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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryStrategy & FrameworksSTP Model (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)

Strategy & Frameworks

STP Model (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)

A core strategy process, popularized by Philip Kotler, of dividing a market into segments, choosing which to target, then positioning the brand for them.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

The STP model, short for Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning, is a core marketing strategy process popularized by Philip Kotler. Marketers divide a market into segments, choose which segments to target, then position the brand to appeal to them. It ensures the marketing mix is shaped around specific customers rather than everyone.