If you’re in the early stages of building your business or refining your niche, understanding who your ideal clients are is essential.

They’re the individuals you feel called to serve—the ones who resonate with your message and are ready to embrace the transformation you offer. Using intentional journal prompts, you can gain clarity on what matters most to your clients, the challenges they face, and how your coaching can uniquely address their needs.

This exercise is designed to uncover not only who your clients are but also the emotional and practical needs they bring to the table. We’re looking at the core aspects of their pain points, goals, and values, allowing you to craft a service that speaks directly to them.

Why Understanding Your Ideal Client Matters

Your ideal client profile isn’t just a demographic—it’s a way to connect with real people on a personal level, addressing their unique goals and challenges. This journey is about building a picture that evolves as you refine your insights, allowing you to validate and adjust as you learn more through real-world research.

Begin with Pain and Pleasure

Think about what motivates your clients. People are generally driven by two primary forces: moving away from pain or moving toward pleasure. Consider which of these drives your clients most. Are they looking to eliminate a current struggle, or are they seeking a new level of joy, fulfilment, or success? This insight helps you shape your approach and messaging.

TIP: To kickstart the process, think about what specific transformations your coaching provides. How can you help relieve their pain or amplify their pleasure?

The Prompts

1. Who are they? Describe them.

Consider their life stage, personality traits, and daily routines. Are they busy professionals, parents juggling family and career, or individuals looking to elevate their personal and professional lives?

2. What do they care about most?
(Family, career, health, personal growth, etc.)

Understanding their values helps you connect on a deeper level. This is about their priorities—what they invest their time and energy in. These insights help you create messaging that speaks to what’s most important to them.

3. What are the results they’re seeking?

Consider what they hope to achieve by working with you. Do they want more work-life balance, mental clarity, or a strategic growth plan? Write down what comes to mind about the specific results they’re aiming for.

4. Have they worked with a coach before? If so, what did they find helpful or challenging?

Understanding their past experiences gives you insights into what resonates and what doesn’t, allowing you to refine your offerings. Note any pain points they had with previous coaching, as these could be opportunities for you to offer something different and impactful.

5. What do they value most?
(Examples: Time, health, personal development, financial freedom)

Values guide behaviour. Knowing your clients’ core values lets you align your services with what matters to them most, building trust and a sense of shared purpose.

6. What do they do for work, and what does their work focus on?
(Projects, financials, customer relations, leadership)

Their professional focus helps you understand their daily challenges and areas where they may need additional support or relief. For example, if they’re focused on project management, they might need help with organisation or stress management.

7. Are they driven by a desire to move away from pain or toward a new desire?

Determine if they’re primarily looking to solve a pressing issue (pain-driven) or if they’re motivated by a vision of something greater (pleasure-driven). This understanding influences your messaging tone and the specific benefits you highlight.

8. Where do they spend time online?
(LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

Knowing their preferred platforms helps you reach them where they are. Each platform has its own style and tone, so understanding where they spend time allows you to create content that resonates and connects.

9. How do they like to consume information?
(Examples: Videos, blogs, short articles, ebooks)

Some people enjoy in-depth articles, while others prefer quick, actionable tips. Tailor your content to match their preferences, ensuring you deliver value in a way that suits them best.

From Insight to Action: Conducting Market Research

Once you’ve outlined who your ideal client is, the next step is validating these insights. This research phase will help you confirm whether the clients you envision align with actual market needs. It’s time to start finding out where they are, what they care about, and if they’re actively seeking the solutions you provide.

1. Conduct Keyword and Competitor Research

Research your ideal client’s pain points and goals using tools like Google Keyword Planner or by analysing competitors’ content. Look for common themes, keywords, and frequently discussed topics in your niche. For more structure in this phase, check out our Business Success Formula for steps on validating your market effectively.

2. Review Articles, Blogs, and Industry Reports

Search for articles, blogs, or market research reports that discuss trends relevant to your ideal client profile. Find out what problems they’re searching to solve and any growing trends that could impact your services.

3. Study Relevant Statistics and Demographics

Review statistics about your target market—where they live, their profession, age group, or income level. This data can inform your targeting, helping you reach those most likely to resonate with your message and offerings.

Setting Up a Research Routine for Consistent Insights

Market research can feel overwhelming, but with a structured approach, it can become a valuable habit. Here’s a routine that keeps you grounded and prevents burnout:

1. Set Specific Research Goals: Begin each session by writing down a clear question you want answered, such as, “What are the top challenges my ideal client faces in their career?” Start your search based on this question and stick to it.

2. Limit Your Time: Set a timer for 45 minutes. Focus only on finding answers to your question within this time frame, then take a break. Researching in intervals prevents information overload.

3. Take Breaks to Recharge: Once your timer goes off, switch to an activity that moves your body. Whether it’s a short walk, stretching, or dancing, physical movement helps lower cortisol and keeps your mind fresh for your next research session.

For personalised support in defining and connecting with your ideal client, consider 1:1 Coaching to refine your approach and gain clarity on the specific needs of those you’re meant to serve.

Conclusion: Begin the Journey to Know Your Clients Deeply

Knowing your ideal client is an evolving journey, one that grows as you gain insights and refine your understanding. By using these journal prompts and committing to intentional market research, you’ll build a foundation that allows you to serve your clients effectively and authentically.

Curious to learn more? Book a free strategy call to discuss how we can help you uncover, connect with, and serve your ideal clients in meaningful ways.