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"We believe that a company needs to break both its existing and potential customer base market into smaller segments of 'similar' customers, and tailor its campaigns to each of these segments," says Knowledge Factory catalyst Geraldine Mitchley.
Analysts and marketers of blue chip companies around the globe will tell you that customer segmentation is a great tool for understanding customers and connecting with them, but few companies do it effectively or can boast much success.
This may be because they haven't thought through the types of segments that would best serve their objectives, or perhaps it is because the logistics involved in accurately segmenting their customer base are simply overwhelming.
Mitchley believes that smart customer segmentation involves:
"We need to move back to basics when looking at the prerequisites for market segmentation," continues Mitchley:
The ultimate goal of good segmentation is to understand both prospective and current customers thoroughly, in order to provide them with a product/service/value offering that they simply cannot refuse - because it meets their specific needs in a manner that makes them feel good about doing business with you.
Then repeat the process again and again, until your relationship transcends mere convenience and your customers begin to trust you to anticipate and fulfil their needs, wants and desires - time and time again.