IDENTIFYING YOUR AUDIENCE - FOR WRITERS AND CREATIVES

By Nicky Hackett

If you’ve read anything about identifying your target audience, you’ve already heard that the worst mistake you can make is writing for everyone. Ever heard the expression “A friend to all is a friend to none”? Writing is a relationship. Figure out who you are writing to, and speak to them as you write. You can’t have a meaningful relationship with everyone.

What type of person is most likely to be interested in your message? Who really needs it? Yes, you need to know their age, gender, etc., but demographics is just the jumping off point. What are they interested in? Where do they spend their time (especially online)? What do they care about most? What are their top priorities? What barriers affect them? Who influences them? Who influences what they read? What types of books do they read? What authors? Where do they get advice on what to read next and which authors to follow?

Think about yourself. I hang out online a lot. I mostly browse people, hobbies, Christianity, writing articles and current events. I google almost all my questions (no seriously, all my questions; people make fun of me). One answer leads to another, and before I know it, I’ve stumbled on someone who presents something really interesting in a refreshing or fascinating way. They resonate with me. They are speaking to me. If they have a book, I download a sample and read it. I read their reviews. I visit their website and read their blog. If I’m still interested, I might order the book or join their newsletter. I am their audience. Whose audience are you?

Now let’s reverse it. Who is YOUR target audience? I am writing for an audience who longs to write a book and share a message, but they may have limited experience with professional writing and publishing and marketing. This is a diverse demographic, including people of all genders, races, and income levels. Most likely adult, but any adult age, with a mix of education and writing ability. They may want to write their story as an add-on, not their primary focus, but likely it will impact their life goals. My audience is often people of faith who feel called to share what God has taught them. They have a big idea and need help getting it out of their head and on paper, help moving from abstract, free-flowing thought to articulate, succinct words. They want to express themselves in a way that is authentic and consistent with their values. Does this sound like you? Share with me in the comments where I understand my audience and where I don’t.

What is your big idea and who do you think your audience will be? What is your next step? I want you to go from not knowing where to start to feeling hopeful and excited that help is available and all around you, lots of it for free. I want to help you break it down and tackle it piece by piece. I want you to know that there is a community of helpful authors who appreciate you and know where you are coming from. These are communities that care and know how to get started when time and money are limited.