It is now much easier than ever to start a business. The opportunities appear to be endless, as does the competition. Every product appears to have a near-identical copy on the market.
However, how can your startup stand out in such a crowded market?
Some entrepreneurs believe that if their product is truly exceptional, they do not require marketing. That is so far from the truth that it is almost comical.
A great product is a good place to start. However, if it is to be successful, it must be constantly improved based on user feedback.
Sales and marketing can make or break a company. I’ve never met a successful entrepreneur who isn’t good at sales and marketing. Many successful entrepreneurs create a marketing strategy before developing their product. This may appear to be a crazy idea, but it is true. A product that is not marketable cannot be sold.
Here are some easy ways to make your product stand out in the market.
#1 Be clear about your target market
“My target market is everyone,” says the inexperienced entrepreneur. It is nobody if your target market is everyone.
I’ve always believed that your target market should come first, followed by your product. I’ve written a detailed article about selecting a target market, which you can find here.
Initially, you may create a product that you believe others will enjoy. It is typically motivated by instinct. You can experiment with different audiences in those situations. However, you must eventually narrow your options and select a market that works for you.
#2 Tell a story
The best products in the world have a backstory. Consider Apple. Everyone talks about Steve Jobs and how he transformed the company into one of the best in the world. You don’t have to be Steve Jobs or build the world’s largest company to tell your story.
Even local businesses have interesting stories to tell. People would even like to hear about their neighborhood bakery or restaurant. Even your startup has a story, and each one is unique. Telling your audience how you started your business and the inspiration behind it can help you create an emotional connection with them.
#3 Identify niche platforms to promote your business
There are numerous places to promote your company. However, many of us automatically think of platforms like Facebook or Google AdWords. You can stick to these if they work for your company and provide a good return on investment. If not, it’s time to look into alternative platforms.
#4 Do the opposite
Driving in the opposite direction on a busy street is the best way to attract attention. Of course, you’ll cause a traffic jam or even an accident, but you’ll get noticed.
In business, doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing can help you stand out from the crowd. The majority of people have a tendency to follow the crowd. It’s not always a good idea.
Conclusion
One of the most important skills in business is sales and marketing. Some entrepreneurs even claim that marketing accounts for 60% of their success. Unfortunately, the majority of people are not trained in these abilities. Investing time and effort in developing this skill can be extremely beneficial to entrepreneurs.
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