Stand Out Among the Competition

As entrepreneurs, we are driven to stand out among the competition. But when the competition’s heavy, how do you call the attention of potential customers to your business? Here are a few tips for attracting customers without having to resort to undercutting prices:

1. Distinguish yourself from the competition with creative marketing techniques and an innovative website. Just because you’re offering a similar product or service doesn’t mean you have to market them the same way as your competition does. In fact, you’ll attract more attention and customers if you try a different approach.

2. Improve customer loyalty by offering outstanding customer service. Customers who feel valued will return often and tell their friends, and they won’t be easily swayed by advertisements and special offers from your competitors.

3. Offer an extra that your competitors don’t. This can be anything from a free newsletter chock full of useful information to a website with a forum for customer comments and interaction. It doesn’t have to be overly fancy, but it does have to be of value to your target audience.

4. Keep updating your products, services, and website. This will show potential customers that you are invested in your business, are dedicated to staying up-to-date, and are doing your best to meet their needs.

5. Have well-defined target audiences. If you try to market to everyone, you’ll probably end up reaching no one–instead, concentrate on the niches or sub-niches that you can best serve and be specific about how you can meet their needs. People will be eager to do business with you if you establish yourself as an expert in your unique field.

Yiana Palacios, owner of Design Leap a small business design company empowering small business owners to create a strong brand. Design Leap offers a full range of print and online services; using a friendly approach Yiana guides her clients through the entire development process, answering questions and providing suggestions. Understanding the challenges of small businesses she’s there to scale her client’s needs and grow with the company.