What term describes the intended market or readership of a publication, advertisement, or other message?

The term "target audience" is utilized to specify the particular group of consumers for whom a publication, advertisement, or message is intended. This concept encompasses the characteristics, needs, and interests of that specific audience, which helps marketers tailor their messages and campaigns effectively. By identifying and understanding the target audience, creators can design content that resonates with the audience’s preferences, ensuring that communication is both relevant and impactful.

Market segmentation refers to the process of dividing a broad consumer or business market into subsets of consumers who have common needs, interests, or priorities, but it does not directly denote the intended group for a specific message. The consumer base implies a larger category of individuals who purchase goods or services, while demographic profile focuses on statistical data about the population, including age, gender, income, and other characteristics. Although these terms are related to audience analysis, "target audience" is the specific term that directly relates to the intended recipients of a particular message or campaign.