Getting clear about your ideal client is one of the best things you can do for your business. Last time, we talked about how knowing your ideal client can help you build a connection with your tribe, focus your business and marketing efforts, get you working with clients you love, and help you build a brand that people love. If you missed that installment, make sure you read How Defining your Ideal Client will Boost your Business.
To get clear about your ideal client, start by thinking about the clients you’ve enjoyed working with the most. Hone in on the ones who got you excited about your work and made you feel on top of the world. These are the clients you want more of – the ones that energize your business and fill your heart with joy. You want to build your brand into something they love and share with their people.
In order to do that, you have to know your ideal client like you know your best friend. This week, we’re going to focus on what you already know about your ideal client. As you answer these questions, think about your top 5 best clients. If you haven’t had the chance to work with a client you love, think about what you wish had been different about your client relationships so far.
Start with a general description. Is your ideal client male or female? How old? Where do they live? Are they married or single? Do they have children? What do they do for a living? These simple questions should already begin to give you a clearer idea of who your ideal client is.
If you want to be able to talk to your ideal client in a way that resonates with her, it’s not enough to stop there. You have to dive into her personality. What is she like? Does she love being around people or is she more of an introvert? What does she value? What does she spend her money on? What does she daydream about? What are her goals? What worries her?
Pause and take some time to imagine a day in the life of your ideal client. Think about what time she wakes up, the first thing she does, what she has for breakfast. Print out three planner pages and fill them out as if you were her. Use the first one to map out a workday, the second for a weekend, and the third for a special occasion. The more details you can fill in, the better. Think about her hobbies, interests, and activities.
Then, how does she spend her time online? Try to imagine what websites, blogs, and social media platforms she frequents. What kind of content does she post and share? Who does she follow?
The last step is to figure out how you fit into the picture. Why does your ideal client come to you? What advantage do you offer her? How do you help with her worries and the challenges she faces? Which of her values align with your business values? And what does your relationship with her look like?
Getting to know your ideal client can feel overwhelming, so make sure you download the Ideal Client Profile worksheet and planner pages. It’ll help you work through all the questions and keep your answers organized so you can come back to them later. Give yourself as much time as you need and let yourself have some fun with it. It’s a lot of work, but you’ve totally got this!
Your action steps for the week:
- Download the Ideal Client Profile worksheet and planner pages!
- Work through the profile questions at your own pace.
- Fill out the planner pages to get a glimpse at a day in the life of your ideal client.
