My suggestion is to start by defining your targeted audience and ensure you know them well. Time spent learning about your target audience will pay off in many ways.
To start with, your research will provide names of easy-to-find members of that target audience who can provide invaluable feedback on your next-to-final draft prior to publishing.
From a book selling standpoint—regardless of whether you are self-publishing or even using an established publisher—you can sell books directly to members of your target audience and receive most or all of selling price for each book sold. As the writer, you can reach out to them instead of waiting for these targeted readers to purchase online or in a bookstore.
Having a targeted audience makes it a lot easier for you to promote your book. You may want to speak directly to groups which besides publicizing your book and selling copies, also opens doors for many opportunities from other speaking engagements to sponsor relationships.
A targeted audience provides a great opportunity for you!
