When determining your target market, you need to first think about who you are and what makes you unique. Once you have this figured out, take some time to envision the ideal patients that you want to attract.
For example, if you’re a dentist who loves performing high-quality cosmetic work, you’ll need to determine who will be most likely to need this kind of service. You will also want to consider the region that you’re in and make sure this ideal patient exists in your area. To help you further define your target market, here are three steps to guide you along the way.
- Review Your Current Patients
If you have current patients who trust you with their care, figure out why. This may sound simple, but if you are able to discover and name the main reasons your current patients come to you, you will be able to market this as your unique selling proposition (USP).
Finding common interests and characteristics in these patients will also help you develop your ideal target market, especially if they are bringing in the most business.
- Peek at the Competition
Since you don’t want to copy your competitors, it can be beneficial to know who they are targeting. This will help you know who not to target and possibly find a different niche that they are overlooking.
If you are limited to a specific target market, knowing how your competitors are leveraging their own marketing can help you stay ahead.
- Target Specific Demographics
There is a difference between the people who need your services and those who will buy them. Targeting specific groups and demographics will help you tailor your marketing to the people who are most likely to purchase what you have to offer. You can also tweak your target market as you see fit to try to attract a new type of patient.
As you consider your ideal patient’s age, location, gender, income, education, and more, you can begin to fine tune your marketing to address their specific needs.
Your target market is your ideal patient, and this is who will ultimately be your main source of income. Having a specific idea of who you want to visit your practice will help you adjust your marketing to fit their specific wants and needs.
If you would like to learn more about developing a target market, or to schedule a complementary 1-hour marketing planning session, contact our office today.
