How to Write “Golden Questions” for Market Segmentation (2024)

Golden questions are questions used to allocate people to segments. They are also known as self-selection questions.

The main applications of golden questions are:

  • Asdiscovery questionsin a sales scenario (e.g., a salesperson may be trained to ask a few questions, which allows them to work out the segment somebody is in)
  • When collecting data in sign-up forms (e.g., industry, firm size)
  • When screening people to participate in market research studies

There are three basic approaches to creating golden questions: use judgment to write a single question; use judgment to write a set of questions; use machine learning to select the golden questions from a larger set of questions.

Example of a judgment-based golden question

The most straightforward approach to writing a golden question is to theorize about relevant segments, and write one or a small number of questions that allow consumers to select which segment they are in. For example, in the 1990s Microsoft segmented people according to their attitude to technology using the following question:

Whichoneof the following phrases best describes you and your attitude towards technology in general?

I love technology, I spend a lot of time reading up on new developments and trying new things

I like to try and keep up with technology but usually need someone to help me or explain things

I accept technological developments but don’t really get a buzz out of them

I feel behind when it comes to technology but am open to learn more about it

I find the whole idea of new technology a bit daunting at times

I think the world would be a better place without technological change

Example of a set of judgment-based questions

Sometimes it can be faster and easier to ask multiple questions. The diagram below shows how McKinsey has historically measured life stage:

How to Write “Golden Questions” for Market Segmentation (1)

Empirical approaches

Empirical approaches proceed in two stages. First, asegmentation algorithm,such ask-means cluster analysisorlatent class analysisis used to form segments using all the relevant variables. Then, a machine learning or statistical tool, such aslinear discriminant analysisorrandom forestis used to identify the golden questions. Empirical approaches always involve making a trade off between the accuracy of the model versus the number of golden questions (fewer golden questions mean less accuracy).

How to Write “Golden Questions” for Market Segmentation (2024)

FAQs

How to write a market segmentation? ›

How to do market segmentation
  1. Define your overall market. ...
  2. Set market segmentation objectives. ...
  3. Set market segmentation variables. ...
  4. Assign variables to market segments. ...
  5. Make sure each segment is viable. ...
  6. Create a profile for your segments. ...
  7. Geographic segmentation. ...
  8. Psychographic segmentation.
Sep 5, 2023

What are the 4 types of segmentation group of answer choices? ›

There are four key types of market segmentation that you should be aware of, which include demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioral segmentations.

What are the 5 requirements for effective market segmentation? ›

Essential Factors in Effective Market Segmentation
  • Accessible.
  • Differentiable.
  • Actionable.
  • Measurable.
  • Substantial.
Jan 25, 2023

What is the best method of segmenting a market justify your answer? ›

The demographic approach is one of the simplest and most commonly used types of market segmentation because the products and services we buy, how we use those products, and how much we are willing to spend on them is most often based on demographic factors.

What is an example of a market segmentation analysis? ›

The most common example of segmenting customers is doing so based on assessing characteristics or demographics and creating customer groups based on the attributes they share. For instance, customers over the age of 50 might be buying your products for reasons that are far different from those under the age of 25.

What is a sentence for market segments? ›

Moreover, large companies mostly focus on big market segments, thus missing interesting growth opportunities. However, it adds that this could happen 'to an uneven degree across market segments'. Individual recordings could be broken down and sold, moment by moment, to different market segments.

What are the 4 P's of marketing segmentation? ›

The 4 Ps of marketing are a collection of four essential elements of a marketing campaign — namely product, price, promotion, and place. Also known as “the marketing mix,” the 4 Ps collectively create a framework for organizing and planning a marketing strategy for a product or service.

What are the 4 P's of marketing? ›

The four Ps of marketing—product, price, place, promotion—are often referred to as the marketing mix. These are the key elements involved in planning and marketing a product or service, and they interact significantly with each other.

What two questions should you answer affirmatively before you proceed with segmentation? ›

Which two questions should you answer affirmatively before you proceed with segmentation? - Is segmentation possible? -Would segmentation be worth doing?

How do you evaluate and select market segments? ›

Evaluating Market Segments: When evaluating different market segments, a firm must look at three factors: segment size and growth, segment structural attractiveness, and company objectives and resources.

What is an example of measurable segmentation? ›

Measurable: Measurable means that your segmentation variables are directly related to purchasing a product. You should be able to calculate or estimate how much your segment will spend on your product. For example, one of your segments may be made up of people who are more likely to shop during a promotion or sale.

What are six criteria to consider in choosing your target market? ›

A market worth targeting has the following characteristics: (1) It's sizeable enough to be profitable, given your operating costs; (2) it's growing; (3) it's not already swamped by competitors, or you have found a way to stand out in the crowd; (4) it's accessible, or you can find a way to reach it; (5) you have the ...

What are the two major segmentation strategies? ›

The two major segmentation strategies followed by marketing organizations are concentration strategy and multi-segment strategy. Segmentation of a market to reach a target consumer base can be done by defining consumers in terms of geographic, demographic, psychographic, and behavioral characteristics.

Which three factors should a marketer consider when forming market segments? ›

Corporations and marketing teams use various criteria to develop target markets for their products and services. The criteria for a market segment include hom*ogeneity among the segment's main needs, uniqueness, and a common reaction to marketing tactics.

What are the three main marketing strategies that arise from segmentation? ›

That is, recognising that different groups of customers have different needs and therefore need to be targeted with a specific marketing plan. Therefore, segmentation is a vital component of any successful marketing strategy. Segmentation can be approached in three main ways: firmographic, behavioural and needs-based.

What are the 4 parts of market segmentation? ›

Market segmentation is the process of dividing the market into subsets of customers who share common characteristics. The four pillars of segmentation marketers use to define their ideal customer profile (ICP) are demographic, psychographic, geographic and behavioral.

What are the 4 steps of market segmentation? ›

The 4 critical stages of your market segmentation plan [Checklist...
  • Objective setting. This stage involves: ...
  • Identify customer segments. This stage involves: ...
  • Develop segmentation strategy. This stage involves: ...
  • Execute launch plan. This stage involves:
Mar 12, 2024

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