How Do I Identify My Target Audience?

Sep 1

Here’s the biggest reason most social media content doesn’t work:

It’s talking to everyone.
Which means it’s connecting with no one.

If you want your content to convert — to actually attract and land the right people — you need to know who you’re talking to, what they care about, and what they’re searching for.

Let’s walk through how to define your audience clearly — whether you’re running a service-based biz in Windsor or launching a creative brand in Toronto.

First: Your Target Audience is Not “Everyone Who Might Buy”

The biggest mistake we see local businesses make (especially in Windsor or Hamilton)?
They try to talk to everyone who could possibly use their service.

But here’s the thing: when your messaging is broad, your leads are bland.

Your audience should be specific enough that your content feels personal.

Step 1: Start With Who You Already Love Working With

Think about your top 3–5 favorite clients.

Ask yourself:

What do they all have in common?
What industry are they in?
What problems did they come to you with?
How did they first find you?
What made them say yes?

Chances are, your best future clients look a lot like your best past ones.

Step 2: Get Into Their Head

You need to understand more than demographics.
You need to understand their thought process.

Ask:

What do they want?
What are they struggling with?
What are they googling at 11pm?
What are they frustrated by in other service providers or products?
What would make them not buy?

This is what lets you write captions, record videos, and build a brand that feels like it was made for them.

Step 3: Think Local When It Makes Sense

If your business is location-based — Windsor, Hamilton, Detroit, or Toronto — you also need to factor in:

Local culture and values
Community norms (what people expect from local businesses)
How people speak (language, tone, reference points)
What competitors in your area are missing

For example:
A Windsor business owner might want trust and consistency over flashy visuals.
A Toronto entrepreneur may want innovation and trend-savvy design.
Different city = different pain points.

Step 4: Use This Filter Every Time You Create Content

Before you post, ask:

“Would my ideal client find this helpful, interesting, or relatable?”

If the answer is no — it’s not worth posting.

If the answer is yes — you’re building connection, trust, and value.

What We Do at Buttered Branding

We help businesses across Windsor, Hamilton, Detroit, and Toronto identify who they’re best built to serve — and then build a content strategy that speaks directly to that person.

We don’t just guess.
We use data, insight, past client wins, and local market knowledge to define the voice, tone, and messaging that cuts through the noise and lands with your dream audience.

Not Sure Who Your Audience Actually Is?

Book a discovery call and we’ll help you identify your ideal client, build messaging that speaks to them, and attract more of the right people — without shouting into the void.