Let’s get real for a sec. The entrepreneurial world is like a bustling city market where new businesses open every day. Being in a saturated market means there’s definitely demand for your service or product — but standing out can be a challenge. But guess what? You don’t have to shout to be heard; you just need to speak the right language. That’s where your brand strategy comes in. Specifically your ‘positioning’. Here’s 5 easy steps to get started.
Craft Your Unique Story
I used to think “brand storytelling” was just marketing fluff. Add “storytelling” to anything and it sounds cooler, right? I was so wrong. Your brand story is more than a tale; it’s your brand’s soul, raw and unfiltered. It’s what turns casual browsers into people that connect with you deeply. Get crystal clear on your core values, mission, and vision. If you’re doing it right, storytelling provides value and solutions. Share stories that solve their problems or make their lives easier.
Find Your Niche … within a Niche
The key to standing out is to specialize in something so specific that you become the go-to expert. Instead of just selling skincare, how about organic skincare for sensitive skin? You can niche down based on the type of industry you want to serve, the target audience you want to sell your products, or even a skill set. The more you narrow it down, the less crowded your space.
Deliver Insane Value
What does your audience crave? Is it top-notch customer service, killer content, or maybe a killer app? Identify what your target audience truly values and go above and beyond to deliver it. Even though this might sound obvious, it’s not to a lot of people. Provide premium customer experience from start to finish to your customers and they’ll be talking about you to their friends and family.
Master ONE thing
Instead of being a jack-of-all-trades, focus on mastering one product or service. Make it so good that it becomes your signature offering. This not only makes you memorable but also positions you as an authority in that specific area.
Leverage other Audiences
Collaboration is the new competition. Partner with influencers or brands that complement your offerings. This allows you to tap into their audience and gain credibility by association. Choose partners whose values align with yours for a more authentic connection.
Your Action Plan:
Ready to stop blending in and start standing out? Here’s a no-nonsense action plan that’s easy for any entrepreneur to replicate.
Conduct a Brand Audit
Use a simple SWOT analysis (Hubspot has a really good template and examples, definitely recommend getting it! ) to identify your unique selling points and areas for improvement. List your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand in the market. Working with a brand strategist for this will really help you to identify your ‘it factor’ and any areas for improvement.
Find Your Sub-Niche
Research your industry and identify gaps or underserved markets. Use tools like Google Trends or industry reports to find a sub-niche that aligns with your brand.
Create a Value-Added Offer
Identify a common problem your target audience faces and create an offer that solves it to make you irresistible. This could be a free eBook, a discount on first-time orders, or a complimentary consultation.
Partner for a Co-Marketing Campaign
Find a brand that complements yours and propose a win-win partnership to tap into a new audience and gain credibility. This could be as simple as guest blogging on each other’s sites or as involved as a joint product launch.
Measure and Tweak
Finally, Use analytics tools to track key performance indicators like website visits, conversion rates, and customer engagement to ensure your strategies are effective. Make data-driven adjustments to your strategy as needed.
Need help with your Brand Strategy?
If you’re feeling like this is a lot to take in, don’t sweat it. My ‘Brand Blueprint Intensive‘ service is designed to provide new businesses with a clear brand strategy and creative direction for their visual language. Perfect for those who want to invest wisely in their branding without breaking the bank.
