Ten years ago, I started down the path of entrepreneurship. I knew I wanted to use my super-nerd powers to help business owners, but “business owners” is a HUGE group! Before I started designing logo, websites, or services, I needed to figure out one key element: My Customer.

Have you clicked around on my website? If not, go take a peak. Now imagine if some Fortune 500, Corporate big wig was looking at it. Yeah, it doesn’t really speak to them now does it?! Here’s the thing – I didn’t make my website (or my business for that matter) for corporate peeps. I made it for the creative hot messes out there that have an idea and a passion and just need a dork like me to help them make it legit!

If you’re just starting out on your entrepreneurial path (or if you need to refocus your existing business), there's an essential step you can't afford to skip: identifying your ideal customer.

Why Does it Matter?

Your Ideal Customer is the group of people that you want to serve. As with my anti-corporate, hot mess focus, knowing your ideal customer helps you tailor your creative business to meet their needs and desires. This not only makes your marketing more effective but also helps you create products or services that YOUR people will love.

Let's Get Started!

Start with Yourself:

Think about why you started your creative business in the first place. What inspires you? Chances are people like you could be your ideal customers. Your passion will resonate with them.

Research, Research, Research:

Dive into research. Look at your competitors' customers. Who are they targeting, and why? What are their customers saying? Social media and online reviews are goldmines for insights.

Create Customer Personas:

Imagine your ideal customer as a character in a book or movie. Give them a name, age, interests, and challenges. This helps you humanize your audience, making it easier to understand and relate to them. Seriously…my customers are Erica, Nadia, and Ashley.

Survey Your Existing Customers:

If you've already got customers, send out surveys or have conversations with them. Ask about their pain points, what they love about your products, and what could be better.

Find Your Niche:

Don't try to appeal to everyone. Instead, focus on a niche within your broader audience. For instance, if you create hand-painted home decor, you might target eco-conscious homeowners who appreciate handmade craftsmanship.

Stay Flexible: Your target audience might evolve as your creative business grows. Don't be afraid to adapt and refine your strategy as you gain more insights.

Speak Their Language and Connect

Once you've identified your ideal customer, it's time to speak their language. This means using words and phrases that resonate with them. Your work stems from things you are passionate about and care deeply for - use this power to build relationships with your audience. Share stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and let your passion shine through.

Identifying your target audience is a pivotal step in building a successful creative business. It's not about excluding potential customers; it's about focusing your efforts where they'll be most effective. By understanding your audience, you can create products and marketing strategies that truly resonate. So, go ahead, get to know your people, and let your creativity flourish!