Get To Know Your Target Market
2013/03/19 6:00 AM
So let’s get down to basics. The whole lynchpin of your business is your target market (TM)…. next to the quality and need for your products of course! But the bottom line, is that if you don’t know who you are selling to, it really doesn’t matter how awesome your designs are……if no one is there to buy them, there is no money, which is super disappointing.
Let’s change that right now!
Here are some things to think about to find and market to your exact TM.
1. Figure out where they LIVE. This is the #1 most important step.
2. The stores in these locations are where they shop – so try selling to them first.
3. When posting on social media – only post things your TM is interested in knowing about. Or ask them questions to help you create more of what they want to buy from you.
4. When emailing your list (at least 2x a month) be sure you are telling them about something interesting – could be a sale you are having, a new item that you added, or even about your most recent blog post.
5. Email your list at least 1x a month and do NOT try to sell them anything. Build rapport and a relationship with them.
6. If you get your products in the media or to a celebrity – be sure to let your list know and offer them a discount on that item.
7. Try to get related blogs to do reviews of one of your products.
8. As a fellow designer (who sells something complimentary) if you can buy a small item at cost and offer it as a free gift with purchase.
9. Survey your stores to see what they want more of. Don’t be shy about this, buyers LOVE to tell you what to do next. Sometimes this can get them feeling involved so they buy more.
10. Do sample sales and home parties to stay in touch with your local shoppers and get first hand praise and loads of Ooh’s and Aah’s about your stuff so you feel really great at the end of the day and reinvigorated to go design more cool stuff!!!
How well do you feel you know your TM?
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There are 6 comments
David Brown says: Great information, Sarah, thanks! I would love to work with you on my fashion and apparel initiatives. Are you affordable?
Continued success, and best wishes!
David Brown :o)
Great article, thank you! It’s good to be reminded about these things. I live in Canada and most of my customers live in California and New York. I don’t currently sell to retailers. Any suggestions on how to sell more in these areas?
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Nikki
I would suggest doing the steps I suggested to figure out where your target market lives (which should be easy from sales receipts) and go after stores in those areas first. Then branch out into other areas.
Good luck.
Appreciated your information on Target Market. One thing that has helped out business is to link with other businesses somewhat related. By setting up links and networking together we have created our own niche list of customers. Your suggestion on monthly newsletter, that don’t sell, but offer information or coupons or updates is a fantastic idea for us to try.
Thanks
Marjorie Renner says: Very helpful and an eye opener for a new brand . I need more advise on target market and how to get to the stylist. I would like to hear from you.
Best Regards,
Marjorie
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