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Customer Research - Target Demographic

This article will help to explain how to find your target demographic for your customer research report in the publishing.ai software.

Landon avatar
Written by Landon
Updated over a week ago

Overview

This article explains how to find and define your target demographic for customer research reports in the Publishing.ai software. Understanding your target demographic is essential for creating accurate and effective customer research reports.


What is a Target Demographic?

Definition

Your target demographic is the specific group of people who are most likely to read and purchase your book.

Key Principles

  • You cannot target everybody effectively

  • There is always a primary audience most likely to buy your book

  • You should focus your marketing efforts on speaking directly to this group

How Publishing.ai Uses This Information

When generating your customer research report within a project, you will be asked to specify your target demographic. This information helps the AI identify sub-audiences for your customer research report by analyzing key demographic factors.


Types of Target Demographics

Generational Demographics (Age-Based)

Different generations have distinct traits, mindsets, and communication preferences shaped by their shared experiences.

Generation Categories:

  • The Silent Generation: Born 1925-1945

  • Baby Boomers: Born 1945-1960

  • Generation X: Born 1961-1980

  • The Xennials: Born 1977-1983

  • Generation Y (Millennials): Born 1981-1995

  • Generation Z: Born 1995-2012

Special Consideration for Children's Books:

Books targeting children have a blended demographic that includes:

  • The child (audience)

  • The parent (buyer persona)

Both demographics must be considered when defining your target market.


Cultural Identity Demographics

Definition

Cultural identity refers to the feeling of belonging to a group of people with similar experiences, backgrounds, or characteristics.

Key Factors

Cultural experiences may influence how people group themselves based on:

  • Race

  • Gender

  • Sexual orientation

  • Shared cultural experiences

  • Multiple identity factors (intersectionality)

Example

*Affirmations for Strong Black Women* targets the cultural identity demographic of black women.

Important Note

Do not stereotype when analyzing cultural identity demographics. Focus on understanding genuine needs and experiences.


Social Class Demographics

Definition

Social class is more about mindset, feelings, and behaviors than material possessions like expensive cars or watches.

Categories

  • Upper Class

  • Middle Class

  • Lower Class

  • Academic/Students

  • Entrepreneur

Key Consideration

Focus on how your target reader sees themselves rather than their actual economic status. Reader self-perception often matters more than objective financial circumstances.


How to Identify Your Target Demographic

Research Method

  1. Analyze bestselling books in your niche

  2. Identify demographic patterns in successful titles

  3. Look for common characteristics among readers

  4. Document your findings to input into the target demographic field

Practical Steps

  1. Research bestsellers in your book's category

  2. Note any demographic considerations that stand out

  3. Write down specific demographic details

  4. Add this information to the target demographic box in Publishing.ai

  5. This helps the AI create more accurate customer research reports


Additional Resources

Publishing Accelerator Support

If you are enrolled in Publishing Accelerator, you can:

  • Discuss your target demographic with workshop coaches

  • Get guidance from group coaches if you're unsure

  • Receive personalized help defining your audience

Best Practices

  • Be specific rather than broad in your demographic targeting

  • Consider multiple demographic factors that may intersect

  • Focus on the primary group most likely to purchase your book

  • Use your demographic research to inform your customer research report generation

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