Want to stand out from your competition? A good starting point is the reality check that potential customers in Vietnam or anywhere in the world may not know you, may not know how good you are, might not be able to find you, and may find it simpler to stay with their current provider. So, what can you do?
Key take-outs
- Be different, memorable and easy to find
- Aim for exceptional customer service
- Identify ways to share all the good things customers say about you
- Make sure your staff and the community are your biggest supporters
Make yourself memorable
It could all start with a snappy name and/or strap-line. Don’t overthink your business name as its memorability and simplicity could be as important as its appropriateness to your business.
Some of the world’s most enduring brands – and many more modern ones such as Samsung, Apple, Nike and Adidas – have names that have little obvious relevance to their businesses but are simple and catchy. Add and stick to a pertinent and succinct strap-line such as ‘Just Do It’ and ‘Think Different’ and you have a package that’s built to be remembered.
Read the Ideas for how to name a new business article.
Investing in distinctive signage and vehicle decals could make you more memorable too.
Differentiate yourself
You may become better known if you operate in a niche market, instead of trying to be a ‘Jack or Jill of all trades’. Look at what’s currently available in your industry and think how you can be different, to reduce head-to-head competition and to carve out your niche as a specialist.
Simplify how you describe yourself too, so that customers know exactly what they are getting. For example, if your core skill is massage, it may not be worth competing in the broader sports physiotherapy space.
Be high profile
You don’t have to spend a fortune on marketing to ensure you are top of mind for potential customers. Search for all the directories that are available in your area and/or industry; invest time in your social media profile (sharing new products, services and testimonials); and network constantly.
For more ideas read How marketers are facing the omnichannel challenge.
Provide sensational customer service
In any competitive marketplace, if you’re offering much the same as everyone else you could risk becoming a commodity, meaning that choosing you may just come down to price.
In seeking to take the service levels you offer above those of your competitors, start by thinking of the providers that you yourself use as a customer. Why do you choose them over others? What keeps you coming back when other options are available? How are your specific needs being addressed? The answers to these questions may provide the inspiration you need to add value to your own service offering.
It may be as simple as speeding up response times, fulfilling promises to call customers back, and checking in with them afterwards to make sure they are happy with what you’ve provided.
And when these customers thank you for your sensational service, ask if you can feature their endorsement on your website and on social. Tagging them could share their praise with their entire social network – fuelling your efforts to stand out from the crowd.
Make life easier for your customers
How easy is it for customers to contact you? Is your website easy to navigate? Is your pricing competitive and simple to understand? Are you offering convenient ways for customers to make payments?
If you think about all the pain points your customers are experiencing at the moment, you may be able to come up with more ways to differentiate your business from the rest. After all, who can resist doing business with people who make their lives easier?
For inspiration, try reading our 6 ways to optimize your website design, How to create the best pricing strategy for your business and I want to receive payments articles.
Be a visible member of your community
Supporting local activities and sports clubs may be a good way to raise your profile – and you could make the most of any functions and events associated with them. Remember, people like doing business with people who support the community.
You may find you could build business partnerships through this activity too, creating a valuable network of contacts who may already have strong ties to your potential customers.
Read our Ideas for corporate social responsibility article for more ideas.
Invest in your culture
If you have staff representing your business, what do they say about you when you’re not around? Your team members could be your biggest assets and should be the most enthusiastic supporters of your products or services.
Invest in their job satisfaction and it may pay forward to the work they provide on your behalf – as well as the impressions they share about your business. The sharing of both good words and bad can be exponential through social media, so having a happy workforce is important.
Surprise and delight your customers
Avoid complacency. Whether it’s an amazing offer or a reward for loyalty, always look to introduce new reasons for your customers to choose you rather than your competitors.
By Westpac/ Edited by Vietnam Insider Staff