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Four ways to Identify Your Ideal Client

At Good Circle Marketing, we define marketing as knowing who you are, who you help, how you help, and how you tell the world. Knowing who you help is critical to any marketing strategy. Understanding such things as your ideal client’s demographics, goals, and frustrations will shape the marketing messages you shape and the tactics you use. Let’s explore some strategies on how to do just that. And, download a free target audience worksheet at the end of this blog. 

Determine Demographics

If you are an established business, identify several of your top clients. You know the ones that make you think, “if every client could be like this, we would be golden.” What characteristics do these customers share? Consider things like:  

  • Gender
  • Race
  • Age
  • Marital status
  • Number of kids (If any)
  • Occupation 
  • Hobbies
  • Needs

This set of characteristics is called your audience demographics. If you are just starting your business, you can assume some of these things based on the problem you are trying to solve and the type of person who needs your help. Then you can adapt as work with clients to determine the specific set of clients that are the best fit for your business. 

Surveys & Polls

Conducting surveys and polls from your customers through email or social media is another way to gain valuable information about your audience. Ask questions such as:

  1. Why did you initially choose to work with [insert business]?
  2. What makes you keep coming back to [insert business]?
  3. Do you refer us to others? Why or why not?
  4. What is your favorite part about working with us?
  5. What do we offer that others do not?

Study Your Analytics

Google Analytics and insights in your social media accounts can help you identify purchasing habits, interests, demographics, and more. You can also gain an understanding of what content your audience interacts with the most, as well as what locations (cities, states, etc.) you should target. 

Use AI

ChatGPT and other AI tools can help you determine your target audience. Here are a few prompts to help: 

  • Act like a marketing strategist and define the audience personas of [INSERT YOUR INDUSTRY]. Include a detailed profile of the target audience, including demographics, goals, frustrations, interests, and purchasing habits. 
  • Act like a market researcher. Conduct research on [Insert Your Niche] to gain insights into how your ideal audience feels about the topic. Identify the specific words and phrases they use to explain their pain points, desires, aspirations, and struggles surrounding [Insert Your Niche]. 

Disclaimer: AI should be used as a tool; it is not you and does not have your knowledge of your business. Treat it like an assistant and review the output. Refine it, add your own ideas, expertise, stories, and stats. 

 

Finding your ideal client is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. As your business grows and changes, your target audience might as well, so it is wise practice to review your ideal client profile and update it as needed.  By staying proactive, adapting to changes, and truly understanding the needs of your audience, you can not only find your ideal clients but also build lasting relationships that drive success. 

If you would like assistance building out an entire marketing strategy that will serve as the foundation of all marketing for years to come, contact Good Circle Marketing. We’re here to help you do good work. 

Download your free target audience worksheet.