Do You Know Your Target Market?

Gallop Web Services http://www.gallopwebservices.com is an award winning web design company located in Loudoun County.  Our top priority is to help you meet your Internet marketing goals and objectives. Our services are designed to drive more traffic to your site, period.  We are thrilled to be bringing to you Part 3 of our 6 part blog series about some of the most important topics related to your web presence. 

Define a Target Market

It is one thing to establish your business model but before doing anything further, it is imperative that you have identified your target market.  While we all know this is critical when writing your business plan, it is equally important when thinking about Internet outreach.  Especially when working with a tight budget, it is important to research your potential buying audience and define common elements.  Choose online marketing vehicles that cater to the identified target group or potential buyers of your product or service.  Start by looking at your current customer list and note the common elements within the list, such as vertical industries like healthcare, tech services, retail, etc. Think of your target markets as customer group categories.

Profile the Typical Consumer

The best way to define your audience is to go right to the source. Surveys are a great way to collect information and find out what your customers want from you. After defining your audience you can market to them more effectively.  Some questions you can ask to help you determine your audience:

•   What is the age range?

•   Gender?

•   Marital status?

•   Level of income?

•   Children?

•   Role in company?

•   Hobbies?

•   Education?

•   Motivation for purchasing?

•   Is your product or service a necessity or luxury?

•   What value does your product bring to the consumer?

•   Are there any specific vertical industries?

Communicate to Your Identified Audience

Once you determine your budget, utilize the Internet to reach your intended audience. There are free or inexpensive ways to communicate your product and/or services:

•               Website – A basic starter website with a blog can do wonders for communicating your message and building credibility.

•               Facebook business page – Facebook offers free publicity for your company. Be sure to link to your website and “Like” your own page, and invite others to do the same.

•               Twitter – Twitter is not for everyone, but you can use both platforms through Facebook by setting Facebook posts as feeds onto your Twitter account where they will appear as Tweets.

•               LinkedIn – Network with other business associates to demonstrate your expertise and join like-minded groups to share ideas and generate a flow of information.

•               Membership business listing – If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce or other business groups, be sure to take advantage of their member listings.

•               Free business listings – there are many industry specific listings that are free, or low cost.  Research as many as you can within your industry and get your company name and website listed.

We hope you have enjoyed our third blog in the series.  Look for our next blog during the first week of November when we will focus on the topic of SEO for your website.  If you have questions about your own company’s web presence, we would love to talk by phone or have a face-to-face chat. Contact us through our website or feel free to call us at 540-338-8511. http://www.gallopwebmarketing.com/contact-us-for-a-free-website-audit/.