What Is the First Step in the Marketing Process

What is the first step in the marketing process?

A) Set objectives for the marketing effort.
B) Research the consumer market and the competitive marketplace and develop a situation analysis.
C) Assess consumer needs and wants relative to the product, segment the market into groups that are likely to respond, and target specific markets.
D) Differentiate and position the product relative to the competition.
E) Develop the marketing mix strategy.