With so many businesses starting up every day, all competing for attention from potential prospects and customers, going the extra mile to make your startup stand out can really make a difference. With this in mind, we take a look at the following 5 ways to make your startup stand out from your competition.
1. Prioritise customer service
Whether you’re offering a product or a service, always treat your customers and clients like royalty. One of the biggest gripes customers have is poor service when things go wrong. Also, it’s much cheaper and easier to keep a satisfied customer, than to spend money on marketing to obtain a new one. Even better, a highly satisfied customer will spread the word and potentially contribute to your business growth.
2. Offer a top-notch guarantee
When you are new, your business hasn’t yet built up enough trust to persuade people to seamlessly and quickly sign up for your service or product. Providing the assurance of a guarantee can help solve this obstacle. For example, a next day or 100% guarantee essentially shows that you believe 100% in your offering. So buyers don’t have to worry about going through so-called buyer’s remorse.
3. Honesty
Many new startups are so scared of failure and negative feedback that they try to cover up their shortcomings with half-truths and dishonesty. The problem is that when the truth comes out, the negative feedback may be much worse. People have become so disillusioned and cynical about business that being honest and up-front may make you stand out in a good way.
4. Start a blog
Having a blog or articles on your platform means you are giving away valuable or fun content for free. This content makes your potential and current customers feel closer and more connected to your business and brand – making them more likely to purchase or re-purchase from you in the future.
5. Tell a compelling and unique story
The love of a good story is common to most people. That’s why you see so many television commercials use them. A great way for people to connect with and trust your company is to tell them how your business came into being. Tell it so that your customers have empathy with your business. People buy from others that are just like them, so your startup will attract your ideal customers.
Of course, the most important thing is to make sure that your product or offering is already of a high standard and provide value that people actually need. Once you have that sorted, the five suggestions above will make sure that the right people actually see and buy it!
5 ways to make your startup stand out – where to find out more
We’ve supported the investment and growth of over 60,000 SMEs. If you need help obtaining funding for your start-up – whether that’s funding for expansion, to buy much-needed equipment or to invest in computer software and hardware, we’re here to help. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss funding for your business.
Please click through to our Business Finance page to find out more about finance for your start-ups.
