Better Business: Top tips on segmentation

“If you’re not thinking about segments, you’re not thinking,” said former Harvard Business School professor Theodore Levitt. Business consultant Steve Billingham puts the theory to the test…

clock

"If you're not thinking about segments, you're not thinking," said former Harvard Business School professor Theodore Levitt. Business consultant Steve Billingham puts the theory to the test…

Endless column inches have been devoted to ‘segmentation' over the last couple of years as advisers have wrestled with the challenges of identifying their most profitable client segments, or niche, and the prospect of disengaging sensitively and compliantly with lower value clients. Client segments can be as broadly or as narrowly defined you wish. Males are a segment. But so are blond, left-handed females under age 30 who live in Guildford and drive Volvos. As this example suggests, segmentation can, to quote Tony Putman, the marketing guru and author, "be an endless exercise in acco...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Higher proof-of-value demands and operational challenges keep private markets on margins of UK advice portfolios

Sahar Nazir
clock 19 December 2025 • 9 min read
Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Business development exec Lawrence Patrick joined charity The Mehiel Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 19 December 2025 • 1 min read
Why human connection remains central in a digitally enabled advice sector

Why human connection remains central in a digitally enabled advice sector

'It is clear that the sector is moving through a significant period of transformation'

Tim Riseborough
clock 17 December 2025 • 3 min read