A planned approach to marketing helps us to set clear objectives based on the current situation a company is facing. The strategy defines how those objectives will be achieved, including the target market to focus on and how the company will be positioned. So now we need to define the tactics to make this plan happen and that’s where the extended marketing mix (7Ps) comes in.
What is the marketing mix?
The marketing mix refers to the tactics (or marketing activities) that we have to satisfy customer needs and position our offering clearly in the mind of the customer. It involves the 7Ps; Product, Price, Place and Promotion (McCarthy, 1960) and an additional three elements that help us meet the challenges of marketing services, People, Process and Physical Evidence (Booms & Bitner, 1982).
Know your 7Ps
Product
This refers to what the company produces (whether it is product or service, or a combination of both) and is developed to meet the core need of the customer – for example, the need for transport is met with a car. The challenge is to create the right ‘bundle of benefits’ that meet this need. So what happens as customer needs change, competitors race ahead or new opportunities arise? We have to add to the ‘bundle of benefits’ to improve the offering, create new versions of existing products, or launch brand new products. When improving the product offering think beyond the actual product itself – value can be added and differentiation achieved with guarantees, warranties, after-sales or online support, a user-friendly app or digital content like a video that helps the user to make the most out of the product.
Price
This is the only revenue-generating element of the mix – all other marketing activities represent a cost. So it’s important to get the price right to not only cover costs but generate profit! Before setting prices, we need to research information on what customers are willing to pay and gain an understanding of the demand for that product/service in the market. As price is also a strong indication of the positioning in the market against competitors (low prices=value brand), prices need to be set with competitors in mind too.
Place
This is the ‘place’ where customers make a purchase. This might be in a physical store, through an app or via a website. Some organisations have the physical space, or online presence to take their product/service straight to the customer, whereas others have to work with intermediaries or ‘middlemen’ with the locations, storage and/or sales expertise to help with this distribution. The decisions to be made in this element of the marketing mix concern which intermediaries (if any) will be involved in the distribution chain and also the logistics behind getting the product/service to the end customer, including storage and transportation.
Promotion
So we have a fantastic product, at an appealing price, available in all the right places, but how do customers know this? Promotion in our marketing mix is about communicating messages to customers, whichever stage they are in the buyer journey, to generate awareness, interest, desire or action.
We have different tools for communication with varying benefits. Advertising is good for raising awareness and reaching new audiences, whereas personal selling using a sales team is great for building relationships with customers and closing a sale. The challenge? To choose the best tool for the job, and select the most effective media to reach our audiences based on what we know about them. If your customer is a regular on Instagram then that’s where you need to be talking to them!
This doesn’t just apply to customers. Communicate to other stakeholders too like shareholders and the wider public to build company reputation. The same principles apply; choose the right tools and media that fit with what you are trying to achieve.
People
A company’s people are at the forefront when interacting with customers, taking and processing their enquiries, orders and complaints in person, through online chat, on social media, or via the call centre. They interact with customers throughout their journey and become the ‘face’ of the organisation for the customer. Their knowledge of the company’s products and services and how to use them, their ability to access relevant information and their everyday approach and attitude needs to be optimised. People can be inconsistent but with the right training, empowerment and motivation by a company, they can also represent an opportunity to differentiate an offering in a crowded market and to build valuable relationships with customers.
Process
All companies want to create a smooth, efficient and customer-friendly journey – and this can’t be achieved without the right processes behind the scenes to make that happen. Understanding the steps of the customer journey – from making an enquiry online to requesting information and making a purchase – helps us to consider what processes need to be in place to ensure the customer has a positive experience. When a customer makes an enquiry, how long will they have to wait before receiving a response? How long do they wait between booking a meeting with the sales team to the meeting taking place? What happens once they make an order? How do we make sure reviews are generated after a purchase? How can we use technology to make our processes more efficient? All of these considerations help build a positive customer experience.
Physical Evidence
Physical evidence provides tangible cues of the quality of experience that a company is offering. It can be particularly useful when a customer has not bought from the organisation before and needs some reassurance, or is expected to pay for a service before it is delivered. For a restaurant, physical evidence could be in the form of the surroundings, staff uniform, menus and online reviews to indicate the experience that could be expected. For an agency, the website itself holds valuable physical evidence – from testimonials to case studies, as well as the contracts that companies are given to represent the services they can expect to be delivered.
Wrap Up
The marketing mix or 7Ps is aptly named as it is the way that this mix of tactics is applied and co-ordinated that positions our organisation clearly in the minds of the customer. This helps us to stand out against competitors with an offering that satisfies customer needs, which is what marketing is all about.
If you want to expand your marketing mix knowledge and skills, why not find out more about our range of marketing courses and qualifications. Get your two-week free trial by contacting us or completing the form on our website.
The post was written by Alicia Allen. This Blog post was updated in October 2023.
Bitner, M. J. and Booms, H. (1981). Marketing Strategies and Organization: Structure for Service Firms. Donnelly, J. H. and George, W. R. (eds). Marketing of Services, Conference Proceedings. Chicago, IL. American Marketing Association.
McCarthy, E. J. (1964). Basic Marketing. Richard D. Irwin.Homewood,IL.
I can tell you've got a keen interest in marketing! Your article is spot-on about the importance of a planned approach and the marketing mix in achieving business objectives. The 7Ps framework you mentioned, introduced by McCarthy in 1960 and expanded by Booms and Bitner in 1982, is a robust model that has stood the test of time.
Product: You've covered the essence of creating a product that meets customer needs and the constant need for innovation to adapt to changing market dynamics. Adding value through guarantees, warranties, and digital support is a smart approach.
Price: Your emphasis on pricing as the sole revenue-generating element is crucial. Setting the right price requires thorough research on customer willingness to pay and understanding market demand. Additionally, pricing reflects your positioning in the market relative to competitors.
Place: The concept of "place" in the marketing mix encompasses the various channels through which customers make purchases. Your insight into distribution channels, intermediaries, and logistics highlights the complexity in ensuring products reach customers efficiently.
Promotion: Promotion is about getting the message across to customers, and your breakdown of communication tools—advertising, personal selling, and the importance of choosing the right platform—is on point. Effective promotion isn't just about reaching customers but also extends to building a company's reputation among stakeholders.
People: Your emphasis on employees as the face of the organization is critical. The role of people in customer interactions, from handling inquiries to providing excellent service, can truly set a company apart. Investing in training and motivation is a strategic move.
Process: The seamless customer journey you mentioned is a goal for every company. Understanding and optimizing processes behind the scenes are essential for ensuring a positive customer experience. Technology integration for efficiency is a smart consideration.
Physical Evidence: Your insight into physical evidence as tangible cues of the quality of experience is spot-on. It becomes a reassurance for customers, especially in service industries where the experience is intangible. The examples you gave, like a restaurant's surroundings or an agency's website, illustrate this concept well.
Your post is well-rounded, aligning with established marketing principles. If someone's looking to delve deeper into the marketing mix, your article serves as an insightful guide.
