Market mapping is a business strategy tool used to identify and analyze market opportunities. The phonetic transcription of this term is /ˈmɑːrkɪt ˈmæpɪŋ/. The first syllable, "MAR," is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by a soft "r" sound. The second syllable, "KET," is pronounced with a short "e" sound and a hard "t" sound. The final syllable, "MAPPING," is pronounced with a soft "a" sound, a "p" sound and a hard "ing" sound. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help with the correct pronunciation and spelling of the term.
Market mapping is a strategic tool used by businesses to understand the competitive landscape of a specific industry or market segment. It involves identifying and analyzing the position of different competitors and products in relation to one another based on key criteria. The purpose of market mapping is to visually represent and make sense of the relationships and dynamics between market players, allowing companies to better navigate the market, identify opportunities, and make informed business decisions.
The process of market mapping typically begins with defining the relevant market and segmenting it based on factors such as customer needs, demographics, or product attributes. Once the market is segmented, businesses can then identify key competitors within each segment and gather relevant data to evaluate their offerings, strengths, weaknesses, and market positions. This information is then plotted on a visual map or matrix, which provides a clear overview of the competitive landscape.
Market maps often include criteria such as price, quality, features, brand reputation, and customer satisfaction. The horizontal and vertical axes of the map are used to represent these criteria, allowing businesses to compare where each competitor stands in relation to the others. By analyzing the market map, businesses can identify gaps in the market, areas where they can differentiate themselves, or understand where they need improvements to stay competitive.
Overall, market mapping enables businesses to gain insights into the competitive dynamics of a specific market, helping them make informed decisions regarding positioning, differentiation, and strategy.
The word "market mapping" is a compound term comprised of two words: "market" and "mapping". Here is the etymology of each word:1. Market:
The word "market" originated from the Old English "mearcet", which means "a meeting or gathering of people for buying and selling goods". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "markata" and the Latin word "mercatus", both of which also refer to a marketplace or a trading place.2. Mapping:
The term "mapping" is derived from the verb "map", which came from the Middle English "mappen" or "mappe", originally referring to a representation or drawing of an area. It originated from the Old French "mapemonde" meaning "map of the world", which in turn can be traced back to the Medieval Latin "mappa" meaning "napkin" or "cloth".