Loyalty is elusive in today’s market. According to management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, only 13% of consumers are loyalists. The rest of the 87% of buyers don’t stick to one brand.
With new brands popping up everyday, it comes as no surprise that you’re operating in a crowded marketplace. The struggle is real when you’re trying to be seen and heard among the noise.
While the internet has far-reaching potential, it makes catching people’s attention more difficult. Businesses on the other side of the globe can now accurately advertise to the same audiences, meaning you have thousands more competitors to worry about than the handful that’s based locally.
In a world where being different means better chances of surviving, one of the most critical things to think about in growing your company is how to make it stand out. It’s going to be a challenge, yet there are proven ways to show consumers that you’re the best choice.
Be a Step Ahead of the Competition
Business success is about more than just luck. It’s about finding your niche, planning for the future, seizing opportunities and so on. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas:
(1) Address pain points
To win customers over, you must figure out how to make the purchase flow as painless as possible.
Start by asking open-ended qualitative questions to pinpoint issues they’re dealing with. Then, show how you can solve their problems in a way that’s tailored to their needs.
(2) Narrow your niche
A famous saying goes, “If you try to please everyone, you’ll please no one.” This is especially true with service-based companies.
It’s better to narrowly define what you do and who you serve so it’s easier for your audience to know if your business is a right fit.
(3) Have company culture
Creating a good company culture helps you in attracting and keeping top talent.
Additionally, it can be used for marketing yourself as a brand that cares about its employees. It’s common for consumers these days to care about what organisations stand for, thus encouraging them to buy.
(4) Support social causes
By participating in corporate philanthropy, your business creates a positive public image which enhances your relationships with your customers, as well as provides a positive working environment.
You may be surprised to learn how many people will buy from you because you’re donating to charities.
(5) Prepare little surprises
Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact on your clients. They don’t take a lot of extra effort to implement either.
For instance, you can print an encouraging quote on the tag of your most popular clothing pieces to surprise your customers. They’d buy just to read more.
(6) Provide top service
Create the impression that your audience won’t be able to receive the same exceptional service elsewhere.
Go the extra mile when following up or when tailoring packages to suit their tastes. Make changes to your system according to what they need. Be quick about replying to calls and messages.
(7) Do something different
Pay attention to how your competitors are doing their business. Then, find and exploit the holes in their business models so you can do things differently from them.
You’ll easily find yourself transacting with those who have had problems with your competition because you’re actually solving their problems.
(8) Have a guarantee
Eliminate the hesitation to make a purchase by having a guarantee. It reduces the perceived risk of buying your service or product thereby pushing in more sales.
Your brand will also come off as more likeable and trustworthy just because you’re promising a year-long warranty or something similar.
(9) Get some partners
Collaborations are an effective marketing strategy outside the music industry. They build up your network and get your brand to a wider audience.
So, research organisations that share similar values or support the same causes as you, and see what new products or services you can come up with together.
(10) Go be unique
Although some innovations don’t work and may only put off consumers, there are a few tricks you can pull off to catch attention.
For example, you can accept leftover coupons from your Spring sale during Christmas. Or perhaps you can celebrate an obscure holiday like National Kevin Day.
(11) Ask for referrals
Testimonials and reviews are more powerful than you think in snagging customers. It’s even been revealed that only 48% of consumers consider businesses with fewer than 4 stars.
So, reach out to your happy customers and ask them to leave a review on social media or prominent business directories.
(12) Reward their loyalty
People spend 66% more on brands that they’re loyal to and the easiest way to keep them is with loyalty programs.
Getting a free drink after a couple of stamps or a 20% discount on their next purchase can do wonders in keeping consumers coming back for more.
Why Top Talent Helps
Consumers have more choices than ever thanks to the internet. While this means more competitors, it’s great news for companies who are able to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Too many businesses are content with meeting the status quo, after all. We hope this article helps!
To make it easier for you to implement the ways suggested above, it’s always a good idea to have a stellar team who knows how to take the initiative and how to put customers first. We at Remote Workmate can assist you with hiring virtual professionals who fit the bill.
Book a call and let’s discuss your business’ needs.