Elizabeth VictorElizabeth Victor

By definition, a startup means you are just beginning.  You may think you know who your target audience is, but you may be missing critical information or your assumptions might be off.

Media monitoring software can help identify who your target audience is through competitive intelligence analysis, as well as other factors, based on what different consumers like based on their demographics and previous consumer choices.

Once your target audience is identified during the startup stages of your company, you will be able to market directly in that space and know that you are reaching the right people without wasting any time or resources.

Identifying Niche Markets

Media intelligence also helps you identify niche markets within your target demographic.  Since Asian consumers are inherently different than those in other parts of the world, compiling the right data can help you speak to your audience in their language, and be very specific, down to every last detail. The right data will allow you to develop campaigns that are directly aimed within a very targeted niche market.

Of course, the more targeted your campaigns, the higher chance of reaching the right consumers and converting sales.

Understanding What Consumers are Saying

A big part of media monitoring involves listening. Media monitoring software compiles data based on what is being said about your product or service; and more specifically what is being said by your target audience about your products or services.

Media listening involves compiling data from social media sources as well as offline media sources like print, television, and radio.  Understanding this data can help you gain a better understanding of how consumers feel about your company, your brand, and what you are offering.

Avoid Mistakes from Assumptions

Without media monitoring, your startup company can be flying blind without the knowledge of what your target audience likes, dislikes, and what they are saying.

The data that can be compiled during media monitoring can assist you in streamlining your business plan, products, and services before they are finalized. This helps reduce mistakes made when you assume who your target audience is, what their demographics are, and what they are saying in the media.

If you wait until your company is established before considering a media intelligence option, then you might be wasting resources and making assumptions that are incorrect and lead you down the wrong path of wasted resources.

***

Elizabeth Victor is Brand Advisor for Isentia, Asia-Pacific's leading media monitoring agency.