Ideal client profile. Let’s talk about it.
If you’re in business, you probably hear it all the time. You have to find your ideal client.
But how do you create an ideal client profile? How do you figure that out?
Here are some tips on building that ideal client avatar so that you can attract more of the clients you love working with.
Why Create an Ideal Client Profile?
Here’s the truth. You are not for everyone. And not everyone is for you. When you speak to everyone, you’re speaking to no one in particular. Your message and offerings get lost.
An ideal client profile is important because it will help you narrow who you’re talking to. You can create an intentional target of the type of person you want to work with.
For example, if you’re a graphic designer for female creative entrepreneurs – that narrows the field of who you’re talking to. People can identify with the brand or not based on who is served in that business. Inquiries will be more focused and targeted.
Meanwhile, a general graphic designer will likely get inquiries from all over the place – plumbers, dentists, accountants, florists. Can you see how it’s more difficult when there’s no target?
How to Create an Ideal Profile
If you’ve been in business for a little while and you’ve had a couple of clients, you can easily create an ideal profile.
Think about the clients you enjoyed and loved working with. You wish that you could clone that client. That person will be the model of your ideal client.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What made that client great to work with?
- What industry do they work in?
- Where does your client live? (Big city, small town, rural area…name the city, get specific.)
- How old is your client?
- Marital status of your client? Kids/no kids?
- How much does your client earn a year?
- What are your client’s hobbies? How does he/she spend their time?
- What books/magazines does your client read? What TV shows does your client watch?
From there, you can piece together your ideal client profile. In fact, I’d even challenge you to give this avatar a name. It may feel silly or unnecessary, but naming your ideal client will allow you to think of them as you create content, plan your marketing, and determine your offerings.
How to Create an Ideal Client Avatar if You Just Started
If you’re new in business, you can create an ideal client profile, too!
I know that it can feel difficult to come up with an ideal client if you’ve only worked with a handful or haven’t worked with anyone yet. You’re willing to work with anyone at this point.
However, it’s helpful to piece together who that ideal client might be. Here’s the good news. Your ideal client avatar can change over time. As you and your business grow, you’ll learn who you work with best and who your services are best suited for.
When you’re able to create marketing for a specific person in mind, you’ll be able to “speak” to them directly, instead of hoping that someone picks up your general message. It’s actually easier for someone to recognize their need in your specific marketing than it is in more generalized marketing.
Your Turn Creating an Ideal Client Profile
If you don’t yet have an ideal client in mind, I recommend and challenge you to create one. The profile can change as you progress as a business. But if you don’t have an ideal client or target audience in mind, it can be very difficult to target your marketing to get the right person.
Ultimately, I know that you probably don’t want to work with everyone if you’re a service-based business. And that’s totally okay! The best way to work with more of the clients that you enjoy working with (and hopefully deterring the clients you don’t) is to know who your ideal client is. You’ll be able to speak directly to their needs, their problem that you solve, and help more people.
What does an Ideal Client Avatar have to do with Brand Photos?
Great question! Before working with my clients, I send a brand questionnaire to get to know more about their business. Part of that is asking who their ideal client is. When I work on creating the brand photos for your business, I have to know who I’m taking the photos for. Who is the person that the client wants to attract into their business. And like I mentioned, it’s deeper than “women 35-65” – because that’s a huge range!
During our planning and strategy call prior to a branding photoshoot, I work with my client to help them figure out their ideal client specifically, if their answer to the question is too vague or broad. In fact, I recommend figuring out who your ideal client profile is before ever booking a branding shoot. It’s so important to the outcome of the photos, and that piece of the puzzle needs to be in place before we can shoot.
HELPFUL RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
Personal Branding Photography – What You Should Know
When to Hire a Brand Photographer
Find the Right Brand Photographer for Your Business
How to Use Your Branding Photos
READY TO BOOK YOUR OWN BRANDING SHOOT?
Step 1. Get in Touch – click and contact today
Step 2. Discovery Call – we’ll chat about your business and your vision for brand photos
Step 3. Book your Shoot – if we’re a “match” let’s get you on the schedule and start planning
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