What do we call a semi-fictional profile that represents an ideal customer?

A semi-fictional profile that represents an ideal customer is referred to as a user persona. User personas are created based on market research and real data about existing customers, along with hypothetical characteristics that represent the target audience. They include demographic information, behaviors, motivations, and goals of the ideal customer, helping businesses understand their audience more deeply.

Creating user personas is essential for developing targeted marketing strategies, product design decisions, and customer engagement methodologies. By empathizing with these personas, businesses are better equipped to tailor their offerings and communication strategies to address the specific needs and preferences of their ideal customers.

In contrast, a customer journey maps the steps that customers go through when interacting with a product or service, focusing on their experiences rather than their characteristics. An early adopter refers to a segment of customers who are among the first to use a new product, while a prototype is an early sample or model of a proposed product used for testing and development. Each of these concepts serves a different purpose and context in business strategy and product development.