When I first started to build my business, my biz coach asked me who my dream client was. Since I was just starting on my journey, it seemed like anyone who wanted to work with me should be my dream client.
Luckily, she explained that wasn’t how it worked. If you are trying to sell your services or product to everyone, chances are you won’t end up selling anything. And so I ended up developing my dream client, which influenced everything from website design to copy to social media and more.
In this blog post I’ll share:
- My process for determining your dream client or customer.
- How to create a persona for your dream client.
- Tips to help you design for your dream client.
Determining Your Dream Client or Customer
It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or have been in business for many years, determining your dream client or customer is key. It can be a daunting task, but once you determine your target market, it makes life easier.
[bctt tweet=”Determining your dream client or customer is key.”]
When determining your dream client, ask yourself, “When I created this product or service, who did I think would love it (not just like it)?” Talking it out with a friend, biz coach or partner can be extremely helpful.
For example, let’s say you design classic leather bags that come in a variety of colors, ranging from black to neon pink. You designed the bags for young professionals like yourself who struggled to find a classic bag in a non-traditional color at non-designer price point.
Once you determine who would love your service, take it one step further:
- What is your target market’s demographics? Age, income, living situation, etc.
- Where do they hangout online? Social media outlets, blogs, shopping sites, etc.
- Why do they need your product or service?
Your young professional is a female age 22-30 who makes $40,000-$60,000 a year. She lives in an urban area by herself or with roommates. She enjoys reading blogs, posting on Instagram and saving DIY projects and recipes on Pinterest. She needs one of your leather bags because she wants something more polished than a bag from Target, but does not want to pay for a designer bag. She struggles to find a bag that fits her office culture and personal style.
Creating a Persona
Once you have determined the answers to the above questions, it’s time to create a persona or a fictitious dream client you will keep in mind when creating your website. I recommend creating a secret Pinterest board for your persona – plus who doesn’t want to spend 30 minutes on Pinterst?
First, give your persona a name. Let’s call our young professional Lauren, a very popular girl’s name in 1990. Pin Lauren’s favorite things – food, DIY projects, outfits, even leather bags. Creating this board will help you further think about what you client wants and needs.
If you want to go one step further, you can also survey dream clients. Put together a few questions, like where do you shop for leather bags or how much do you typically spend on a leather bag? Find those similar to your dream client via social media, Facebook groups are a great place to start, and ask them to answer your questions. You will be surprised to see how much information learn.
Designing for Your Dream Client
When you start designing your brand and website, with a designer or on your own, always keep your persona in mind – she is your end user. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Select your color with care. When selecting colors, don’t just go with your favorite colors unless you know your dream client also like those colors. Also consult a color theory guide to help you make the correct decision.
- No need to reinvent the wheel. If you want to incorporate a “Like” button on to your site, use a heart like Instagram and Pinterst. Lauren will recognize the heart as a “Like” button because other sites she uses do the same.
- Be consistent. Throughout the site, keep your colors, word choice, button location, etc. consistent throughout all pages.
- Use clear messaging. Just because you can name your contact tab, “Hotline Bling,” doesn’t mean you should. People visiting your site may not realize that’s the contact page.
- Keep the age of your client in mind. Select an easy to read font. If your dream client is older, consider making the font larger.
With these tips, you will be well on your way to creating a brand and website your dream client will love. Just remember your dream client is your website user – not you.
[bctt tweet=”Just remember your dream client is your website user – not you.”]
Now that you have defined your dream client, figure out what social media sites she uses.