing, but it truly is a very common problem among marketers – regardless of how “seasoned” they may be!
I find narrowing the target market can be the most difficult task. For the longest time, I truly did believe that keeping a wide spread market meant more room for opportunity. This could not be more wrong.
People have different preferences, which is why we are all our own individuals. Amongst individuals, there are groups of people that share common values, interests, lifestyles, behaviors, attitudes, etc. It is important that we as companies find that specific group that is interested in our product, service, or story and dive deep into its core. Being able to define that market and create a profile will greatly increase your chances of drawing them in. If you have no understanding for their needs or wants, there is no chance you will be able to capture their attention.
I can definitely say I have been guilty in the past to jump to tactics, before clearly defining who it is I’m sending a message too. In my entrepreneurship class, we had to create a business and fully layout all the ingredients that go along with it. The first step was defining the target market. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times our professor told our group that our target consumer was way too vague. He wanted specifics concerning age, demographic, psychographic all the way down to what they eat for breakfast. I thought it was ridiculous, but I have learned along the way that it is the most vital step in reaching success.
Skimming across the top will get you nowhere. Narrow down. Your target market is the base to every successful campaign and business and the difference between standing out or blending in amongst the crowd.