Extending dynamic segmentation with lead generation: A latent class Markov analysis of financial product portfolios

A recent development in marketing research concerns the incorporation of dynamics in consumer segmentation.This paper extends the latent class Markov model, a suitable technique for conducting dynamic segmentation, in order to facilitate lead generation.We demonstrate the application of the latent Markov model for these purposes using a database containing information on the ownership of twelve financial products and demographics for explaining (changes in) consumer product portfolios.Data were collected in four bi-yearly measurement waves in which a total of 7676 households participated.The proposed latent class Markov model defines dynamic segments on the basis of consumer product portfolios and shows the relationship between the dynamic segments and demographics.The paper demonstrates that the dynamic segmentation resulting from the latent class Markov model is applicable for lead generation.market segmentation;Markov chains;marketing;demography;measurement

Country and Consumer Segmentation: Multi-Level Latent Class Analysis of Financial Product Ownership

The financial services sector has internationalized over the last few decades.Important differences and similarities in financial behavior can be anticipated between both consumers within a particular country and those living in different countries.For companies in this market, the appropriate choice between strategic options and the resulting international performance may critically depend on the cross-national demand structure for the various financial products.Insight into country segments and international consumer segments based on domain-specific behavioral variables will therefore be of key strategic importance.We present a multi-level latent class framework for obtaining simultaneously such country and consumer segments.In an empirical study we apply this methodology to data on ownership of eight financial products.Information is available for fifteen European countries, with a sample size of about 1000 consumers per country.We find that both country segments and consumer segments are highly interpretable.Furthermore, consumer segmentation is related to demographic variables such as age and income.Our conclusions feature implications, both academic and managerial, and directions for future research.market segmentation;finance