Standing out in the crowd is one of the most challenging aspects of running a successful, profitable business. In every industry, companies have to beat the competition to secure customers and clients, but how do you gain an advantage? In this guide, we’ll outline some simple steps you can take to give your brand the edge.
Outstanding customer service
Customer reviews and recommendations carry a huge amount of weight. More and more of us check online reviews and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Over 90% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase. Customer service is one of the driving factors when it comes to providing feedback and rating businesses and organizations. Outstanding customer service can earn you 5-star reviews while poor service can have the opposite effect. Provide staff training, introduce policies to promote effective customer service and offer responsive support options for clients. Make your customers feel special. Returning customers are likely to spend more and refer friends and family members.
A distinctive, clear identity
Effective branding is all about giving your business a unique identity and telling prospective customers what your company is all about. You want to promote products and services, but you also need to share your brand values and inform people about what makes you different from others. Be consistent, be clear in your messaging and connect and engage with your target audience. Cover all aspects of branding. Make your brand stand out visually and let customers know what makes you tick.
Attention to detail
Paying attention to detail can make a huge difference when trying to impress customers and encourage loyalty. The smallest things like a warm welcome in a store, a personalized email subject line or smart, eye-catching envelopes for event invitations can set your business apart. Details that seem minor can have a big impact, especially if you’re competing against other brands. Go the extra mile to make your customers feel like VIPs, create a positive first impression and take steps to ensure that your brand is memorable.
Better value for money
Cost is one of the most significant factors for customers when choosing businesses to provide services or buying products. It’s beneficial to make sure your pricing policy is competitive, but it’s more important to focus on value for money. Some shoppers will automatically snap up the lowest prices, but many prefer to shop around and compare prices to see which brand offers the best value. You may find that you charge the same price for a product as a competitor, but your offer is more appealing because you provide free shipping or a gift-wrapping service, for example. Use customer feedback and market research to determine what kinds of incentives, perks and extras are most attractive to your target customers. Other ways to add value include adding features, personalizing products and using high-quality materials or ingredients.
It can be incredibly tough to stand out in a saturated or crowded marketplace. If you’re launching a new business, or you’re looking to grow your company, it’s important to gain an advantage. To get ahead and give your brand the edge, strive to provide outstanding customer service and make sure your brand has a clear, unique identity. Pay attention to detail and offer your customers value for money.
