There are many things to consider when trying to determine the best way to reach your target audience. The first thing you need to know is who your target audience is. Once that has been decided, it will be much easier to pinpoint some different ways to reach them. It’s important not to assume that everyone is your target audience.  In any business, there are two or three groups of people who are most likely to use your services.

For example, if you own a landscaping or painting business, your target market will most likely be home owners or business owners. By making this distinction, you’ve already cut a large portion of the population out of your target market. Now it’s time to determine how to reach that audience. What local events can you be a part of that will put you in a room full of home and business owners? What publications do many home and business owners read?

Consider sponsoring a local event that is geared toward your target audience. Sponsors’ names are mentioned in the advertising for the event. When several businesses collaborate on an event, all of those businesses bring customers and advertising opportunities with them. If your business sells western memorabilia, sponsoring a rodeo might prove to be a good investment.  If your business sells athletic equipment, you may want to sponsor a sports team.

Social media has picked up a lot of steam in the past few years. Many business owners are using social media to advertise specials and spread the word about their business. Posting photos of your business’s recent projects or posting photos of your merchandise are a few eye catching ways to gather attention from potential clients. Some businesses give away free merchandise or gift certificates to a randomly selected social media follower. Free prizes such as this can encourage new people to follow your business’s page.

Forums and blogs can also be helpful in reaching your audience. People turn to the internet for all kinds of information. Posting tips and tricks on your company’s blog can attract attention from those who are searching the internet for help with a project. Participating in trade-specific forums can also draw attention to your business. By responding to fellow forum posters, you create a relationship with the other people involved in that conversation thread. By presenting yourself as a professional, and perhaps even linking to your website, you’ve opened the door for them to ask about your services.

These are only a few of the possible ways to reach out to your target audience. What tools have you found best reach your customers, and how can you increase your reach? What advertising tools have you found unhelpful?