Week 6 -- MKTG 6101 -- Selecting the Right Method

Reaching your target audience is the main purpose of a marketing effort. As you may already know, there is not a one-size fits all approach to reaching a target audience because each company, product, as well as consumer are different. Know, really know, the target audience for your product, offering, or service. Examine their habits and lifestyles. Explore their world and truly understand it. Learn and pivot to dive into, possibly drive, innovation in your field. Hopefully, through all your examining, exploring, and learning you are able to select the right marketing methods for your target audience. However, if you have yet to figure it out, below are a few methods to help you select the right one for your marketing plan.

1. Newspaper--nothing wrong with using this seasoned method to reach your audience but use it wisely. Use it for news about your company. Invite a journalist to an event and have them write an article about the money raised for a local charity.

2. Magazine--if you are targeting males, place your ads in a men's health magazine. If you are selling toys, place the ads in front of parents by targeting magazines like Parents Magazine or Hip Mama, as well as children through magazines such as National Geographic Little Kids or Sports Illustrated Kids.

3. Online Marketing--anything from Google Ads to Facebook to Online classrooms are great ways to reach your audience. Use them correctly though. If you don't need or want a large online marketing plan, stick with social media platforms but update them regularly.

4. Emailing Lists--gather everyone's email. The larger the emailing list of your target audience, the better. Find ways to grow this list through surveys, email brochures, free information about your company, etc.

5. If none of these can help you, here are a few more ideas: canvassing, TV and radio, direct mail, outdoor signage, decaled give way items, and public relations.

I hope you are able to select the right marketing method for your company. To continue to reach for new ways to target your market!