Question

Topic: Strategy

My Niche Market Is Not Online - What's The Point?

Posted by Anonymous on 125 Points
I teach basic computer skills for a living. I stick to basics such as Internet, email, simple computer troubleshooting and word processing. My typical client can't send an email and probably doesn't know how to surf the web. I get most of my business from print advertising. Although I put my web and email addresses in my advertising, I commonly hear "I don't know how to send an email or how to go to your web address."
I also offer workshops to businesses because I can teach advanced word processing skills and help with things like file management or even implementing new software. I can also help the business that wants to bring in computers for the first time. This group is likely online and is essentially the reason I maintain an online presence for my business.
My problem: How do I stay true to my niche of basic computer skills like sending an email and still attract a computer literate business owner who needs help training staff? I don't want to get into teaching about teaching or implementing training programs. I write articles about basic computer skills like signing up for a free email account because that's what my clients are typically interested in. It's true to my niche but chances are the CEO of X company doesn't care.
I put a fair bit of time into my social media presence, article writing and my website. But if my niche is busy reading the newspaper I'm sort of left wondering what the point is.
Question: How do I market to business owners online without changing my niche or is that even possible? Or should I just back off the online presence and concentrate on the print advertising that works?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on Accepted
    You have 2 audiences: those that are seeking basic help and groups that help people to get basic help (such as senior centers, community centers, libraries, family members, etc.). Your online presence would be for the latter group (and your marketing message would be how you can help people in their community get help and/or training).
  • Posted on Accepted
    You definitely have two different audiences, and each one needs to be treated separately. You either need two parallel marketing plans, or you need to focus on one and let go of the other. (Whatever business shows up from your secondary audience is OK to keep, but don't spend your time/money chasing it.)

    The fact that both audiences use computers (or want to) is a confusion factor.

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