How do you go about defining the ideal persona? In my case, I want to share the wealth of experience that comes from working for 25 years in specific types of companies. Some of what I have to share is broadly applicable to anyone navigating workplace challenges and honing their communication skills. Who would my ideal persona be?
I’d start by listing the different kinds of people who could benefit from your experience. Then choose the one whose problems you understand and care about most. Write for that person first. Over time, you’ll notice who resonates most and can refine from there.
Here are a few AI prompts that might help you get useful insights from tools like ChatGPT as well:
“List 5 types of professionals who’d benefit most from advice on communication and workplace growth.”
“Describe the main struggles of [insert audience type] at work.”
“Write a short profile of my ideal reader based on this description: [paste your background].”
Great information for new people to substack. I see myself getting frustrated sometimes because I'm still learning substack and this is like a literal launch pad. I've never defined my audience
I really appreciate how you’ve highlighted the most important point, understanding your audience. It truly changes the way we write, connect, and grow. Thank you, Sinem, for such a clear and inspiring reminder!
Sinem, this is such a clear explanation of what most creators overlook. Knowing your reader is not limitation, it is leverage. When solopreneurs define who they serve, every message sharpens and conversion stops feeling like a mystery.
Sinem, fantastic article! I agree that building an Ideal Reader Persona is a vital step to writing success.
If you don't have your ideal reader in mind, it's much harder to connect with the audience, understand their problems, provide relevant examples, and offer useful solutions.
I believe the easiest way to create your ideal reader, if you are a new writer, is to write for yourself a year ago. Then, as you practice and become more experienced, you can develop additional ideal reader personas.
How do you go about defining the ideal persona? In my case, I want to share the wealth of experience that comes from working for 25 years in specific types of companies. Some of what I have to share is broadly applicable to anyone navigating workplace challenges and honing their communication skills. Who would my ideal persona be?
I’d start by listing the different kinds of people who could benefit from your experience. Then choose the one whose problems you understand and care about most. Write for that person first. Over time, you’ll notice who resonates most and can refine from there.
Here are a few AI prompts that might help you get useful insights from tools like ChatGPT as well:
“List 5 types of professionals who’d benefit most from advice on communication and workplace growth.”
“Describe the main struggles of [insert audience type] at work.”
“Write a short profile of my ideal reader based on this description: [paste your background].”
Thank you! How do you learn about your readers’ backgrounds (after they subscribe) to validate your hypothesis as being correct or incorrect?
By running surveys - both in your welcome email(s) and in your regular content and by having conversations that lead to the answers you need.
Hmm I need to change something up then. I had zero responses and engagement when I tried.
Great information for new people to substack. I see myself getting frustrated sometimes because I'm still learning substack and this is like a literal launch pad. I've never defined my audience
I really appreciate how you’ve highlighted the most important point, understanding your audience. It truly changes the way we write, connect, and grow. Thank you, Sinem, for such a clear and inspiring reminder!
Sinem, this is such a clear explanation of what most creators overlook. Knowing your reader is not limitation, it is leverage. When solopreneurs define who they serve, every message sharpens and conversion stops feeling like a mystery.
Thank you for this advice.
What’s your best way to validate a reader persona?
Actual interviews, analytics patterns, or testing which posts resonate most?
A mix of all - mostly depending on what exactly you want to find out! In the early stages, analytics patterns is the least reliable imo.
Great advice. Thank you!
You were right, I am not nearly like Jennifer and still this article meant a lot to me! Thank you!
Sinem, fantastic article! I agree that building an Ideal Reader Persona is a vital step to writing success.
If you don't have your ideal reader in mind, it's much harder to connect with the audience, understand their problems, provide relevant examples, and offer useful solutions.
I believe the easiest way to create your ideal reader, if you are a new writer, is to write for yourself a year ago. Then, as you practice and become more experienced, you can develop additional ideal reader personas.
Thanks for sharing!