How to Find Your Target Market as a Local Business
Let’s be real for a moment—running a local business can feel like you’re juggling a million things at once, right? From stocking shelves to managing your social media, it’s easy to lose sight of one crucial question: Who are you really serving? Finding your target market isn’t just a business strategy—it’s the heart of connecting with the people who genuinely need what you’re offering.
Here’s how you can find your tribe and start building something amazing together.
1. Get Clear on What You’re Offering
Before we even talk about your audience, let’s pause and look inward. What is it that you’re putting out into the world? What problem are you solving for people? Is it a killer cup of coffee that’s so good it turns a bad Monday around? Or maybe it’s a gym that finally makes fitness feel less intimidating.
Whatever it is, own it. When you know exactly what you’re offering, it becomes so much easier to figure out who it’s for.
2. Look Around—Who’s in Your Community?
Your business isn’t just a store or a service—it’s a part of the neighbourhood. So, who’s living in your area? Young families? University students? Retirees? Take some time to really observe and dig into your community. Talk to people. Go to local events. Join a Facebook group for your town.
Understanding your local vibe will help you create offers that feel like they were made just for the people around you.
3. Learn From Your Current Customers
If you’ve already got customers, they’re your biggest clue about who your target market might be. Think about it: they’re already choosing you over everyone else! So, take a moment to reflect. Who are they? What’s bringing them through your doors or onto your website?
Better yet, ask them! A quick survey or a casual chat can uncover insights you’d never guess on your own. People love being heard, and you might even spark deeper loyalty just by asking for their input.
4. Scope Out the Competition
Now, I know we’re all about originality, but let’s not reinvent the wheel here. What are other businesses like yours doing? Who are they targeting? Pay attention to what’s working for them, but also look for the gaps. Is there something they’re not offering that you could swoop in and provide?
For example, maybe every cafe in your area serves the same basic menu, but none of them cater to vegans or offer gluten-free treats. That could be your sweet spot (pun totally intended).
5. Use Social Media Like a Detective
Social media isn’t just for posting pretty pictures—it’s a goldmine of information about your audience. Dive into your insights on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Who’s liking your posts? What content gets the most attention?
You can even join local groups to see what people are buzzing about. Pay attention to their challenges, their jokes, their goals—these are your clues for creating content and products that click with them.
6. Paint a Picture of Your Ideal Customer
Here’s a fun exercise: picture your dream customer. What do they look like? How old are they? What keeps them up at night, and what gets them out of bed in the morning?
For example, if you’re running a yoga studio, you might picture someone like “Rachel, a 30-something professional who needs a peaceful escape after a long day at work.” When you give your ideal customer a personality, it’s easier to create messaging and offers that speak straight to their soul.
7. Experiment and Adjust
Here’s the truth: finding your target market isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s a journey. You’ll try some things that work like magic and others that flop—it’s all part of the process.
Test out different marketing strategies, whether it’s social media ads, community events, or good old-fashioned flyers. Pay attention to the results, listen to feedback, and don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, finding your target market is about connection. It’s about knowing the people around you, understanding their needs, and showing up for them in a way that feels authentic.
When you take the time to really listen to your community and lean into what makes your business unique, you’ll create something bigger than just sales—you’ll build relationships that keep people coming back.
And isn’t that what it’s all about?
