Do you have your own USP? To stand out from the crowd, your business needs a unique selling point. Unless you have invented your own product, you will have competition. Depending on what your business offers for products or services, you must present the aspect of your business that makes what you bring the market that is Unique. When you develop your own unique selling point, the best place to start is with your competition.

Make it a priority to know your competition. Sit down and visit the most popular web sites of your competitors to make notes of what they promise their customers. From free shipping to lowest prices, your competition will bring their own unique selling proposition to your niche market.

Brainstorming for your own unique selling proposition

Create a two column worksheet. Start with a list of the different selling points that the competition is using to build their customer base and encourage repeat sales. Is your current business able to provide the same level of service? If not, remember that your unique selling point needs to be stronger to remain competitive in the same market.

Now, write down and compare what your business brings to the same niche market. Your brainstorming worksheet should end up with a list of what your competition offers on one side and what your business offers on the other. You will be see more clearly how your business compares to the competition. If other successful businesses within your niche market offers incentives that you don't currently offer, then look at your business to see if you can be competitive in these areas.

The beauty of a unique selling proposition is that your business may not be offer deep discounts or 24 hour live support BUT even if it's not possible for you to be competitive in some areas, your unique selling point can separate you from the pack to garner a customer base that is looking for what you offer.

By developing an aspect of your business that isn't offered by th

e competition, you will be able to fine tune your offering with a unique spin that will generate interest first. Your unique selling proposition may garner new customers but it will be your fulfillment of the promise made that KEEPS your customers.

Through your unique selling proposition and customer satisfaction, you will build a reputation as the place to go. Once you have developed your own USP, you can integrate it into all aspects of your business then put measures in place to ensure your business Delivers!

Branding and your USP

Once you have determined your unique selling proposition, set out to BRAND your business with this focus in mind. Your unique selling point should be included in your tag lines, your web site, business cards and all correspondence to customers. This will become your selling point - your business will become known within your niche market for what you offer that is unique and customer focused.

Your business is yours to define. How you present your business to your niche market will either hinder or explode your sales. Set your business apart with a unique selling proposition that meets your potential customer's needs then fulfills your promise. The process of developing your own unique selling point then making it WORK is all part of effective niche marketing.

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