by Ralene Burke
One of the best ways for editors to achieve success on social media is to define your target audience and develop a strategy that caters to that demographic. Many people cringe when I mention “target audience.” Maybe it’s because they think the process is too overwhelming, or maybe it’s because they are worried about narrowing their opportunities; either way, they cringe.
What is a target audience?
A target audience is a specific set of people that someone or something caters to. No one thing meets the needs of everyone, no one thing makes everyone happy. Not even bacon. My mother-in-law doesn’t like bacon. (I know, it’s hard to believe.)
So, when you start thinking about how to reach people, you need to know WHO you want to reach. And just saying “writers who are ready for a professional edit” will not work.
How do you determine your target audience?
It’s time to pull out a pen and paper and start brainstorming. Think about the kind of people you want to work with, what kind of editing you want to do, and when you’re available to edit. Do you want to edit websites for small businesses? Do you want to edit fiction manuscripts for speculative fiction writers? (Like me!)
Once you have a general idea of who it is you want to work with, scale back even more. Most social media consultants encourage their clients to develop an “ideal client.” Who are they? What do they do? Where do they live? What’s their life like? Where are they online and offline? What makes them happy? What do they worry about?
What do you do with that information?
Once you’ve nailed down your ideal client, then it’s time to start thinking strategy. A social media page/profile should be engaging and encourage the ideal client to come back.
What makes a person come back? Value. If they feel they get something from you that they need, they will come back. Sometimes this is information via blogs, articles, videos, etc. Other options are laughter, the ability to relate, and the desire to be heard and understood.
So, take some time to figure out your target audience. Don’t worry about narrowing your field. You will have more success, both with social media engagement and satisfaction with the clients you work with.
Do you have a target audience already? Or are you struggling to develop the idea?
Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to make it SHINE! She has worked for a variety of groups/companies, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, and as an editor for a number of freelance clients. Her first novel, Bellanok, is being published as a 4-part serial.
She is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all-around crafty diva. If she only had the time …
You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website.
