Principles of Marketing
Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning

Overview

STP transforms broad markets into actionable customer groups. Marketers segment by meaningful variables, target the most attractive segments, and position offerings to occupy a distinct place in consumers’ minds.

Key Concepts

Step‑by‑Step Example

Scenario: GlideScoot wants to launch an electric scooter subscription in a metro area.

1 Segment → Commute distance data splits population into downtown dwellers, suburban commuters, and tourists.

2 Evaluate → Downtown dwellers show highest density and low car ownership — attractive.

3 Target → Use concentrated strategy on downtown segment for pilot phase.

4 Position → "Your fastest zero‑emission shortcut across downtown." Map against attributes (speed vs. eco impact) to ensure white space.

Final Answer: Focused targeting sharpens marketing spend; clear positioning differentiates GlideScoot from ride‑share bikes and cars.

Quick Tip

Validate segments with cluster analysis on CRM data—data‑driven personas prevent stereotyping.