Was ist Market Segmentation?

Segmentation typically operates across four dimensions. Demographic segmentation divides markets by age, gender, income, education, occupation, or company size (for B2B, this is firmographic: industry, employee count, revenue). Geographic segmentation targets by location — country, region, city, climate zone, or urban vs. rural. Psychographic segmentation groups customers by values, lifestyle, personality, interests, or attitudes — often the most powerful but hardest to measure. Behavioral segmentation divides by purchase behavior, usage patterns, benefit sought, loyalty status, or stage in the buying journey.

For B2B companies, segmentation often begins with an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP): a detailed description of the company type (industry, size, growth stage, tech stack, buying process) that is best served by your product and most likely to buy, retain, and expand. For B2C companies, segmentation often produces customer personas — composite representations of distinct customer types with different needs, behaviors, and decision drivers. Both tools translate market complexity into actionable targeting decisions.

Segmentation directly improves marketing efficiency: different segments respond to different channels, messages, pricing, and product features. A healthcare software company messaging a hospital administrator versus a solo-practice physician needs entirely different content, proof points, and channels — treating them as one segment produces watered-down messaging that resonates with neither. Advanced segmentation also powers personalization at scale: email platforms, ad networks, and CRM systems all enable segment-specific experiences that increase conversion and retention.