Have you ever selected a restaurant or service provider due to their exceptional customer service? Or perhaps when needing photocopies you don’t ask Google but rather “Xerox?”

Brand positioning strategies allow companies to exert greater control over how consumers perceive them and differentiate themselves from rival businesses. Here are some essential guidelines for creating an alluring positioning that sets yours apart.

1. Focus on Value

Brand positioning helps your business cut through the clutter and be heard by consumers. By communicating the unique value you offer them, they will connect with your brand and see that it meets their needs.

One way your business can distinguish itself is by emphasizing quality. This could involve exceptional craftsmanship, small-batch production or using eco-friendly materials; or you could simply make your product more accessible through offering reduced pricing points.

Create urgency or exclusivity within your business by communicating its unique selling points through exclusive offers, limited edition products or high-end branding. However, this approach could prove risky as budget-minded shoppers may prefer more cost-efficient options instead.

2. Embrace Innovation

Innovative businesses are better prepared to thrive in today’s fiercely competitive landscape. Although not every innovation will prove successful, those that do will set them apart from competitors and foster long-term growth for their companies.

Apple and Google set themselves apart from competitors by emphasizing design in their products; this positioning strategy appeals to consumers who value aesthetics as much as quality.

Other brand positioning strategies, like convenience-based positioning, emphasize the advantages of your product over its competitors and can attract consumers who value fast and convenient solutions.

Implementing any brand positioning strategy requires keeping an eye on how your target audience perceives your business, so as to make necessary adjustments based on their feedback. This allows for timely changes as needed.

3. Be Authentic

Since consumers increasingly value genuine connections with businesses, authenticity has become an increasingly popular branding strategy. This approach involves emphasizing values, goals and beliefs that match up with those of your target audience’s beliefs and lifestyle.

Customers recognize authentic brands by their integrity and honesty, resulting in increased brand loyalty. But it’s important to keep in mind that being authentic doesn’t only involve messages but also actions taken as part of business operations.

Trader Joe’s offers a unique grocery store experience that caters to consumers seeking authentic shopping experiences. By emphasizing authenticity in your business practices, it can set it apart from competitors and attract new customers. Although maintaining authenticity may prove challenging at times, its benefits far outweigh its challenges.

4. Be Social

There’s a good chance you have selected a restaurant or service provider based on their customer service at least once. This form of positioning focuses on creating consistently positive experiences for their clients while building brand loyalty.

Some brands work to establish themselves as industry or niche leaders, creating an impression of trust with customers that sets them apart from competitors. And some businesses position themselves as social enterprises by giving back to local communities or supporting charitable causes.

Businesses must adapt as we enter an increasingly social world; supporting an environment of open collaboration and involvement to foster new ideas; as well as welcoming social media engagement for community-building purposes.

5. Be Different

Remarkably differentiating yourself from competitors can be a powerful weapon when it comes to drawing customers in. But be wary of outdoing competitors too much; for instance, advertising outstanding customer service but failing to deliver may result in negative reviews, angry phone calls or emails and social media posts about how you duped your customers.

Instead, aim to offer something your competitors do not. A company like Amazon could set itself apart by emphasizing its wide selection and low prices; similarly, high-end luxury product sellers could differentiate themselves by emphasizing premium quality features – which could also create the impression of exclusivity for their brand.