Market Segmentation
To develop a successful marketing strategy, it is important to identify the appropriate consumer segments. There are four steps you should perform to conduct the market segmentation process effectively.
Step 1: Identify segmented markets
The first step of the market segmentation process is to identify the segmented markets. It is important to select the segmenting strategy that most accurately categorizes consumers according to your product or service.
For example, suppose that your company manufactures infant safety seats. The decision to use the age-oriented strategy to segment the market may not be effective because people become parents at different ages. Promotions and advertising directed toward twenty-something parents may not appeal to older couples with children.
Step 2: Analyze each segment
Step two of the market segmentation process is to analyze each segment. After identifying potential market segments, it is important to research and analyze the consumers that comprise each segment. You must determine the similarities that connect the members of each segment, and identify the differences that separate one segment from another.
During the analyzing step, you should outline the buying habits, product usage rates, attitudes, and lifestyle choices that represent a typical customer in each segment. Demographic and geographic information will provide a clear customer profile to help you determine the market segment best suited for your product or service.
Step 3: Evaluate market opportunities
The third step of the process is to evaluate your market opportunities. The customer profiles you create help you identify the market segments that offer the sufficient benefits you need to achieve company goals and objectives.
When evaluating each segment, you should consider your ability to reach the targeted consumer, the number of potential customers within the segment, your ability to measure the segment's progress, and the segment's
Step 1: Identify segmented markets
The first step of the market segmentation process is to identify the segmented markets. It is important to select the segmenting strategy that most accurately categorizes consumers according to your product or service.
For example, suppose that your company manufactures infant safety seats. The decision to use the age-oriented strategy to segment the market may not be effective because people become parents at different ages. Promotions and advertising directed toward twenty-something parents may not appeal to older couples with children.
Step 2: Analyze each segment
Step two of the market segmentation process is to analyze each segment. After identifying potential market segments, it is important to research and analyze the consumers that comprise each segment. You must determine the similarities that connect the members of each segment, and identify the differences that separate one segment from another.
During the analyzing step, you should outline the buying habits, product usage rates, attitudes, and lifestyle choices that represent a typical customer in each segment. Demographic and geographic information will provide a clear customer profile to help you determine the market segment best suited for your product or service.
Step 3: Evaluate market opportunities
The third step of the process is to evaluate your market opportunities. The customer profiles you create help you identify the market segments that offer the sufficient benefits you need to achieve company goals and objectives.
When evaluating each segment, you should consider your ability to reach the targeted consumer, the number of potential customers within the segment, your ability to measure the segment's progress, and the segment's