Thursday, December 19, 2013

Important Information 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.

It is important to conduct research that will guide the process. Such research helps in the identification of the problems affecting the specific groups of consumers. It also comes up with ways of solving the identified problems. At the same time, the criteria that will be used in creating the segments are determined. This research may last days, weeks or months depending on the size of market.

Research can be conducted in various ways so as to create the segments. This may be done through telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews, email surveys and questionnaires. The research tools are created in a way that will help collect information such as personal information including, geographical location, tastes and preferences and bio data. Customers that give similar responses are placed into the same groups.

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 is a way of ensuring that demands of customers are met. It is a process that helps the business to identify the preferences of different consumer groups and how to meet them. It differs from the traditional methods of doing business in which the large pool of consumers was targeted as a whole. Most businesses report an improvement in sales after adoption of this strategy.




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