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How to implement STP process in your marketing strategy

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Updated on:
August 18, 2024
August 30, 2024
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STP is one of the most crucial marketing models that helps to define the marketing communication strategy and the product positioning strategies. Segmentation targeting and positioning commonly abbreviated as STP helps the marketers to put more focus on the audience. Firstly, market segmentation takes the large overall market and splits it into smaller, more homogeneous segments based on customer segmentation techniques. Market targeting also defines and describes key consumer groups. In the end, product positioning defines the place of the brand in the minds of the target consumers through digital promotion and other strategies.

Introduction to the STP process

The STP Process or Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning is a basic marketing model that is used in the accomplishment of audience-focused strategic marketing. It involves three key steps: The first of them is the division of global markets into more detailed customer segments which is called market segmentation. Market coverage is followed by market segmentation where specific markets are chosen to receive the marketing mix. Finally, a product positioning strategy is employed to develop a perception in the minds of the target market. This method simplifies the way of communication between the company and the customer and can be applied in both conventional and online marketing strategies. When done correctly, it also enhances the ability of organizations to reach out to the audience, organize their resources, and in the process raise profitability.

Definition of STP

The STP marketing model is an acronym derived from the first three letters of the model and they are Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning. It is a large concept derived from the audience-centered approach employed for developing a suitable marketing mix. The process begins with ‘segmentation’, a process that involves partitioning a large market into smaller markets of consumers (market segmentation) with similar needs or characteristics. Market targeting comes next where marketers determine among these segments, which of them are most likely to patronize their products or services. The final stage is ‘positioning’, whereby product placement is done in the market in a way that will make them fit the targeted group. This is done through the development of a product positioning strategy that steers the rest of the marketing communication including digital marketing.

Importance of STP in marketing strategy

STP or Segmentation, Targeting, or Positioning is one of the important concepts of the marketing mix. It is instrumental in the creation of a successful marketing model because it assists in the identification of market segments, the targeting of potential consumers, and the distinctive marketing of products. With segmentation, organizations can divide the market into categories using various customer segmentation methods. This audience segmentation information is then used by the digital marketing platforms to enhance the marketing communication and the marketing mix. The overall product positioning strategy fully supports the audience-centered perspective that adds value to the target consumers. The persistent implementation of STP marketing strategies, in the long run, contributes to business development and profiteering.

Deep dive into the STP process

The STP Process, or Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning is an important marketing model. Starting with Market Segmentation; markets are grouped into different segments of consumers. This process involves the use of customer segmentation approaches and concepts in audience segmentation.

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Following the process of market segmentation, the strategy goes to Market Targeting. Here, a more audience-focused approach is taken in a bid to identify the most appealing segments. After target audiences are defined, the Product Positioning Strategy is implemented. This entails the identification of a specific marketing communication strategy to change the perception of a brand or product in the eyes of prospective consumers relative to competitors. Marketing communications and digital marketing are two of the crucial elements used in the process of implementing STP marketing.

Segmentation: The first step of STP

The STP marketing model involves three major steps: The three fundamental concepts are segmentation, targeting, and positioning. The first operation which is segmentation involves separating a large market into smaller segments through the use of customer-segmentation techniques. This audience-centric perspective enhances the impact of your marketing communications by a very large margin.

Segmentation is therefore a significant component in the creation of a marketing mix and the marketing communication strategy in product positioning. It is a critical step in the process of digital marketing, which helps to achieve successful market targeting since businesses can adapt their marketing strategies to specific audiences. Audience targeting involves a process of classifying prospects based on some common factors such as needs or behavior. For this reason, when the principles of segmentation are properly applied, businesses can come up with the right product positioning and marketing strategies and ultimately have a better ROI. Here are a few things to note: 

  • The STP marketing model has three steps and they are segmentation, targeting and positioning segmentation is the process of dividing a market into subsets based on customer segmentation.
  • Marketing communication is improved and useful in coming up with a suitable marketing mix and product positioning strategy through segmentation.
  • Consumer segmentation divides the consumers into groups according to their requirements, attributes, or activities which enhances the marketing communication and raises the ratio of return on investment.

Targeting: The second step of STP

The second of the four stages of the STP marketing model is targeting which follows the process of market segmentation to define potential customers. It requires possibly figuring out which segments are more lucrative and serve the objectives of the company. Targeting can be useful when employing such tools as digital marketing, marketing mix, and the ways of customer segmentation. Targeting is not only about the selection of a segment but also about an understanding of the audience focus of each segment. Each of the selected segments will need a special type of marketing communications. Targeting therefore becomes central to the decision of the product positioning strategy.

Positioning: The final step of STP

The STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning) promoting model is a well-known marketing structure and positioning is the final and important step of this model. That is where your product positioning strategy is used and you employ the marketing mix to communicate your value proposition. This approach is directly related to the two first steps of the STP process, namely market segmentation and market targeting. Marketing communication is another area that is helped by the positioning strategy particularly when engaging in digital marketing. A good positioning will assist in developing a unique image that will be associated with the product by the targeted public.

Understanding market segmentation

Market segmentation is one of the principles of the marketing mix strategy that can be remembered by the acronym STP, which stands for Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning. It is the process of partitioning a large market into smaller groups of consumers based on their wants and similarities. These divisions are usually done with the help of customer segmentation techniques to give rise to a more audience-oriented strategy. After the process of segmentation, the right marketing mix is applied per the product positioning strategy. Therefore, positioning is also significant in marketing communications and digital marketing. It is the process of developing, maintaining, and communicating a clear, distinct, and recognizable image of a brand in the eyes of the customer. Some of the strategic approaches in this respect involve market coverage and audience partitioning.

Types of market segmentation

Market segmentation, therefore, is a basic function that goes into any marketing model. This appears in different forms including geographic segmentation, demographic segmentation, psychographic segmentation, and behavioral segmentation. This primarily entails the concepts of STP; segmentation, targeting, and positioning which enables organizations to market their products in a way that targets a specific audience or group. All of these customer segmentation techniques have a ‘touch point’ with the marketing mix, especially about the positioning strategy of the product. The goal is to develop precise marketing communication for the identified segment of consumers. This is especially important in the digital marketing world where there is a variety of audience segmentation.

Benefits of market segmentation

Market segmentation is seen to have many advantages when applied to any marketing model. This means that when market targeting is done effectively, marketing communications can be made more specific, and relevant to the intended audience, thus increasing customer satisfaction.

By carefully defining the strategies for targeting customers, organizations can properly align the marketing mix and achieve a higher efficiency of their digital marketing strategies, as well as enhance the ROI. Also, it is easier to employ market segmentation when it comes to product positioning since the various businesses can differentiate themselves to suit their preferred customer groups. Keep in mind the following things: 

  • Market segmentation applies selective marketing communication, and target audience-oriented, thus improving customer satisfaction.
  • Customer targeting is more refined and assists in the promotion of digital advertising and turn improves overall advertising revenue return.
  • Strategies of positioning should be able to differentiate business in the marketplace and target the most desirable customer segment.

Targeting in the STP process

Targeting is the subsequent process to market segmentation in the STP marketing model. It entails identifying which part of the market can be served by a firm’s product or service in the best manner. It is also the point at which the marketing mix starts to be defined, as the company is faced with the necessity to examine its target from the point of view of four Ps: price, product, promotion, and place.

There are various ways through which targeting strategies can be created, which include the following segmentation techniques: Demographic Segmentation, Behavioral Segmentation, and Psychographic Segmentation. A good targeting strategy will employ a product positioning strategy to position the brand or product correctly in the minds of the consumers. This audience-centered approach is particularly relevant in contemporary digital marketing as it lets brands adapt their marketing messages.

Criteria for effective targeting

The following are three pertinent market targeting factors that can be used. There are several benefits in applying a concise marketing model, for example, it can help to guarantee that your product or service offering will meet the desires of the chosen segment. Also, the tools of the marketing mix, the 4Ps (Product, Price, Promotion, Place) can be useful to develop a concise and compelling product positioning scheme. 

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In addition, market segmentation knowledge is crucial; so, there are successful customer segmentation techniques. This can be done through the employment of electronic commerce and online marketing tools and strategies that are customer-oriented. Complying with these criteria makes it possible to make effective marketing communications that place you accurately within the aimed niche market. Last but not least, knowledge about STP marketing (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning) is another key factor that helps in the segmentation of the desired audience and thus helps in the right positioning of the product in the market.

Strategies for target market selection

Accurate STP marketing which means Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning is not difficult to achieve, but requires a thorough understanding of the concept. The first step is market segmentation to be able to determine the various subgroups in the market and then a selective market targeting is done to be able to identify the most potential segments. 

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Last but not least; the last strategic area that should not be overlooked is to design a potent product positioning strategy that should complement the overall marketing mix. This strategy should be capable of providing some special advantages and should not be similar to other strategies of competitors. The selection process should make the best use of online marketing and target group approach to the target population.

Positioning for success

Under the literature, the positioning of a product within the marketplace is a key determinant of the product's success. They are the concepts of segmentation, targeting, and positioning which is abbreviated as STP marketing. Such an approach enhances effective marketing communication to the target audience, hence the effectiveness of digital marketing. 

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As such, the proposed strategy for marketing requires the integration of the model of audience segmentation so that it is possible to partition the entire market into sub-markets that are similar. Our marketing mix should then be adjusted to each segment to achieve a market targeting that is as effective as it can be.

Understanding positioning in marketing

Marketing in positioning is the act of occupying a specific place in the mind of the customer relative to a brand. This is done by using the marketing mix in a proper product positioning strategy to emphasize the uniqueness of the product. In addition, the marketing model used includes, Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning, commonly referred to as STP Marketing to satisfy the identified customer segment needs.

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Thus, the audience-oriented strategy is among the key goals of which the marketers strive to convey the product’s distinctive features to the targeted consumer group. This aspect of the marketing communications strategy involves such tools as market segmentation and target marketing. Digital marketing online platforms, in particular, contain a gentle and high level of dynamic audience segmentation and detailed customer segmentation strategies.

Creating an effective positioning strategy

For the creation of the product positioning strategy which is considered to be so crucial for the marketing model, the focus on the audience is mandatory. It starts with market definition which means having accurate segmentation of the target market and customer segmentation techniques. This ‘STP Marketing’ pair of segmentation, targeting, and positioning is important in the construction of the marketing mix.

A preparedness for creating audience interest involves creating appropriate marketing communications and embracing marketing to audiences. Such a process is modified, depending on feedback and business intelligence, resulting in a flexible effective product positioning strategy and unyielding marketing mix.

Implementing the STP process

STP marketing model is a complex marketing model that uses segmentation, targeting, and positioning strategies. This first process is market segmentation where the whole market is divided into smaller segments that possess similar characteristics in terms of their needs and preferences. Such approaches as the audience segmentation and the customer segmentation approaches are applied in this phase.

In the next phase, that is, the market targeting, the marketing mix is used to define and analyze the target market for enhanced target audience orientation. The process assists in identifying the segment that can be most rewarding to the business. Last of all, the product positioning strategy comes to the stage, to relay the message to the target market on why the product is different and why the target market should be interested in it. This will be achieved through proper marketing communication and digital marketing in targeting the audience.

Steps to implement STP in marketing strategy

Segmentation targeting and positioning commonly abbreviated as STP is an important marketing concept that would facilitate the right approach to your audience. The first step is the identification of the target market made up of segments which are the market niches segmented according to demographics, needs, or behaviors. It helps in defining the strategic position and the possible shortcomings and opportunities of the market. Market targeting comes next; this is where each segment has to be assessed and after that, the most profitable ones are chosen. This step lays down the basis of your marketing mix, whereby you are positioning yourself for the optimum impact. The last process is the product positioning strategy through which you develop your marketing communication and your digital marketing to best represent the benefits of your product to your audience while approaching audience-oriented.

Common challenges and solutions in STP implementation

Some of the usual difficulties and ways of overcoming them when adopting an STP strategy

The application of the marketing model known as STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning) is not without difficulties. The main challenges are related to the problems of accurate definition of the audience and the definition of the positioning strategy for the product. Lack of proper marketing communications can make the targets indifferent and therefore the effectiveness of the marketing mix may be at risk.

The solutions can be delivered if the focus is placed on the more customer segmentation approaches and if the audience-centered approach is retained. Going deeper into the target market’s wants and needs can improve the audience targeting process. In addition, the use of digital marketing in social media platforms can help in fine-tuning product placement since the level of engagement of the audience to the content placed online can be easily determined.

Role of technology in the STP process

On the topicality of the application of technology in the STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning) marketing process, the results of the research show that technology improves the efficiency of the marketing models and methods. It involves the use of digital marketing to conduct market segmentation, adopting an audience-centric approach, and fine-tuning product positioning. It also extends better customer segmentation strategies and plans that are helpful in marketing strategy implementation as well. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the marketing mix fully to the needs of customers. It not only enhances the relevance of marketing communication but also helps in enhancing the position of total product offerings in the market.

Using Google Analytics for market segmentation

Google Analytics is one of the most suitable tools for market segmenting and targeting, which are critical factors in the STP model of the marketing mix. This tool involves an audience-centric approach that is helpful in the construction of the marketing mix and the positioning strategy to obtain the best outcome. The features of Google Analytics allow marketers to perform customer segmentation techniques successfully. On this basis, having collected data from Google Analytics, you can adapt your digital marketing and marketing message to the target audience. In everything from audience segmentation to product positioning, these concepts can be used to dramatically enhance your marketing performance. Remember the following things about Google Analytics:

  • Google Analytics is helpful to the STP marketing model since it helps in market segmentation and targeting.
  • It assists develop the marketing communication mix and product positioning strategy based on the target audience.
  • Applying Google Analytics data promotes digital marketing and marketing communication, thus improving the marketing outcomes.

Utilizing HubSpot for effective targeting

Market targeting is one of the most important components of any marketing model and HubSpot is capable of helping with it. Marketing mix strategies and segmentation can be implemented effectively through HubSpot tools within a business organization. HubSpot is developed with smart customer segmentation methods which will help the businesses to find out their niche market with the help of audience segmentation. It will thus be possible for businesses to develop a sound product positioning strategy. It also advances digital marketing by enabling marketing communications to gain a customer-oriented perspective. In summary, the STP marketing principle: STP, can be better implemented using HubSpot.

Conclusion: The power of STP in marketing strategy

Therefore, the STP marketing model provides a useful conceptual tool for an organization to apply strategies including product positioning strategy, market segmentation, market targeting, audience segmentation, and positioning for an audience-centered approach. It provides clear guidance on how personalization can be implemented in marketing communication and digital marketing. Hence, through the application of segmentation, targeting, and positioning in the marketing mix, the customer segmentation strategies can be improved, and better marketing outcomes achieved by these businesses.

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