7 ways to stand out from the crowd

How you can make sure customers won’t hesitate to choose you over the rest

 
In a crowded marketplace, it can be hard to make your business stand out. Staying ahead of the game is incredibly important: it can mean the difference between your success or your failure. So what can you do to help customers choose you over the competition?
 
Let’s explore some simple ways to make your business stand head and shoulders above the rest.
 

#1: Deliver awesome service

Everything starts with great products and awesome service! Now you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to see how you can go above and beyond for your customers.
 
Start with what your customers are saying about you: read your online reviews and what people are saying on social media to see if there are any areas for improvement. Next, study what your competitors are doing—then identify ways you can do things better.
 

#2: Tell your story

You do a great job of explaining what you do, but do you ever explain why? Your customers will love to hear what inspired you to start your company, plus it’s a great way to build an authentic, emotional connection.
 
Don’t hide behind your business: let your team shine! Even if you’re a B2B company, it’s important to show your human side. Share behind the scenes glimpses and team highlights on your social media to encourage engagement and build trust with your audience.
 

#3: Put yourself in your customer’s shoes

When you’re immersed in running your business, you may forget to check how things look through the eyes of the customer. See things as they do and identify any areas for improvement by conducting regular walkthroughs.
 
If you own a cafe or restaurant, run through the ordering and dining process from start to finish. For medical practices, follow the steps for check-in and orientation to see if there’s anything you can make easier for your patients. If you have an online store, run through the complete ordering process to see if you hit any snags.
 
Remember that the customer experience may begin long before they ever set foot through your door. Many people begin their research online, so ensure your website and social media presence is making the right first impression.
 

#4: Focus on what you do best

Have you ever been to a restaurant and been confronted with far too many menu options? When you try to cover all the bases, your message can become confusing and off-putting to potential (and even existing) customers.
 
You’ll never be able to please everyone, so don’t try! Instead of trying to do many things well, focus on doing one or two things impeccably. Double down on what you excel at, then strive to be the very best you can be in that specific field of expertise.
 

#5: Be different with your brand

What does your branding say about you? And how does it compare to other businesses in your industry? If your brand looks tired, old or generic it might be time for a change.
 
Creating a strong new brand identity is a great way to stand out from the competition: it’ll help you be memorable, establish trust and build customer loyalty.
 

#6: Give something valuable for free

People love to feel like they’re getting a great deal! Even small incentives can have a big draw for potential customers, and they can be the deciding factor in choosing you over the competition.
 
What you offer depends on your industry. Restaurants could welcome new email subscribers with an enticing coupon, while a professional services company could offer a downloadable eBook. Businesses in any industry can increase their perceived value and establish themselves as an authority by sharing well-researched, informative blogs on their website.
 

#7: Be consistent

However you decide to set yourself apart, make sure you keep your message on track. If you put a new plan into action, ensure you also have a strategy to keep things consistent across all your communication channels.
 
Customers can get confused and frustrated with mixed messages, out of date promotions and old branding. Gain the competitive edge by using the same tone of voice and brand visuals throughout all of your communications with your customers.
 
Follow these tips and you’ll be set to blow the competition out of the water!
 
Do you need help standing out? We have over 14 years of experience helping businesses like yours establish themselves in the competitive American market.
 
Contact us today to get started.
 
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How to conduct a SWOT analysis for your business
 
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