If you’re a business owner in Airdrie, Calgary, or the surrounding area, you already understand how important it is to identify your ideal customer. But in reality, most businesses aren’t that picky — whoever shows interest often becomes the customer. While that approach isn’t necessarily bad, it’s not the most proactive way to grow your sales and revenue.
Spending even an hour or two to clearly define who your ideal customer is can be one of the smartest ways to jump-start your next marketing campaign, no matter the platform or strategy.
Here are 7 quick and practical tips to help you identify your ideal customer — and attract more of them to your business.
1. Create a Customer Profile
If you’ve ever run a Facebook or Google ad, you know they allow you to set parameters like gender, age range, income level, and other demographics. Jot down these details and think carefully: If you could only connect with one type of customer, who would it be?
Once you define that clearly, your marketing picture becomes much sharper.
2. Decide Whether You’re Targeting Businesses or Individuals
You’d be surprised how often business owners say they want to target both — and end up missing the mark with each. Marketing to individuals (B2C) and to other businesses (B2B) requires very different messaging and channels. Choose one primary focus to start with and tailor your efforts accordingly.
3. Understand Their Buying Habits
If someone is interested in your product or service, think about why and how often they’d buy. Do they need it monthly? Seasonally? Just once?
Understanding when and how your ideal customer makes purchasing decisions helps you reach them at the right time — and increases your chances of closing the sale.
4. Solve a Real Problem
It’s one thing to sell something people want — but it’s far more powerful to offer something they need. Identify the pain points your product or service solves. When you position your business as the solution to a real problem, you move from being a convenience to a necessity.
5. Do Some Market Research
Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people directly. Many are happy to share their challenges and what they’re looking for — especially if you’re genuine and not pushing for a sale. Ask questions about what they value most, what frustrates them, and what an ideal experience looks like.
Those insights are gold when it comes to shaping your offer.
6. Use the Power of the Internet
We live in a digital world, and the internet has completely changed how businesses connect with customers. A simple Google search, YouTube tutorial, or even a TikTok video can reveal valuable insights. Chances are, someone else has faced the exact same challenge you’re dealing with — and shared what worked for them.
Continuous learning keeps your marketing strategies fresh and effective.
7. Know Who You Don’t Want as a Customer
Sometimes the best way to define your ideal audience is by identifying who you don’t want to work with. Think about the types of customers who are overly demanding, time-consuming, or simply not a good fit for your services.
Eliminating these less-productive relationships helps you focus your energy on clients who truly drive your business forward.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Customer?
If you’re a business owner in Airdrie or Calgary looking to sharpen your focus and attract more of the right customers, we can help. We’ll review your website, social media pages, and other marketing channels to see how effectively you’re reaching your audience — and identify simple ways to improve.
Reach out today for a free website audit and let us share our best insights with you. No contracts, no obligations — just honest advice and a commitment to helping our local business community grow stronger together.
Jeff Moyer
Owner, Advance Web Solutions