The rural market poses a unique challenge with its complex structure, resembling pyramids within pyramids. Understanding the diverse consumer base and identifying the right prospects becomes the key to success in this market. One approach to identifying consumers is through land holding, but it's crucial to consider crop patterns as well.
Cash crop regions generally have greater purchasing power compared to areas focused on field crops or traditional agriculture. Another important factor is the level of awareness and knowledge among the consumers.
Rural areas also contain industrial hubs that bring improved purchasing power due to employment opportunities. Educated regions tend to be more brand-conscious. Women empowerment has emerged as a significant driver of rural growth. The internet boom and the influence of mass media, particularly local newspapers and magazines, play a pivotal role in transforming mindsets. Therefore, thorough analysis of these factors is vital before identifying potential prospects.
The nature of the product or service being offered also plays a critical role. It's important to note that the rural market exhibits a diverse range of responses to marketing efforts. Consequently, marketers need to tailor a specific marketing mix for the rural segments. In approaching the rural market, a marketing manager has three options: 1. Designing a marketing program that targets all customer types, creating a program specifically for rural customers, ordeveloping a program that resonates with rural customers while incorporating a global perspective.
Identification Done on Land Holding Basis
Land ownership plays a significant role in identifying customers within the rural market. In each village, approximately 70% of the land is owned by just 30% of the famillies. These farmers or families, who constitute the 30%, stand out due to their education and are heavily influenced by urbanization. They aspire to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and follow global trends. Their children attend the best schools in the area, and some even study in renowned schools across India. Moreover, these families hold considerable sway over local political activities and possess more resources than the urban middle class. They own large-scale agricultural machinery, top-notch tractors, luxury cars, and spacious houses. As a result, luxury brands across various sectors specifically target them. The educated women in these families are also fashion-conscious, keeping up with the latest trends and shopping for high-quality clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
The remaining 70% of the rural population looks up to these influential families and strives to emulate them. However, due to their economic circumstances, they must settle for less prestigious brands to satisfy their egos. The introduction of small sachet sales by major FMCG brands has been a game-changer for them, as it has made these products affordable. The growing sales of beauty creams in these areas indicate an increasing awareness and importance placed on beauty and grooming. Families with smaller land holdings are exploring agricultural innovations, while those without land are seeking employment opportunities in nearby towns after completing their education.
Identifying customers based on land ownership proves beneficial for various-industries, including agro-input companies, luxury brands, apparel manufactures, insurance companies, tractor manufactures, automobile industry, and more.
