Basics On Market Segmentation Strategy

By Eugenia Dickerson


Market segmentation strategy is a way of dividing a large market into smaller units. The units share among them some common characteristics. The use of this strategy is a growing trend that has been continually adopted by many business entities. By creating these segments, it is easier to address the specific needs of each consumer or group of consumers. In the end the consumer is happy and the returns are higher for the business.

For one to divide the market into the said units, they first need to conduct research. The research will help identify the exact needs of the customers and how best their needs can be addressed. It will also help the business in determining the criteria that can be used in creating the segments. Market research may take days, weeks or months depending on how large the market is.

There are many ways that can be used to collect the required information. Some of the research tools that can be used include email surveys, questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews among others. The information that is targeted includes bio data, geographical location, personal preferences and so on. Customers that give similar responses are put into the same groups so that their needs can be addressed in the same way.

There are several criteria that can be used in the creation of segments. The most commonly used characteristics include gender, age, tastes and geographical location. The difference is age is an important determinant of demand for goods and services. In general, the elderly tend to be conservative while the young are more likely to accept changes. When producing goods and services it is important to have this in mind.

Gender bears great influence on the market as well. Men and women demand different goods and respond differently to changes in the market. While women are more likely to be aware of changes in fashion, men tend to be more conservative. Women are also more regular shoppers than women world over. The business should therefore ensure that this is taken into account when designing various goods and services.

Behavioural segmenting is done based on the knowledge of patients as related to the use of goods and services. Seasonal buying is a behaviour that affects many varied goods and services. The demand for some goods is high on some occasions or seasons and reduces once the occasion passes. For instance, Christian gifts enjoy increased demand during Christmas and Easter. The producer needs to factor this into the production process.

Behavioural segmenting is also done based on product loyalty. The customers are classified into different groups depending on the degree of loyalty. Those that are most loyal should ideally be rewarded so as to encourage them. Factors that are contributing to lack of loyalty should be identified and dealt with.

Market segmentation strategy ensures that both the producer and the consumer are happy. This happens because the specific demands of consumers are identified and dealt with and when the consumers feel that their demands are well addressed, they are ready to spend and the business gets good returns. This is very different from the traditional approach where customers were placed into a single heterogeneous group.




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