Getting To Know Your Audience : The Most Important Marketing Tip

Putting yourself out there is one of the most difficult things to do, especially with people you don't know. Let's face it, we live in a world where everyone is constantly connected all the time. Even when we're alone, we're always thinking about other people. Demandsage reports that each day, people view over 200 BILLION videos on social media. I know when I scroll through reels, most of them are interactive and involve at least one person. The problem with this culture is that we've adopted the mentality that watching people interact with others and the world is better than actually doing it. This is definitely sometimes more comfortable than getting out there, but the moments that matter most usually happen when we step outside our comfort zone - and in my experience, those important moments almost always occur in person. As marketing professional who provides largely digital services, I know that having an online presence for your brand is a crucial success point, but here's the catch - most businesses need an in-person one as well. People don't always think they want in person interaction, but as human beings we need it.

Last night, I attended a York Business Casual event at Swell House in York, Maine (make sure you check out my recap of the event here). It was an amazing opportunity to meet locals and connect with fellow business owners and professionals. What I loved about it the most though was everyone's willingness to connect with each other in a genuine, authentic way.

Oftentimes, as a business owner, it can be easy to blow off events like this; you might be tired after a long day of work, you might not like interacting with people face to face, or you might not think you'll get anything out of it. The reasons are endless. While it might seem hard or unenjoyable, I promise you it's worth it to make the extra push. Whenever you have an opportunity to meet people or connect with your community, take it. Even if it's not you, have someone who can be a face to your brand. Getting to know your audience is crucial - especially in small, tight-knit communities.

So, with all this in mind, I urge you or someone who can represent your business to get out there in person, get involved with your community, and to connect with new & old faces. At the end of the day*, people remember people.*