I was listening to the radio this morning and I was reminded of an effective ministry point that is often overlooked.

Know your target audience!

Have you ever noticed that if you listen to a radio station long enough, chances are there will be a commercial with music not matching the music format of the station? For instance, we were listening to a station that plays “The best mix of the 80s, 90s, and Today”. It’s really mostly pop music. But there was a commercial for Blue Bell Ice Cream. The music for the commercial had a folksy/country feel. The point is many people who listen to pop don’t want to hear country…especially when you want to sell something.

I’ve heard the same for hard rap or electra commercials on jazz stations. I know there can be a stretch, but the point it, if you want to advertise something, know where you’re going to run the ad and match it to that audience.

Do the same if you’re marketing a ministry website. You’ve got a site for teens and you market the crazy look/feel on a retirement site? You’ve got a site for intellectual apologetics and you’re advertising a stiff ad on a site for pre-teens?

Yes, I’m using hyperbole. But you get the point. (note: I’ve not seen these examples in real life)