Segmentation Research

Understand who your customers really are — and what sets them apart

Segmentation research tool for surveys
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What is segmentation research?

Segmentation research is the process of dividing your market into distinct groups of people based on shared attitudes, behaviors, needs, or values. Rather than treating your audience as one, segmentation gives you a clear picture of the different types of people who engage with your brand — and what motivates each of them.

Whether you're launching a new product, refining your messaging, or deciding where to invest, a well-built segmentation is one of the most durable assets an insights team can create.

What is segmentation research?

A grid question for robust segmentation studies

Say goodbye to outdated segmentation approaches

  • One-size-fits-all messaging that misses the mark with key audiences
  • Segments built on demographics alone, without behavioral or attitudinal depth
  • Research that's too slow to reflect how your market is actually shifting
  • Static segmentation reports that sit on a shelf instead of driving decisions

Why use Rival for segmentation?

Built for the way modern insight teams work, the Rival platform makes it easier to build richer, more actionable segments — faster.

Conversational, mobile-first survey design

Engage respondents naturally with a chat-based format and use mobile features like SMS notifications to drive longitudinal, iterative learning. 

Robust quant + multimedia depth

In addition to robust quant capabilities (including grids), Rival lets you capture photos, videos, and open-ended responses — giving you a deeper understanding of your segments. 

Dynamic profile variables

Build rich respondent profiles and keep them current. As attitudes, behaviors, and preferences evolve, your participants' profile variables change over time — so your segments reflect who people are today, not who they were at the time of your last study.

Smart AI tooling + Thoughtfulness Scoring

Combine the power of AI and our Thoughtfulness scoring to probe deeper, and use our AI analysis features to uncover key themes, create video reels and more.

Flexible recruitment

Access your own insight community or tap into Rival Audiences — our proprietary panel — to reach the right respondents at scale.

Robust dashboards

Visualize segment profiles in real time with reporting tools designed to make findings easy to share and act on.

How companies use Rival for segmentation studies

SMB segmentation study conducted by a top market research firm

Understanding the needs of different business owners

To better serve SMBs with relevant offerings, a financial services company refreshes its customer segments through an ongoing research program powered by Rival Technologies.

Retail segmentation research using Rival Technologies

Connecting segmentation to a live community

A retail apparel brand embedded their segmentation framework into their Rival insight community, enabling them to track how segment behavior and attitudes shift over time — not just at a single point in time.

B2B segmentation - using Rival Technologies to understand IT decision makers and professionals

B2B segmentation to drive messaging and positioning

A leading tech company used the Rival platform to create dynamic segments of IT professionals and decision makers, enabling better decision making. 

Rival's segmentation capabilities support a wide variety of research initiatives, including:

  • Needs-based and attitudinal 
  • Behavioral and usage segmentations
  • Brand equity and positioning studies
  • Product and innovation targeting
  • Persona development and activation
  • Longitudinal tracking 

Get faster, deeper insights

40%
completion rate within the first hour
800%
richer insights compared to traditional open-ends
87%
completion rate

FAQs: Using Rival for segmentation

What business questions can segmentation research help me answer?

Segmentation helps you understand who your most valuable customers are, what drives their decisions, and how to reach them more effectively. It's foundational for messaging strategy, product development, portfolio decisions, and go-to-market planning.

What makes Rival's approach to segmentation different?

Rival combines conversational survey design with multimedia feedback and AI-powered analysis, giving you segments that are richer and more human than what traditional quantitative approaches produce. You can also connect your segmentation to an always-on insight community for ongoing validation.

What does the participant experience look like in a Rival segmentation study?

The Rival platform is designed to feel like a natural conversation, not a traditional survey. Participants engage through a chat-based interface that can include photos, video feedback, and rich open-ends — which means better data and less drop-off.

Can we collect photos or video feedback during an IHUT?

Yes. You can use your own database, an existing Rival insight community, or Rival Audiences — our proprietary panel — to source the right respondents for your study.

What service tiers are available for segmentation research?

Visit our pricing page to learn about our model, or reach out directly for a tailored quote.

What is your pricing like for IHUTs?

Check out our pricing page to learn about our model or reach out to us for more info! 

Who are the top segmentation market research companies today?

The best market research company depends on your business and research needs. 

If you want an agile DIY platform, Rival Technologies is a good option as well as more traditional software like Qualtrics and similar alternatives

If you want a market research company to do the full segmentation for you, Reach3 Insights  and Angus Reid are recognized as experts in the field. 

Useful resources

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Market Research
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Why Insight Communities

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Learn how Rival's conversational research platform can help.