Last week, the ABC Small Business Tips explored different generations and gender as target audiences. Each generation, as well as men and women, have different approaches and insights on products, services, and businesses. These target markets are large groups, but if marketed to properly, your strategy will work on millions of people.Baby BoomersBaby Boomers consist of individuals born between 1945 and 1960. Their generation has been through decades upon decades of every single cultural and marketing trend and phenomenon of the past half century. The experiences that they have lived through (Vietnam, disco era, Berlin Wall, Desert Storm) help to define their life experiences which they rely on while thinking about purchases and trends today. This generation is full of hope and optimism because of their experiences, and know that there is an opportunity for anything to be accomplished. In this mindset, Baby Boomers are still in the workforce today because of their big... [Read Full Article]

Tips from December 4, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss women as a target audience. 85% of all brand purchases are made by women. Once they find a brand that the they like and at an affordable price that they TRUST, they will be loyal. Women are flooding social networks, especially women who have young children at home. Market to them by communicating on social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, women are compelled by advertisements they see in newspapers, magazines, or online. 91% of women feel that advertisers don't understand them. Pink, frilly, and foofy is no way to advertise to women. Understand that simply they are consumers who, like all consumers, are looking to get exactly what they want for the price they are willing to pay. Too girly of a strategy is not the way to gain women customers. On average, 25% of products in women's shopping carts are environmentally friendly.... [Read Full Article]

As technology advances, many aspects of business advance as well. Websites are better designed, advertisements are presented in new mediums, and marketing strategies change. This means that consumers are reached in more new ways than ever before. With immediate information available, it is important to have a strategy for marketing which gives your business an edge over the competition. It is crucial to understand your customers and their needs in order to completely understand exactly what a target audience is.Businesses' marketing strategies are built around the core objectives, values, vision, and goals of the organization. No matter how exceptional and outstanding a product or service is, there will be no success without the proper marketing. Furthermore, businesses cannot properly market without having product placement, promotions, or competitive pricing without knowing their consumers. Knowing your target audience is the solution!Define Your Targe... [Read Full Article]

Tips from December 3, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss men as a target audience. Let's face it: men aren't the biggest fans of shopping. To cater to them, it is important to have your product out and displayed so they can get in, purchase, and get out quickly.  Men are drawn to engaging content. It used to be simple with a targeted ad during a football game, but now it needs to be even more specific. Sports are a good place to start, as well as technology, news, and the Internet.  Men are not as loyal to brands as they are to features, benefits, convenience, value, customer reviews, and industry ratings. They are hard to tackle to stick to one brand - so produce an excellent product for a great review and rating. Technology is the way to connect with men as most of them are active online. Try side banner ads on popular sports sites, or Google ads. Daily Overview: Men are simple: cater to what... [Read Full Article]

Tips from December 1, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss Generation X (currently late 20s - early 40s). Adjusting to the financial crisis is hard for Gen X. Their experiences in life have, so far, proven that if you work hard for something, you will receive positive results. During the recession, this is not the the case. They are not always reaping the benefits and are frustrated. Gen X will be employed but find themselves unhappy. Gen X likes to be original. Don't categorize or group them - treat them as valued individuals. Grouping them makes them feel their opinions and ideas aren't valued. They grew up alongside technology. They have had years of work experience with computers, and are involved in social media. Marketing to them via email campaigns and newsletters will catch their eye. Gen X values optimism and new opportunities. They are the audience who will most likely visit a new business, try a new product, or... [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 30, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss dissecting various target audiences, specifically Baby Boomers (those born between 1945 and 1960). You can find baby boomers still in the workforce, even into their 50s and 60s because of the economic situation. Many are trying to live long and rich to fulfill their dreams, and are doing so by pushing back retirement. Target their work ethic and desire to retire. Communication is simple with the Baby Boomers. They are used to traditional types of communication, and generally use the phone and simple email. They are starting to understand and use technology, including social media and instant messenger. As these folks have lived through many historical, cultural, and economic situations in the past 50 years, the Baby Boomers know and appreciate the value of the dollar. They cut and save coupons they find in the newspaper and online. If you're printing coupons for your busin... [Read Full Article]

Small Biz Tip: Target Audience: How to keep your retention rate high: Tips from August 14, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss target audiences: how to keep your retention rate high. Build a customer database on your computer that keeps track of your loyal customers; their purchases, needs, and consistency. Offer a loyal customer card which enables the customers to receive a discount after they purchase a certain number of items. Ask customers how to improve your business. If they know they are valued and that you will make an effort to change something they will be sure to keep coming back. Happy employees! Every employee at your business should be considerate and helpful so no customer has a bad experience. Daily Overview: Keep your customers happy, make them feel valued, and know what they need or come to your business for. [Read Full Article]

Small Biz Tip: Target Audience: How to grow your target audience Tips from August 13, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss target audiences: how to grow your target audience. Create a web page for your biz to increase visibility online. Contact info, map of your biz, description of products/services. Have an event/sale or write an interesting story about your business. Contact your local press to pitch your event/sale/story. Being in the paper/news/magazine will ensure a growth in your target audience. Open a new media stream: blog, twitter, LinkedIn. If you are unaware how to tackle this, ask an employee to create a work based one. This is reach out to others in and interested in your industry. Give your customers a discount for bringing a friend or family member into your store. Daily Overview: Discover new communication streams to reach your target audience from all mediums. [Read Full Article]