Components of a Strategy Statement
The strategy statement of a firm sets the firm’s long-term strategic direction and broad policy directions. It gives the firm a clear sense of direction and a blueprint for the firm’s activities for the upcoming years. The main constituents of a strategic statement are as follows: Strategic Intent An organization’s strategic intent is the purpose […]
Data Analysis and Compilation
After gathering the information from desk and field research the raw data must be compiled so that the taxonomic analysis can be performed and data can be broken up into respective parts and segments. This can be achieved in the following manner: Keeping on revisiting and focusing on the ultimate objective of the research and […]
The Practice of Corporate Governance is as Important as Social Responsibility
In previous articles, we have seen how CSR is practiced by companies and how the present times with their myriad challenges need companies to be socially and environmentally responsible. In this article, we look at how companies first need to shore up their internal governance mechanisms before turning to the outside world to display their […]
What is Brand Image? – Meaning and its Concept
Brand image is the current view of the customers about a brand. It can be defined as a unique bundle of associations within the minds of target customers. It signifies what the brand presently stands for. It is a set of beliefs held about a specific brand. In short, it is nothing but the consumers’ […]
Marketing Strategies for the Age of Consumer Fragmentation and the Age of Digital
The Fragmentation of the Consumer Segments and the Rise of Hyper Personalization We live in the Age of Fragmentation where consumer markets are so niche and granular that conventional marketing strategies are ineffective. Everywhere we look around us, we find that consumer markets are no longer monoliths or can be classified into broad Demographic, Regional, […]
Consumer Behaviour refers to the study of buying tendencies of consumers.
An individual who goes for shopping does not necessarily end up buying products.
There are several stages a consumer goes through before he finally picks up things available in the market.
Various factors, be it cultural, social, personal or psychological influence the buying decision of individuals.
Marketers need to understand the buying behaviour of consumers for their products to do well. It is really important for marketers to understand what prompts a consumer to purchase a particular product and what stops him from buying.
The psychology of consumers (what they feel about a particular product and their brand on the whole).
How consumers are influenced by their immediate surroundings, family members, friends, co workers and so on.
A marketer needs to first identify his target consumers and understand their lifestyles, psychologies, income, spending capabilities, mentalities to offer them the right product.
Individuals from lower income group would never be interested in buying expensive and luxurious products. He would first fulfill his basic physiological needs like food, air, water etc. Trying to sell a Mercedes or a Rado watch to someone who finds it difficult to make ends meet would definitely be a disaster.
Kellogg’s K special would hardly find any takers in the low income group. In this segment, individuals would be more interested in buying fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses which are necessary for their survival rather than spending on health supplements.
It is really essential for the marketers to understand the needs of consumers. Find out what they are actually looking for?
There are ideally two different ways which enable marketers to understand their consumers.
Primary Research - Primary Research refers to a research methodology where marketers interact with consumers directly and gather as much information as they can. Information is generally collected through surveys, questionnaires, feedback forms, interviews etc.
Secondary Research - Secondary Research often refers to relying on information which has been collected by others at some point of time.
The background and family status of an individual also influence his/her buying behaviour.
Selling a laptop to an individual who is not much educated would be pointless. Remember consumers would show interest in your products only if they are of any use to them or their immediate family members. A low grade worker would never be interested in purchasing business suits or formal shirts.
Canned juices are a hit among middle and higher income group where individuals are really conscious about their health and fitness. Individuals who live hand to mouth would never spend on sugar free tablets, health supplements, or for that matter “Diet Coke”.
It is also important to give complete information to end-users. Do not hide anything from them. It is not ethical. All tobacco products come with a warning. Individuals should be familiar with not only the benefits but also the side effects of the products.
Marketers must also take into account:
Funky designs, loud colours would be a hit among teenagers whereas middle aged and elderly people would prefer subtle colours and sophisticated designs.
Salwar Suits are extremely popular in North India whereas females prefer saris and skirt blouses in eastern and southern parts of India.
Individuals from posh localities and good jobs would show keen interest towards buying exclusive and unique products as compared to individuals who do not come from an affluent background.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
