Defining your market

[pdej4]

I've moved into marketing from design and engineering so my actual marketing practice and knowledge isn't perfect. I want to define the market/s my company operate within but am not sure of the best way to do this. I've been reading a little about this and I know that I should be looking at it from the customers point of view, i.e. how they see the company. I think I have that sorted out, but how would I take those titles (e.g. fabrication/craftsmen) and define them in terms of marketing (or what are the stages to writing your market definition)?

Thanks!

[marketeer@large]

i'm not sure that I follow your line of definition. is it craftsmen? or is it people who manufacture things on behlaf of clients?

you see the first group could include hobbyists etc, whereas the second group is more defined as it starts to paint a picture of the type of company where you will find these craftsmen.
Now start to think about geography - where are these craftsmen located
Think about function - are you targetting the craftsmen or are you targetting the owners? who will actually buy your product or service?
How big is the market - how much money spent is spent, and by whom, on what you have to sell?
think niche - is it any type of craftsmen - or do they work in a particular industry?
these things will all help you define your market

[evej13]

pdej,

Who is your ideal customer? Can you describe them down to detail?

Start brainstorming things like what specifically are they looking for. Craftsmen or fabrication are too broad in my opinion. Do you have a specialty?

Some thoughts,
Eve