samedi 21 décembre 2013

Basics On Market Segmentation Strategy

By Eugenia Dickerson


Market segmentation strategy represents a major shift from the traditional ways of doing ways. It is a process of subdividing markets into smaller units that share some characteristics. This approach has been established to bear numerous advantages. The need to create segments has help tackle most of the problems that were encountered with the traditional business models. Many business entities have readily embraced the strategy.

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 a number of criteria that are used in creation of segments. Most commonly used criteria include the age, the gender and the preferences of various groups of customers. All these factors are important determinants of demand and supply of goods. Older customers are more conservative compared to the younger generation and the business needs to be aware of this as it provides goods and services.

Gender has always exerted great influence on demand and supply for goods and services. Men and women have tastes and preferences that widely vary. For instance, women are more aware of changes that take place in fashion and are more likely to conform. They also shop more regularly than their male counterparts. Having this information is very important for the producer.

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.

Another form of subdivision is the use of product or brand loyalty. It is important to know which customers are loyal to products and which ones are not. At the same time, there is need to establish the degree of loyalty; some are not as loyal as others. By identifying the groups of customers who are loyal it is possible to identify ways in which to reward them and to retain them. For those who are not so loyal ways of improving the loyalty can be identified.

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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