What Is Market Segmentation? Definition and Guide

What is market segmentation?

Key Points

  1. Market segmentation is the process of dividing a target market into groups and subgroups.
  2. Segmentation allows for tailored sales campaigns and marketing strategies aimed at specific groups.
  3. Identifying previously unserved demographics can lead to growth and development of suitable marketing strategies.

Learn more about the benefits of market segmentation and how it can help your business thrive!


Market segmentation is the dividing of a firm’s target market into groups and subgroups. By segmenting the market the firm may then tailor sales campaigns andmarketing strategyso as to be specifically aimed at the identified groupings.

Market segmentation in action

As most businesses are unable to serve all the market, they must identify where they can best sell their products. A business, say a footwear retailer, will research their market for shoes. They will then segment the market into groupings such as:

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Income
  • Geographical area
  • Lifestyle

By segmenting the market the storeowner will then know what stock to carry in the store. If the immediate area is populated by females under 30 who work in financial services, they will stock smart, office-type shoes to attract sales. The management will devise adverts in local newspapers and radio, appealing to theirtarget audienceand may give the store a facelift too.

Benefits

In segmenting the market the store may also identify demographics previously not served by them or other stores. They may discover that there is a large population, possibly outside the immediate area, of retired, middle income males.

Now the store may stock suitable lines, target advertising in that area and do some leafleting via the mail. Identifying markets not already served is key to growth in any business.

By serving the market and doing it well, a business can build a relationship and a good name that is priceless as a marketing tool for the future.

ob欧宝娱乐app下载地址市场细分可以识别停的股票re bears little relation to the target area. The store will need to change lines or look beyond the area for sales. Early segmentation may help the business avoid many pitfalls, while also help to develop strategy suitable for the demographics of their market area.

Developing a portrait of a customer

A store will not be able to sell to everyone in the market. But good market segmentation helps paint an accurate portrait of potential customers. By keeping a mind’s eye picture of their customer, the marketing department can develop strategy to attract them to the store.

The storeowner too can streamline staff suitable to deal with customer type, as well as stock products in the store that will sell in the market. Market segmentation is the ideal way to break the market down and know what will sell the best in store.

Market Segmentation FAQ

What is market segmentation in simple words?

Market segmentation is the process of dividing up a market into different groups of customers who have similar needs and wants. It is used to help companies better target their products and services to the right people.

What are the 4 types of market segmentation?

  • Demographic: segmenting customers by age, gender, income, occupation, marital status, etc.
  • Geographic: segmenting customers by region, country, city, neighborhood, etc.
  • Psychographic: segmenting customers by lifestyle, values, interests, and opinions.
  • Behavioral: segmenting customers by buying habits, brand loyalty, usage frequency, etc.
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