Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Find Your Targets

Business, Small Business.

Therapists: make sure you define your "target" client - therapists and practitioners need to define their target market. What Is a Target Market? However, to do that effectively, they need to understand the meaning of a" target market" .


Here are several definitions of a target market: People or companies which a business targets with their promotion. The ideal audience for your promotional efforts. The segment of the population where business focuses merchandising expertise to accomplish its promotional objectives. A specific audience or demographic group that a targeted promotional message is designed to attract. A portion of the market which contains the people who are most likely to be interested in a product or service you offer. - your target market does not include everyone. The simple description is: a target market includes people, businesses or organizations that would be interested in the services and products you offer. No matter what you offer, not everyone will be interested. However, just because these people need the product, this doesn' t mean they will be motivated to buy that product. Another simple definition of a target market is: customers who have a need that your product or service can fill. Determine Your Target Market.


These are activities you can use to make sure your promotion is targeted at the right people: Interview Clients - Ask what drew these people to your practice. - there are many ways to determine your target market. What brings them back? Let them know that you value their feedback. Keep An Eye on Your Competition - Watch your competitors. How could you make them happier? What sort of clients do they get?


Are they doing things for the community? Other Practitioners - Talk and network with other therapists. - what advertising are they doing? It' s effective to talk to people who work in various types of therapy and who will give you a wider range of feedback and promotional options. Find Your Targets. It' s beneficial to network with people in complementary businesses, as this can help you find joint venture prospects. Trade Magazines and Therapy Websites and Blogs - Stay current with trade magazines and trade websites for the complementary therapy businesses. What factors can we use to fine tune details about our" target market" ? Are able to make the purchase.


Any target market includes people who: Are seeking a solution to fill a need. - can they afford the item or service? Your best" target market" candidates answer" yes" to all these questions. Are they the decision makers for their household or business? Why would you convince someone to buy your service if they don' t have the authority or the money to make a the final decision? Another thing to consider - are you set up to serve the people you are targeting? This is a good reason to qualify potential clients.


For example - do you want to attract part of the growing Latino population( if in the US) or Polish population( if in the UK) ? - can you build an effective marketing campaign which will attract these consumers by identifying their needs and concerns? Do you or staff members speak Spanish or Polish? Are you willing to bring additional people on board to offer sufficient knowledge and support to handle the needs of these individuals? Many therapists target people with joint pain, arthritis and other problems getting around. Think about the barriers.


Before you promote to these people consider your office. - what would potential clients think about you if they need to climb two flights of stairs to reach your office? Is it easy for people to reach your office if they have difficulties walking, or if they use a cane or a walker? This could be an extreme example, but there are many things within your office that can undo promotional benefits if you don' t think through your plan completely. What can you do to resolve these problems? What obstacles are in your way when you promote to your target market? Are you willing and able to make the necessary changes?


If you answered' no' to the questions about making the necessary adjustments, then you may need to re - evaluate your target market. - you cannot please everyone, but make sure you are prepared for the people you target in your promotional efforts. Are you willing to target the" right" customer in the" right" way? If not, you might need to identify another target market.

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