Listen To Your Target Market And Reap the Rewards

Do you pump out plenty of content, but sometimes feel unappreciated? Many content site owners and blog owners for that matter, tell me they don’t understand why their content is not appealing to their readers. No matter how hard they try, there seems to be a break in the connection.

It could be that your connection problem is simply traffic. Implementing new strategies like link building and more targeted marketing would be the answer here. When nothing changes after that the problem might just be a disconnect between you and the market. To cure that, simply try LISTENING.

It really seems like listening is a lost art these days. When we listen, we find out what we didn’t know before and that could be the difference between success and failure. To know what your target market wants, listen to what they have to say first and then provide the content that they seek. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of your audience.

Need to learn how to listen just a little better? Here are 8 tips to help you do just that:

1. Keyword Research: Before beginning any new project, it is important to know what words people are using to search for a particular product or service. But, this is only the tip of the target market iceberg. You still need to know WHO is searching for the information. Keywords can only get you so far. To build the all-important relationship with your blog readers you will have to pull a few more tricks out of your hat.

2. Commenting: When your readers leave comments on your posts, read them. Drink in what they are telling you. Use that information to meet their needs.

3. Track your Links: Keep an eye on the links on your website. Who uses them? Track the offers and emails that people are acting on. It could be that what people are saying and what they eventually do are not the same.

4. Submit Questions: This is for your readers and not you. Ask them to offer their suggestions for better, more insightful content on your part. To make it easier, create a form that is easy to use and convenient. What are the most popular requests?

5. Message Boards: Peruse some of the more popular message boards pertaining to your target market. Here you will find out what everyone is talking about. Take the time, but don‘t get so engrossed you forget your purpoase.

6. Facebook and Twitter: These are addictive and easy to get lost in for hours – so use your time strategically. Stick with groups on these social networking sites that represent the target market you are trying to reach. Check in from time to time and you will certainly find the information that you need.

7. Blogs: You are not the only one with a blog – just about EVERYONE has one these days. Check out the blogs that your readers and other target market members own. Configure your blog reader so that you can scan the headlines of these blogs to gain insight into the target market.

8. Competition: Keeping an eye on your competitors is wise. Look at the type of content they post and the feedback they receive from readers. Again, you can create a spot in your RSS reader to scan the headlines on the competitor’s blogs.

Listening is important, but don’t be concerned about the time it takes. Once you have listening skills, It can happen as a natural occurrence throughout the day. And the value it brings back to your business is priceless.