Before you start blogging in earnest, you need to find your blog’s target audience. These are the individuals who would appreciate the information and knowledge on your chosen subject. Is there a type of person that would gain the most benefit from reading your blog? Here are ten ways to find your target audience.

Target Audience

Source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre

1. Narrow down your topic

You want to have enough to talk about, but you do not want to be so broad as to lose meaning. Instead of blogging about dogs, select some aspect of dogs which fascinates you. Dog behavior or organic doggie treats may be great selections. You want a topic which will establish you as an expert in your chosen field rather than someone who can offer only general information. Save the blog posts about off-topic issues for guest posting.

2. Think about demographics

Let’s say that your blog is about organic doggie treats. What kinds of people would want organic doggie treats? Chances are, you’re focusing on the soccer moms with higher than average income at their disposal. When you are writing, you want to envision that you are having an in-depth conversation with this perfect demographic. What other things do you see these dog owners buying?

3. Focus the mirror inward

If you are blogging about your favorite subjects, look at the things which you enjoy. How would you market your blog to yourself? What methods would you use to get your own attention? What are the ‘must have’ blogs in your field? What other activities do you enjoy? These questions will provide direction to finding your target audience.

4. Keyword research

Keyword research is a great way to find your target audience. Think about the keywords that you would use to find your blog. Use some of the great free tools which are out there. Scatter those keywords into your blog posts and headlines. This is great for generating vital organic traffic.

5. Pay Per Click Advertising

PPC Advertising is another good way to find your target audience. You set an account in adwords or any such company and pay only when someone clicks on your ad. This method is far more effective and even cheaper compared to traditional newspaper ads because you are in complete control of how much you spend and you can understand your audience in a much better way. But again, getting proper knowledge is essential to come out successfully.

6. Social networking

Talk with people on social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Your friends might have similar interests. They might be able to direct you to people who are interested in your blog. There are groups available for people with similar interests. In those groups, there are subgroups of individuals who like what your blog speaks about.

7. Forums

With forums, you can talk about the topics that are on your mind. There are forums which specialize in giving technical information, there are others which are devoted to esoteric ventures. These forums are usually a well of information. Many people who are interested in the same subjects get together to talk. See where your blog’s target audience goes and advertise there.

8. Friends

Take a look at the people around you. You have friends who have similar interests. What sites do they read every day? What things do they enjoy? Who are they following on Facebook and Twitter? These friends can often be the inspiration to make connections. Friends and friends of friends are a valuable resource, and they do not require an advertising budget.

9. Look at other blogs

What blogs are you reading to get ideas for your own blog posts? Do these blogs specifically reach out to you, or do you feel that you are on the periphery of their market? By understanding what others are doing, you can get a better understanding of what you wish to do on your own. What blogs are in the blogroll of those other blogs? Would those readers enjoy your blog?

10. What products and services do you plan to offer?

Knowing what you are selling will help you narrow down your topic. Marketing is all about going to where the buyers are. If you are selling an information product, would an information product warehouse be the best place? If your blog is about sports accessories, you want to be around people who play those sports.

Once you know what you are writing about, the target audience is easy to find. By looking at the things that you enjoy, you get a better idea about where your constituency goes. Blogging giving thought to your favorite online hangouts, you create a better understanding of your target market.