Why knowing your audience is key: Lessons from Alice Cooper
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Posted: Thu 28th Nov 2024
When you're creating content — whether it's an online course, a video, or a blog post — it's easy to get wrapped up in what you want to say. But here’s the truth: if you don't focus on what your audience wants to hear, you'll miss the mark.
It doesn't matter how great your content is to you; if it doesn't resonate with them, it simply won't stick.
Disengaged viewers, low retention rates, lacklustre results — it all comes down to understanding this simple truth: your audience is the hero of your story, not you.
They are the ones who determine whether your content soars or sinks. If you can nail what they’re looking for, you’ll see them stick around, engage and keep coming back.
Lessons from Alice Cooper
The other day, I found myself filming an Alice Cooper gig. And I’ve got to tell you, there was something about it that left a lasting impression on me.
Here was Alice Cooper, well into his 70s, yet he delivered a show that was just as electric and outrageous as it was decades ago. He had every detail down to a fine art and it wasn’t by accident.
Picture this: incredible lighting, over-the-top stunts, a giant Frankenstein lumbering across the stage, Marie Antoinette’s ghost and thuggish minions wreaking havoc everywhere. Theatrics at their finest — and the crowd was absolutely eating it up. You could feel the energy as 3,500 people filled the Hammersmith Apollo for two nights, every seat taken, all eyes glued to the stage.
But it wasn't just the showmanship that struck me.
What really stood out was how precisely Alice Cooper understood his audience. There were no awkward ramblings between songs, no filler content — just pure, uninterrupted entertainment, crafted specifically for his fans.
He knew exactly what they wanted and he delivered it with no distractions, no frills. That’s why he sold out two nights, back to back.
It wasn’t just about nostalgia or a handful of classic hits. It was about delivering an experience that left his audience buzzing, feeling like they got exactly what they came for.
What does this mean for your content?
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creator, or a business owner, there's a powerful lesson to be learnt here – your audience has expectations.
If you want them to connect with you, engage with your content and come back for more, you need to understand what they truly want. Just like Alice Cooper knows his fans, you need to know your audience inside and out — what makes them tick, what they’re hungry for and what will keep them coming back.
When you craft content that's tuned into your audience's needs, it transforms from something they’re merely consuming into an experience that feels like it’s made just for them.
It’s that kind of connection that keeps them coming back again and again.
Key points to make your content stand out
1. Know what they’re looking for
Before you even begin creating, pause and ask yourself — what does your audience really want to gain from this? Is it entertainment, education, inspiration, or maybe a mix of all three?
The key here is to understand their desires before you start speaking. The more you align your message with their needs, the more powerful your connection will be.
2. Give them the experience they're craving
Think about Alice Cooper again. He’s not just up there strutting about; he’s giving his fans the spectacle they crave.
Your content needs to be the same — whether you're teaching a lesson, building a brand, or sharing insights, your audience isn’t looking for filler.
They want value, they want the best of you, and they want the experience that only you can deliver.
3. Finesse and refine
Alice Cooper’s show wasn’t some spontaneous jumble of effects — it was a crafted experience, fine-tuned over time.
Your content deserves the same treatment. Don’t settle for a rough draft — hone your work, take in feedback, tweak and adjust.
Each time you refine, you’re getting closer to delivering something that’s going to hit home with your audience.
Watch this webinar to uncover the ‘get-started’ kit you need in your video marketing journey:
4. Consistency builds trust
One of the reasons Alice Cooper fills venues is because his fans know what they’re going to get — he’s been consistent for decades.
In the same way, showing up regularly with valuable, audience-focused content builds trust.
Whether it’s a course, a blog post, or a weekly video, consistency keeps you in your audience’s minds. When they know what to expect and you deliver every time, they’ll stick around.
Take action: Create content your audience will love
Research your audience: It’s not enough to guess what your audience wants. Use surveys, direct feedback, social media polls and analytics to understand their challenges and desires. Knowing what makes your audience tick allows you to shape your content accordingly
Tailor your content: Be laser-focused in addressing your audience’s biggest challenges. Are they struggling with time management? Make that the heart of your content. Do they want inspiration to get started on a big project? Create something that helps them take that first step. Each piece should feel like it’s made for them
Test different approaches: Theatrics work for Alice Cooper’s crowd, but what works for your audience? Test different formats — videos, podcasts, quizzes, live Q&As — and don’t be afraid to experiment. Not every piece will be a home run, but with each swing, you learn more about what your audience loves.
Why this matters
It’s tempting to think that if you just put your heart into your content, people will find it, connect with it and love it. But the real magic happens when you put your audience at the centre.
Remember, your audience isn’t there just for you — they’re there because they have needs, questions and desires that they believe you can fulfil.
When you create content that resonates, that fills a gap, or that solves a problem, you’re not just another creator in the mix — you become someone they trust.
Someone they keep coming back to because they know you get them, you care about what they need and you’re willing to show up for them, consistently.
Stay connected and keep growing
Let's keep learning, refining and sharing — because when you give your audience what they want, we all win. Your audience is out there, eager to connect — now it’s time to deliver.
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