So, I Botched a Product Launch—Here’s What the 5 Ps of Marketing Taught Me
Okay, real talk? My first big product launch was a total mess. We had a killer product, a beautiful landing page, and even a discount code with a cheeky name (because #onbrand). And still… crickets.
I obsessed over the creative. I stayed up tweaking button colors for days. But what I didn’t realize was this: I was ignoring the basics. The foundation. The big marketing truth that everyone learns in week one of their MBA but somehow forgets when they’re knee-deep in Canva templates.
That’s when I revisited the 5 Ps of marketing—and it changed everything. Not overnight, but dramatically. Since then, I’ve used these classic marketing principles to tweak client funnels, fix failing campaigns, and turn lukewarm leads into loyal fans.
Let’s break it all down. And yep—we’re gonna make it practical, fun, and slightly sass-infused.
What Exactly Are the 5 Ps of Marketing?
Think of the 5 Ps of marketing as your go-to checklist for launching anything—from a physical product to a digital service. They stand for:
- Product: What you’re selling—features, quality, uniqueness.
- Price: What you’re charging—and how that aligns with perception.
- Place: Where your product shows up (online, in-store, etc.).
- Promotion: How you’re spreading the word.
- People: The team behind it and your customers.
When I flopped that launch, I had “Promotion” down pat but totally missed the mark on “Place” (I launched to the wrong audience!) and “People” (I didn’t segment them properly). Oops.
What Are the 5 P’s Examples in Real Life?
Let’s get out of theoryland and into examples you’ve probably encountered this week:
Example 1: A high-end skincare brand
- Product: Vegan anti-aging serum
- Price: Premium ($89 for 30ml)
- Place: Direct-to-consumer website with luxe design
- Promotion: Instagram influencers + email launch
- People: Women 30+, eco-conscious shoppers
Example 2: Your local pizza joint
- Product: Handmade sourdough pizza
- Price: Mid-range with a discount for students
- Place: Available for dine-in and UberEats.
- Promotion: Flyers, happy hour promos, loyalty cards
- People: College students + neighborhood families
Once you start viewing businesses through this lens, it’s like having X-ray vision for marketing.
What’s the 7th P of Marketing, and Do You Even Need It?
You might’ve heard whispers about “7 Ps” and wondered—wait, are we just collecting Ps like Pokémon now?
Here’s the tea: The 7 Ps of marketing are an extended version of the original 5. They add:
- Process: The systems and workflows that deliver the product
- Physical Evidence: Tangible proof—like packaging, receipts, ambiance.
For service-based businesses, especially, these two are gold. Think about booking a massage online. If the scheduling system is clunky (Process) or the spa looks sketchy (Physical Evidence), you’re outta there.
Do you need all 7? Depends. If you’re running a SaaS platform or high-touch service? Absolutely. Selling socks on Etsy? Maybe not. But it’s still good to know.
What Is the 5M of Marketing, and How’s It Different?
Ah yes, the 5M of marketing—another framework that sounds like it belongs in a boardroom PowerPoint. But it’s actually super useful for planning campaigns.
Here’s what it stands for:
| 5M | What It Means |
| Mission | Your objective—what do you want this campaign to do? |
| Money | The budget. Be honest about it. |
| Message | The story you’re telling. Why should anyone care? |
| Media | Channels you’ll use (email, social, podcast ads, etc.) |
| Measurement | How you’ll track performance—KPIs, conversions, CTRs |
While the 5 Ps guide your overall marketing strategy, the 5 Ms help you plan a specific campaign. They’re like sisters, not twins.
How to Make the Most of the 5 Ps of Marketing
Ready to apply the 5 Ps of marketing without losing your sanity (or budget)? Here’s what I tell my clients:
Start with Product—and get brutally honest. Are you solving a real problem or just adding noise? Talk to customers, stalk your competitors’ reviews, and test the messaging.
Price isn’t just about cost. It’s a positioning tool. Pricing too low can scream “cheap,” while too high without value justification loses trust. Use price anchoring or bundles to create perceived value.
Place is all about being where your people are. Not everyone needs a Shopify site. Maybe you kill it on Etsy or thrive in a physical pop-up. Know your customer journey, and meet them where they already hang out.
For Promotion, resist the “spray and pray” approach. Focus on two to three channels that work for your niche—maybe it’s Pinterest and email, or LinkedIn and webinars.
People? Don’t forget your team. A great marketing strategy falls flat if your customer support ghosted a lead. Empower your people, and listen to your customers. That’s where gold lives.
FAQ: Real Questions About the 5 Ps of Marketing
Q1: Are the 5 Ps only for big companies?
Not at all. Whether you’re a solo Etsy seller or managing a multi-million-dollar funnel, the 5 Ps give you structure. They help you spot blind spots—like underpricing or promoting to the wrong audience.
Q2: Can I skip any of the 5 Ps if I’m in a rush?
You could, but you’d regret it. I skipped “Place” once and launched to the wrong market—zero conversions. Even a quick review of each P will save you big time.
Q3: How often should I review the 5 Ps?
Every time something’s not working. Poor CTR? Check Promotion. No conversions? Look at People and Product fit. It’s not just a setup thing—it’s a diagnostic tool.
Q4: Do I need fancy tools to implement the 5 Ps?
Nope. Just clarity. A whiteboard, a Google Doc, or a sticky-note wall can do the trick. Tools are helpful, but thinking critically is the real MVP here.
Final Scoop Before You Jump In
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by strategies and hacks and acronyms, come back to this: the 5 Ps of marketing are your GPS. They don’t just show where you are—they show where your customers are, too.
The day I started treating these Ps like a playlist I had to curate (not just hit “shuffle” on), everything changed. Now, every funnel, launch, or campaign I touch runs through the same lens: Does it hit all 5? If not, why not?
So grab a coffee (or wine), pull out your notes, and give your next launch the strategy it deserves. You’ve got the playbook now—just don’t forget to use it.
