How to identify Your Potential First Customers

So, who are you selling to?

It’s a simple question, but the answer is one of the most important building blocks for your new business. The temptation is to say "everyone!", but trying to appeal to everybody often means you end up appealing to nobody. This task is all about getting specific and picturing the exact type of person who will be thrilled to find your business.

Think of it like buying a gift. You wouldn't buy the same present for your grandad as you would for your teenage niece. The more you know about them, the better the gift will be. It's the same with your business.

Why you can't skip this step

Defining your first customer helps you to:

• Focus your energy: You'll know exactly where to find your customers and how to talk to them.
• Create better products or services: You can tailor what you offer to solve their specific problems.
• Save time and money: You won't waste resources trying to market to people who aren't interested.

How to describe your first customer

Your goal is to create a simple profile or a 'customer persona'. Don't worry, this isn't as corporate as it sounds. It's just a short description of the person you're aiming to help. Grab a pen and paper and jot down some ideas for the following:

1. The Basics (Demographics): Start with the simple facts. Are they a specific age? Where do they live (a city, the countryside)? What's their job or income level?
2. Their Interests (Psychographics): What do they do for fun? What do they read or watch? What do they care about (e.g., sustainability, saving money, luxury)?
3. Their Problems & Needs: This is the most important part. What problem are you solving for them? What frustration can you take away? What goal can you help them achieve?
4. Where They Hang Out: Where do they spend their time, both online and off? Think about specific social media platforms, forums, magazines, shops, or local clubs.

Let's see it in action

Imagine you want to turn your hobby of making custom pet portraits into a business.

A vague customer description would be: "People who own pets."

That's not very helpful, is it? Let's get more specific.

Meet "Sentimental Sarah"

Sarah is in her late 20s to early 40s and lives in a suburban part of the UK. She adores her dog, a rescue named Barney, and sees him as a true member of the family. Her phone is full of photos of him! She follows accounts like The Dog's Trust and lots of cute animal profiles on Instagram and Facebook. Her problem? She wants a beautiful, personal way to celebrate her beloved pet that feels more special than just a framed photo. She's not looking for the cheapest option; she's looking for quality and a personal touch.

See the difference? Now you know you should be advertising on Instagram, using emotional language, and highlighting the unique, handcrafted nature of your portraits. You're not just selling a picture; you're selling a treasured memory to Sarah.

What's next?

This customer profile is your guide. It will become the foundation for many of your next steps, like researching your market in more detail and seeing what your competitors are up to. Keep it handy – you'll be referring to it a lot!

A final tip: Don't worry about getting it 100% perfect right now. This is your best guess. As you start your business and interact with real customers, you'll learn more, and you can always tweak and refine this profile later.