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How to Actually Know Your Audience (Without a Marketing Degree)
Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, one of the biggest mistakes founders make is thinking:
“Everyone is my customer.”
I get it. You’re excited. You want to help as many people as possible. But here’s the truth: If you try to speak to everyone, no one really hears you.
So today, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools in your business toolkit — understanding who you’re really selling to — without needing a marketing team or a massive budget.
The “9 to 99” Trap
A big red flag? Describing your audience as “people aged 9 to 99.”
Here’s why that doesn’t work: It’s too broad to be meaningful.
A 9-year-old, a 30-something parent, and a 70-year-old retiree have totally different priorities, buying habits, values, and attention spans.
When you try to speak to all of them at once, your message gets diluted.
To build a brand that sticks, you need to get specific.
Here is a checklist to help you get to know your audience:
When You Know Your Audience, Everything Gets Easier
Your content connects. Your offers resonate. Your community grows.
Don’t guess. Ask. Listen. Learn. Then speak directly to the people who need you most.
Rebecca Huntley
Dr Rebecca Huntley is one of Australia’s foremost researchers on social trends and a Fellow of the Research Society of Australia.
