I finally learned why audience targeting matters after a cringe-worthy flyer handout

Was promoting a new eco-friendly apartment complex at a farmers market. Handed out flyers to everyone passing by, no filter. Gave one to a guy who loudly declared he hated cities and lived in a van. Total silence from the crowd around us. Felt my face get hot. Now I segment my outreach based on lifestyle and interests first. Anyone else have a targeting fail that changed their approach?

3 comments

3 Comments

thomaspatel1h ago

Honestly, that farmer's market story is a perfect microcosm of how lazy marketing backfires. So many companies just spray and pray with their messaging, ignoring basic demographics like urban vs rural lifestyles. It creates unnecessary friction and wastes resources that could be used for actual engagement. We're drowning in generic ads because nobody bothers to segment anymore, and it's why people tune out almost everything.

grant20955m ago

That hardware store newsletter story shows targeted done right!

white.piper20m ago

Question if we're overstating the impact of targeted versus generic marketing. (Like, sure, bad segmentation is wasteful, but is it really why people tune out?) @thomaspatel has a point about spray and pray tactics, yet most consumers have become adept at ignoring anything irrelevant without a second thought. The constant barrage of content might be the core problem, not just the lack of precision. Over-targeting can feel just as invasive and noisy anyway.