When it comes to marketing your business or organization, there is one thing that matters most. This drives every decision you make and every dollar you spend. It’s the reason you exist and who you want coming back again and again.
If you haven’t guessed yet, it’s your target market.
Everything you do marketing-wise should revolve around them. Their money keeps your door open. Their recommendations bring in more customers. Therefore, what they think and how they act matters. When you understand them, you understand how to connect with them and make your brand flourish.
So what is the Golden Rule of Marketing?
Know Your Audience
Too often, we see marketing campaigns that land flat. The usual problem? They didn’t understand their audience. They made assumptions, relied on old data, or tried to follow the status quo. When you don’t align with your true target market, your marketing isn’t going to work. The world is cluttered with average messaging. The only way to stand out is to create communications that connects the right way.
Here are some key ways to apply the Golden Rule of Marketing to your business:
Research
Times change and so does your audience. Don’t rely on old data. In order to effectively market to others, you need to understand who they are and what they want. This means doing thorough market research, gathering data on your target audience, and using this information to create marketing campaigns that speak directly to their needs and interests.
Talk Their Language
The way you talk to your mom and the way you talk to your friends are different. The same goes for your audience. Using the research you gather, learn how to speak to your audience in an authentic way. That doesn’t mean slap on the slang. It means figure out what moves your target market and how you relate to what matters to them.
Be In the Right Places
You can have the best message in the world but if you’re not in the right spot it doesn’t matter. Knowing where your audience spends time on and off line helps you know where to promote your messages. This makes your marketing reach more of your audience for less money.
Consider the Experience
Experiences matter. Create a seamless, enjoyable experience for your customers, whether they are interacting with your brand online or in person. It’s smart to think through how your audience will experience your brand and how they want to. What’s the easiest way to get them from A to buy?
By following the Golden Rule of Marketing and putting the needs of your customers first, you can create marketing campaigns that are effective, engaging, and ultimately drive more sales for your business.
