Even if the writer knows personally the target audience,

• researching the target audience is often useful.

The Audience the Writer Knows (Personally)

Though the writer may know the target audience personally,

• interviewing the target audience on the specific topic (of a particular instance of writing) can often provide insights the writer can use to write more effectively.

The Audience the Writer Doesn't Know (Personally)

If the writer does not research this target audience, then how will the writer know:

• the things valued by the target audience (of a particular instance of writing)?
• the best audience forum for connecting with the target audience (of a particular instance of writing),
• the appropriate discourse conventions to use for the target audience (of a particular instance of writing)?

Researching the Target Audience