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What is Audience Research?

This page overviews audience research, why we do it, and how it can help inform campaign creation. You will also learn how to create an audience, including an overview of channels and tools for collecting information.

Why Audience Research?

Audience research is understanding the people you're trying to reach with your campaign. It includes their needs, problems, beliefs, motivations—and, most importantly, how they feel about your issue.

Knowing your audience means you can: - Communicate in a way that connects with people. - Develop messaging that resonates and moves people to action. - Avoid assumptions and make evidence-based decisions.

Understanding your audience is important when we are working with limited resources. Effective messaging can make all the difference. Here’s how audience research helps:

  • More effective outreach: You’ll reach the right people in the right places with the right message.
  • Better engagement: Your audience will feel heard, which builds stronger loyalty and trust.
  • Time and resource savings: Avoid casting a wide net and focus on where it will most impact.

Step 1: Define Your Audience