Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning (STP) Marketing
What is STP Marketing?
STP marketing stands for Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning. A marketing method for the modern day, it is a three-way model that is driven by segmenting not just the market but also your customers and then targeting them with content.
The STP model is all about developing and delivering personalized and relevant messages to engage with different audiences at different levels. An essential part of STP marketing is the drawing up of personas and communicating to each of these personas at a tactical communication level.
1. Segmentation
Segmentation is the process of splitting a large consumer or corporate market into subgroups of consumers based on some common features.
Key Segmentation Types:
- Demographic: Age, gender, income, education, occupation.
- Geographic: Country, region, city, neighbourhood.
- Psychographic: Lifestyle, values, interests, attitudes.
- Behavioural: Buying habits, brand loyalty, user status, benefits sought.
2. Targeting
This involves selecting the segments that the company can serve most effectively and efficiently.
Strategies:
- Undifferentiated (Mass) Marketing: One strategy for the entire market.
- Differentiated (Segmented) Marketing: Different strategies for different segments.
- Concentrated (Niche) Marketing: Focusing on a single segment.
- Micromarketing: tailoring products to suit specific individuals or locations.
3. Positioning
Positioning is about creating a unique, desirable place in the minds of the target customers compared to the competition.
Steps to Positioning:
- Identify Differentiation Points: What makes your product unique?
- Select a Positioning Strategy: Decide how you want to be perceived.
- Craft a Positioning Statement: A clear message that communicates the value of your product to the target market.
What are the Benefits of STP Marketing?
- Increased Efficiency: Focused marketing efforts on specific segments.
- Better Customer Insights: Understand and meet the specific needs of different groups.
- Competitive Advantage: Stand out by creating a unique value proposition.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Tailored marketing leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Implementing STP
- Conduct Market Research: Gather data on consumer needs and preferences.
- Segment the Market: Use the gathered data to create distinct customer segments.
- Evaluate and Select Targets: Choose the most attractive segments to focus on.
- Develop a Positioning Strategy: define how you will position your product in the selected segments.
- Execute and Monitor: Implement the strategy and monitor its performance, adjusting as needed.
Importance of STP Marketing
- Enhanced Customer Insights: Understand diverse needs, preferences, and behaviours.
- Increased Marketing Efficiency: Allocate resources effectively and reduce waste.
- Competitive Advantage: Create a unique value proposition and differentiate from competitors.
- Better Product Development: Develop customer-centric products and drive innovation.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Ensure relevant offers and enhance the overall customer experience.
- Effective Communication: Create clear, consistent, and compelling messages.
- Strategic Focus: Align marketing strategies with business objectives and uncover growth opportunities.