The marketing process consists of four key elements: 1) strategic marketing analysis to define market segments, niches, and individual customers as well as product positioning; 2) marketing-mix planning covering the 4 P's of product, price, place, and promotion; 3) marketing implementation; and 4) marketing control including annual planning, profitability, efficiency, and strategic evaluations. The overall process is designed to understand customer needs and deliver satisfying products and services profitably.