Final answer:
Marketers should ask about demographics, market power, product similarity, competition dynamics, and consumer behavior to identify customer similarities and differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The questions that a marketer should ask in order to identify customer similarities and differences involve a strategic examination of the market and consumer behavior. Key considerations include asking about the demographics, such as age, gender, and income level, which provide insight into who the customers are. Additionally, assessing the market power of each firm in the industry can reveal how influence and control over the market could affect consumer choices. It is also essential to consider how similar a firm's product is to those of other firms, which can influence consumer perception and purchasing decisions.
Competition dynamics such as whether firms compete on price, advertising, or other product differences is another critical factor. Marketers may look into the entry barriers for new firms, as this impacts market competition and availability of options to consumers. Finally, understanding consumer behavior, such as preferences, purchasing patterns, and reactions to marketing campaigns or events (like a political debate), can provide a comprehensive view of how consumers make decisions and what influences them the most.
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