Elevating your brand so that it stands out among all the competition is a tough job.
No matter how much you think your brand or product is unique, there are always going to be similar options out there for people to choose from. The market is oversaturated and people are bombarded by advertisements telling them to buy this and that. Getting their attention and keeping it isn’t easy.
If it really is true that we see around 5000 marketing messages a day, then it goes without saying that differentiating yourself from the competition is absolutely necessary if you want your business to thrive.
If you want to stand out in a crowded market, here are three tips you need to try.
1. Put the people first
Once you realize not enough businesses prioritize their customers, it’ll become easier to center your strategy around them. You can automatically get ahead of the game by taking extra measures to satisfy your loyal customers.
Show customers you care by taking care of them and they’ll continue coming back. Make yourself stand out as a brand — no matter how popular or widespread you are — by putting people first not just by words like all businesses do, but by actions.
Set up a rewards program for people who keep coming back to you when so many other options exist. Since its app relaunch in 2016, Starbucks introduced their new and improved mobile loyalty rewards program where customers earn stars for every dollar spent and get free food and drink in return.
Users of this program make up a whopping 39 percent of Starbucks’ total sales. That’s an insane amount of revenue just from the app! And it’s only possible because Starbucks puts their customers first.
2. Make it simple
What’s more frustrating than trying to make an online purchase but failing because the process to do it is confusing or irritating? Almost nothing.
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Potential customers aren’t going to jump through hoops to buy from you or learn more about your products. You have to make that process as stress-free and simple as possible for them.
On top of that, consumers expect a simple experience. If buying from you is a hassle or takes too much time, they’re going to skip to the next thing. Convenience is key if you want to retain loyal customers.
Scope out existing problems in your business model. Does the mobile experience work as seamlessly as the desktop version? Do glitches or broken links exist on your website? Is it as simple as A to B to C when customers try to check out an item? Is there a lack of customer service?
Apple has a specific formula they follow to ensure a simple and enjoyable experience for their customers which goes by the acronym APPLE:
- Approach customers with a personalized warm welcome
- Probe politely to understand all the customer’s needs
- Present a solution for the customer to take home today
- Listen for and resolve any issues or concerns
- End with a fond farewell and an invitation to return
The truth is, loopholes can exist anywhere in your model. What’s important is identifying them as soon as they occur and resolving the issues as quickly as possible. There are far too many businesses who don’t put themselves into the consumer’s shoes and create a less-than-satisfactory customer experience. You can stand out from the rest by ensuring you have the easiest buying process out there.
3. Humanize your brand
One of the worst mistakes competitors make is centering the buying process around the product and forgetting about the consumer. This is the fastest way to lose their interest and attention. If brands aren’t appealing to the people buying the products, they won’t get sold. Yet so many businesses fail to realize this and implement it into their strategies for better outcomes.
The best way to do this is to start a conversation.
Ask your consumer base what they love about your brand and what they could do without. Find out what makes their experience easier or more difficult. Set up a survey, poll or contact form on your homepage asking consumers what they think about the buying process and how accessible it is. This is the most direct way to get in touch with people’s honest opinions.
Over to you
In business, standing out from all the rest is tricky. You have to know who you’re selling to and what the people want if you’re going to succeed long-term. You also want to think outside the box and cater to your customers who keep coming back to you and love what you do. By centering your business around people instead of products, you’ll get through to a larger consumer base and appeal to people who care about your message.