Want FREE Templates on Organization, Change, & Culture? Download our FREE compilation of 50+ slides. This is an exclusive promotion being run on LinkedIn.


TARGETING TOOLKIT



"Know thy customer as thyself." This sentiment echoes through modern marketing strategies and tactics. As Philip Kotler, the eminent marketing scholar, aptly stated, "There is only one winning strategy. It is to carefully define and create a customer."

The Essence of Targeting in Modern Marketing

Targeting stands as the pivotal point between Segmentation and Positioning in the strategic marketing trifecta. Segmentation dissects the market into distinct groups with homogeneous needs, while Positioning crafts the brand's unique space in the consumers' minds. Targeting, then, is the decisive act of selecting which segments to serve and how best to serve them.

Strategic Planning and Targeting Precision

In the realm of Strategic Planning, aligning with informed Targeting decisions optimizes resource allocation and amplifies message resonance. The effectiveness of Targeting cannot be overstated.

Digitization's Impact on Targeting

The age of Digital Transformation has redefined Targeting. No longer restricted to broad categories, brands now target hyper-specific niches. Advanced data analytics platforms offer insights into not just demographics but also psychographics, behaviors, and the very micro-moments that influence purchase decisions. Such granularity ensures that marketing efforts transition from general broadcasts to personalized conversations.

Best Demonstrated Practices in Targeting

For a robust Targeting strategy, consider these guiding principles:

The Risks of Poorly-Executed Targeting

Misaligned Targeting efforts can lead to substantial brand erosion, wasted marketing budgets, and lost opportunities. It's crucial to be attuned to market signals and to continually refine targeting strategies.

The Future of Targeting: Beyond Traditional Boundaries

Cross-device Targeting recognizes that a consumer's journey might begin on one platform and conclude on another. Context-based Targeting acknowledges that consumers' needs and preferences shift based on their environment and circumstances.

Targeting in the C-Suite: A Boardroom Priority

In Fortune 500 boardrooms, Targeting is not just a marketing function—it's a strategic imperative. As markets become saturated and competitive, ensuring the brand message reaches not only the most people but the right people becomes increasingly vital.

Operational Excellence in Targeting

Operational Excellence in Targeting involves:

  1. Optimizing budgets for maximum impact in chosen segments.
  2. Integrating feedback loops to refine Targeting based on real-world outcomes.
  3. Ensuring cross-functional alignment, so all departments—from R&D to sales—understand and cater to the target segments effectively.
  4. Continuous investment in learning and upskilling to stay updated with emerging Targeting tools and techniques.

From product development to post-sales service, Targeting influences every aspect of a business. As the landscape becomes increasingly competitive and consumer attention spans wane, brands must ensure their message reaches the right audience. Proper targeting ensures a brand's message doesn't just speak but resonates.




CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS




SELECT CUSTOMERS
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes across the world—in over 130 countries. Below is just a very small sample of our customer base.



Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.







Browse our Business Toolkits
to quickly find the documents you need.
Each business toolkit is a collection of documents around a common management topic.





TOP 40 TRENDING TOOLKITS


  Show all available toolkits.

Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.