Pricing strategies (Kotler) template
Refine your pricing strategy and understand the value that you offer
Use templateAbout the pricing strategies template
How do you know if your product is priced competitively? It starts with understanding the pricing landscape within your industry. Kotler's pricing strategy, associated with well-known marketer and professor Philip Kotler, aims to help businesses determine an effective pricing approach.
The idea is to find a balance between maximizing profitability and meeting customer expectations — with an understanding of market demand and what competitors are currently charging. Be sure to keep an eye on competitor pricing changes, promotions, and any value-added services they offer.
Adjust the template to meet your needs and then share with internal stakeholders. Having transparent conversations about pricing strategies and models can help you better understand your product's position in the market. Whether you are positioned as a premium, mid-range, or budget option, clarity in pricing supports this positioning.
Best practices
Determine the best pricing strategy for your products and services.
Understand your market and customers Start by conducting thorough pricing research to understand your target market, customer preferences, purchasing behavior, and willingness to pay. Consider your business goals so you can can align your pricing with your long-term objectives.
Study your competitors Identify your top competitors. For each, evaluate their pricing strategy and position them on the grid based on quality vs. price — ranging from superb value in the top left to rip-off in the bottom right.
Understand your value Gauge the perceived value of your product or service and visualize how your offering stacks up against the competition. Use these insights to determine the right price.
Adjust as needed Regularly review your pricing strategies to remain competitive and profitable in your industry — potentially testing different strategies to see what resonates best with your target audience.
FAQs about the pricing strategies template
Why is it important to visualize your pricing strategy?
Seeing how your product compares on price and quality lends clarity to where you stand in the market. It can highlight whether your pricing aligns with market expectations or whether you need to reposition. A visual approach also makes it easier to quickly share your thinking with teammates and stakeholders.
What are some best practices for mapping competitors on the matrix?
Start by identifying products your customers might consider instead of yours. Then, estimate how buyers perceive each one based on price, experience, support, brand trust, and feature depth. Keep it high-level: You are going for a useful snapshot, not a detailed breakdown.
Who is the pricing strategies template for?
This template is useful for product managers and marketers working on pricing strategy or positioning. It is great for early-stage competitive research, launch planning, or when pressure builds to justify your pricing. Use it to align teams around where you are now, and potentially where you want to be.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. To use this pricing strategies template, sign up for a free 30-day trial of Aha! Whiteboards. (You can also try this template in Aha! Roadmaps if you need a complete product management solution.) Easily customize the template to suit your needs, then share it with as many people as you want (for free) to streamline collaboration.