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• No matter what business you are in, there will always be competition. It is important to understand the many strategies to make your brand stand out among similar companies. Here are some tips from The Marketing Department to help your business stand taller than the rest.

1. Care about the consumer 

In order for your business to grow, you need customers. According to Nellie Akalp, from Mashable, a great way to
stand out from other businesses is to stay ahead of big business competition by working with customers directly. She
 explains that knowing exactly what the customers want (and providing it) will show them that your company is the right one to choose. Becoming the most trust-worthy and reliant company in the market will not only draw customers to your brand, but will keep them coming back to you in the future.

2. Market to your niche 

When surrounded with competition, a great strategy to set yourself apart is to focus your company to a certain niche market. Joshua Kraus, from SitePoint, explains that a niche is “a specialized market which typically attracts a specified group of people.” He explains that appealing to a certain group can help narrow down the vast market of similar companies and allow your business to stand apart. With focus you can generate more buzz and demand for your product.

3. Emphasize what makes you different 

The best ways to stand out is simply to be different. Nellie Akalp, from Mashable, suggests if you are marketing a business that is similar to many companies already out there, put your energy into marketing how you are different from those other companies. Whether you add motivational quotes to your to-go cups in your coffee shop or offer makeovers in your boutique, show customers what makes you different (and better) than the competition.

4. Create original content 

The content that your company generates on the internet is one of the most important parts of standing out from the crowd. George Peebles, from Thought Reach, suggests creating eye-catching and thought-provoking content about your brand. Putting out impressive content can bring in new customers. The more prospects you attract and gain, the more your company will stand out from the rest. By using your original and creative content, you can generate higher client numbers than that of the competition. More clients translate to higher sales. And the more revenue your company generates, the more successful you will be.

5. Be open to change 

The business world today is in a constant state of change. Angela Stringfellow, from American Express OPEN Forum, explains that larger, older businesses are less likely to stay current and be adaptable when it comes to changing trends and consumer needs. One of the biggest changes occurring is that business is consumer-centric. Therefore, consumers are constantly guiding decisions about marketing, content and offerings without realizing it. It is our job to analyze what the consumer wants and change our brand to best fit them. If your business is entering a saturated market, with the right decisions and newest products or services tailored to the consumer, you may already have the upper hand in creating a business unlike the rest.

These are a few strategies to set your business apart in competitive markets. Always remember that even if the competition around you seems steep, there are ways to keep your specific brand unique and successful. When trying to stand apart from the competition, what makes your company different may take your business to a league of its own.