Comments on: You’re Not Selling To Yourself: The Importance of Understanding Your Target Audience

By: Sarah Camp

Sarah Camp — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:43:20 +0000

I hope that this article helped you, then. While doing the research for it, I noticed that there were not a lot of resources about the subject online and it really surprised me! And you're right, having your site properly optimized is very important, also.

Thank you for the comment!

By: Pctechie

Pctechie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:44:52 +0000

I've been interested and performing website development for many years now, and with myself being a computer technician and not as creative as I want to be, I have run into this Dilemma of proper Target Audience. It has taken years for me to comprehend this idea, mainly because no one has told me about it much. I also think that a target audience is as important as having proper SEO for your website, so your found easily on the internet. I need to work on my Target Audience, so that I can draw in the clients that I can sell my services too. High Five to OhDocta, one of the TWIT army, I need a twit logo here.

By: Sarah Camp

Sarah Camp — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:42:12 +0000

I agree completely, Rock. There are some designers that are so focused on winning awards and getting sites featured in design collections that they forget what's really important. Just because a design is pretty doesn't mean it is functional or serving its purpose.

That doesn't mean that something functional and purposeful wouldn't be able to win awards and be pretty, but that shouldn't be the number one goal in any case. Even designer sites need to be user friendly or what's the point?

By: Rock Langston

Rock Langston — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:22:20 +0000

As a designer, I also think we have to remember we're not designing to impress other designers. I see a lot of that approach passing by. Makes we wonder how the client feels when the type on their project is so precious that their clients probably can't read it, or if it uses a trendy color, but one not suited to the client's audience.

Great post, Sarah! Thanks.

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:59:49 +0000

Listening is an essential marketing and design skill–one that's often not practiced well. Paying close attention to what clients want seems like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many businesses don't get it.

I wonder how many readers will stop in their tracks when you ask if pink is the best colour for teenage girls. You're definitely paying attention, Sarah, great post.

By: Sarah Camp

Sarah Camp — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:07:55 +0000

Yes, when doing my own research for this post, there wasn't very much information available – and of course it is very important to the success of a project.

I have seen some people who just like to make changes to a design so that they can feel like they have some sort of control over it. In these cases, I have to explain to them why their change may not work.

By: Sarah Camp

Sarah Camp — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:03:23 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Laura!

You put it perfectly – targeting everyone will reach no one.

I, also, had an aversion to the color pink as a teen. Although I have grown to like it as an adult. :)

By: Kyle McCabe

Kyle McCabe — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:48:44 +0000

Great topic. This is a common problem for us, with many clients not even aware they are getting in the way of their intended audience.

It's frustrating as a designer to have my design decisions overruled by the aesthetic whims of people who are clearly not familiar with either their audience or design principles and best practices. Because some people can't articulate a good reason for making such a decision, they seem to automatically assume no one else has good reasons either.

Good post, though, very informative. I hope those on the 'client' side of this business take it to heart.

By: paramaya

paramaya — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:46:42 +0000

Great post, Sarah. I am always surprised when a new client can barely articulate, much less describe in detail, who they are targeting with their website or even their business. Occasionally, when asked about their target audience, a client will say “Everyone!”. My answer to them: “On the web, when you target everyone, you will reach no one.”

I appreciate what you said about teenage girls and the color pink. I recall having an aversion to the color pink as a teen.