Online Dating: Know Your Target Audience
By Nina Atwood
Before you jump in and start creating your online profile, or even if you have one already, take a moment to ask yourself this question: what is my goal? Your profile is your advertisement. The advertising industry knows that in order to create a great ad you need to know your target audience. Who is your target audience? If you’re answering: all single men between the ages of 30 and 50, your audience is way too big and your message will not be effective. If your answer is: thirty to forty-something single men, strong Christian, good family values, college education and employed, you’re zeroing in on a target and your message will be far more effective.
Exercise: with pen and paper, reflect for a few minutes on your target. What age is this person? What education level, religious affiliation, background? Jot down your answers, being somewhat specific but not so specific that you start ruling out major portions of your target demographic. Now, write a one sentence summary of your target audience.
Now that you have that homework done, you’re ready to start building your profile – your advertisement that is meant to attract your target audience. Next we’ll cover a few do’s and dont’s, but first, let me clarify something. This advice is for men and women who are intentional about finding a life partner with the goal of marriage. If you’re thinking that yes, you want a relationship, but no, you don’t want marriage, think again.
Most singles date with the goal of marriage, and dating someone long-term means you’ll be facing that issue down the road. Work it out for yourself now so that you don’t create frustration down the road by going into dating unsure about marriage. Better that you put off your quest for a relationship until you’re ready for marriage than jump in too soon. It’s okay to not date for a while so that you can get your bearings about your long-term life goals. You’re ready for dating when you’re no longer angry, bitter, resentful, or grieving; you’re ready when you are open to possibilities and you believe in love, commitment, and marriage.
Entry Filed under: Dating
1 Comment
1. Braidwood | May 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’m loving your advice. I’m looking forward to the next installment. 🙂 !