Guide · Marketing strategy
Target marketing: talk to the customers who actually buy
Target marketing means choosing a specific group of customers and building your marketing around what they need, instead of trying to reach everyone. It is how small businesses get results without big budgets.
What is target marketing?
Target marketing is a strategy where you split a market into groups with shared needs, pick the group you can serve best, and shape your message, channels and offer for that group. The result is less wasted spend and messages that feel personal.
You may also see it called market targeting or audience targeting. In Finnish it is kohdemarkkinointi, also searched as target markkinointi.
The STP model: segment, target, position
01
Segmentation
Divide the market into groups by needs, behaviour, industry, location or company size. Look for differences that change what people buy.
02
Targeting
Choose the one or two segments where you have the strongest fit and the best chance to win. Say no to the rest for now.
03
Positioning
Decide how you want that segment to see you, and say it clearly in your message, offer and visuals.
How to do target marketing in 5 steps
1
List who you already serve
Start from your best current customers. What do they have in common, and why did they choose you?
2
Build a customer persona
Turn the pattern into a persona with goals, problems and channels. Our customer persona guide shows how.
3
Pick your target segment
Choose the segment with clear needs, reachable channels and enough size to matter.
4
Shape message and channels
Write for that segment and show up where they already spend time, instead of everywhere.
5
Measure and refine
Track which messages and channels bring the right customers, then adjust every quarter. A simple marketing plan keeps this on track.
Target marketing and Target, the platform
Target (marketertarget.com) is a Finnish marketing management platform developed by Nortte Oy. It brings your strategy, brand, customer personas, annual calendar and content plan into one place, so target marketing becomes a routine instead of a one-off project.
Etsitkö suomeksi? Target on suomalainen markkinoinnin hallinta-alusta, joka auttaa kohdentamaan markkinoinnin oikeille asiakkaille.
Explore the featuresTarget marketing FAQ
What is target marketing in simple terms?
It is choosing who you want to sell to and tailoring your marketing to them, instead of speaking to everyone.
What is the difference between a target market and a target audience?
A target market is the whole group of customers you could serve. A target audience is the part of it that you aim a specific campaign at.
How do I find my target market?
Analyse your existing customers, research who has the problem you solve, and test which segment responds best. A customer persona helps make the result concrete.
What are examples of target marketing?
A B2B software company writing case studies for HR managers, or a local cafe promoting lunch offers to nearby office workers. Both narrow the audience to the people most likely to buy.
Is Target a target marketing tool?
Target is a Finnish marketing management platform by Nortte Oy. It helps you document personas, strategy and brand, and plan content for the audience you have chosen.
Make target marketing a routine
Keep your audience, strategy and content plan in one place with Target.
Start your free week