How to Identify Your Ideal Client and the Real Problem You Solve

Dec 21

One of the biggest reasons marketing feels scattered is because many business owners are trying to speak to everyone.

When your audience feels broad, your message becomes vague. When your message is vague, it is harder for people to see themselves in it.

Clarity starts by narrowing your focus.

This does not mean turning people away. It means choosing to communicate intentionally.

A helpful place to start is by imagining your ideal client as a real person, not a demographic category.

Give them a name.
Picture their age.
Where do they live?
What stage of life are they in?
What does a typical day feel like for them?

Are they overwhelmed and busy?
Are they confident but stretched thin?
Are they excited about growth but unsure how to move forward?

This exercise is not about being rigid. It is about understanding who you are best equipped to help.

Once you have that person in mind, ask a deeper question. What is the real problem they are trying to solve?

Most people do not buy services because of features. They buy because they want something to change.

They want to feel more confident.
They want to feel less overwhelmed.
They want to feel proud of how they show up.
They want ease, clarity, or momentum.

A service is simply the vehicle.

A hairstylist is not just cutting hair. They are helping someone feel confident walking into a room. A photographer is not just delivering images. They are helping someone feel credible, visible, and comfortable being seen.

When you focus only on what you do, your messaging stays surface-level. When you understand why it matters to the person you serve, your message becomes meaningful.

This is where branding begins to resonate.

People connect with brands that understand them. When someone feels seen, they trust faster. When your brand reflects their struggle and their desired outcome, choosing you feels natural.

Identifying your ideal client and the real problem you solve is not about limiting your business. It is about creating clarity so your message can land.

Continue reading - HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR IDEAL CLIENT AND THE REAL PROBLEM YOU SOLVE

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Kim Bear

About Kim | Photographer at Still and Wild

If you live in or around Topeka, you’ve probably noticed how hard it is to find headshots that actually feel real. Most people end up with photos that look stiff, overly edited, or just not like them. That’s exactly why I started Still and Wild: to create portraits that feel like you on your best day.

I’m Kim Bear, a Topeka-based photographer who believes your headshot should work as hard as you do. I specialize in professional and creative headshots that help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across Topeka, Holton, and Northeast Kansas show up with confidence. My approach is relaxed, guided, and designed to help you look natural and self-assured in every photo.

When you book a session with me, it isn’t about forcing perfection. It’s about finding that spark, the mix of calm, confidence, and personality that makes people stop scrolling and say, “That’s who I want to work with.”

Why people choose Still and Wild

Most of my clients tell me the same thing: “I hate having my picture taken.” But by the end of their session, they’re relaxed, laughing, and usually saying, “That was actually fun.” I guide you every step of the way, from what to wear to how to pose, so your photos feel effortless, natural, and flattering.

I photograph headshots, personal branding portraits, and lifestyle images throughout Topeka, Holton, and nearby Kansas communities, blending modern studio lighting with lifestyle-inspired direction. The result is a polished but personal look that helps you stand out both online and in person.

What makes Still and Wild different

The experience at Still and Wild is personal from the very beginning. You’ll never be rushed through your session or posed like everyone else. Every session is customized to highlight who you are and what makes your story unique. My goal is to help you walk away with photos that feel like you, confident, approachable, and authentic.

After years behind the camera, I’ve learned how to use light, movement, and genuine connection to bring out your most natural expressions. Many people think they’re not photogenic, but what they really need is someone who understands how to guide them comfortably through the process. I know how to capture that perfect balance between professional and real so your headshots feel natural while still looking elevated.

And then there are the results. My clients use their photos to grow their businesses, attract better opportunities, and build stronger brands. I’ve worked with professionals across Topeka and the surrounding area who tell me their new photos changed how people respond to them online and how they feel about themselves. Whether you need a LinkedIn headshot, brand photography for your business, or a creative concept for your next project, I’ll help you create images that make people stop and pay attention.

Ready to look like the professional you already are?

Let’s create something that feels completely you.

Book your headshot session today and walk away with portraits that help you stand out online and in real life.

https://www.stillandwild.com