Liao Shihs Theory of Market Segmentation
Consumer behavior has long been a major focus of marketing research. Market segmentation has been widely studied by different marketing theorists, including Liao Shih, who proposed his Theory of Market Segmentation in the late 1970s. Liao Shihs theory focused on the differences between consumers and their varying needs when it comes to product selection. This article will provide an overview of Liao Shihs Theory of Market Segmentation, including its goals, key concepts, and applications.
Liao Shihs Theory of Market Segmentation has two main goals. The first goal is to identify and determine which needs are of greater importance to different market segments. The second goal is to choose marketing strategies that can best satisfy the needs of different market segments. To accomplish these goals, the theory proposes several key concepts.
The first key concept is the establishment of market segments. Based on the differences in consumer needs, Liao Shih proposed that markets can be segmented into distinct groups that can be appropriately targeted with different marketing strategies. The second key concept is the recognition of different levels of need. Liao Shih argued that consumers may have multiple needs, ranging from basic needs to more sophisticated needs. It is important to recognize these different levels so that the appropriate strategies can be used to target different market segments.
The third key concept is the identification of appropriate marketing strategies. Liao Shih proposed that different strategies should be used to target different market segments. For example, more sophisticated needs may require higher-quality products and services, which can be addressed through a more expensive marketing campaign. Alternatively, for market segments with less sophisticated needs, lower-cost strategies may be more appropriate.
Finally, Liao Shihs Theory of Market Segmentation provides specific guidelines for the effective application of the theory. The guidelines suggest that marketers should look for similarities across different market segments and then develop their approaches accordingly. The guidelines also suggest that market segmentation should be clearly understood so that appropriate marketing strategies can be developed.
Liao Shihs Theory of Market Segmentation has been widely used by marketing professionals to identify and target different market segments. By recognizing the different needs of each segment, marketers can develop effective strategies to satisfy the needs of each segment. This theory can also be helpful in gauging the effectiveness of different marketing strategies and making sure that the right strategies are being applied for each market segment. Furthermore, by following the guidelines outlined in the theory, marketers can ensure that their campaigns are well-thought-out and able to effectively address the needs of different market segments.