In today's crazy business world, it's a real dog-eat-dog situation out there. And if you're a coach, a small business owner, or a solopreneur, the struggle is real. Why? Because you're going head-to-head with competitors and even big brands that have a serious edge when it comes to positioning themselves and meeting customer needs and demands.

Think about it: When someone mentions "premium smartphones," what's the first brand that pops into your head? If you're like most people, it's Apple. That’s because they've nailed their market positioning strategy as the go-to brand for high quality smartphones.

Or what about those comfy, stylish athletic sneakers? Odds are, you immediately think of Nike. They've done a stellar job of positioning themselves as the ultimate choice in that department.

Here’s the deal… those big brands have a leg up when it comes to grabbing attention. They've spent billions to establish themselves as the go-to options in their respective categories. But that doesn't mean you can't make your mark.

In this article, we'll equip you with strategic ways to stand out from your competitors and help you create a competitive positioning strategy. We'll also help you carve out your own space and finally reach your target audience. It's time to level the playing field and show the world the uniqueness of your product or service.

Let’s begin!

Brand positioning: What is a positioning strategy?

If you want to take charge of your reputation and brand image, it's crucial to create an effective positioning strategy and marketing plan. 

You see, brand positioning helps you stand out from the competition, increasing brand awareness, showcasing your unique value, and justifying your product prices. It's not just about having a cool logo or a catchy tagline; it's about creating a marketing strategy that sets you apart from the competition.

However, not all strategies are created equal, and they vary based on your industry and offering. That's where differentiation comes in. By exploring different types of positioning strategies, you can make a lasting impression on your target audience. 

Now, let’s look at… 

The key elements of a positioning strategy

The idea of positioning gained popularity from the book "Positioning: A Battle for Your Mind" by Jack Trout and Al Ries. In their book, they argue that the key to successful branding is to position your brand in a way that makes it stand out from the competition. 

The way you do this is by focusing on these 3 key elements: 

Customers

You need to get inside your customers' heads and figure out what makes them tick. What are their needs, preferences, and pain points? By diving into consumer perceptions, you can shape your positioning strategy to meet their expectations and provide real value.

Channels

Find out where your target customers hang out. Are they glued to social media? Do they love online platforms? Or are they more into traditional marketing channels? Go where they are, and make sure your message reaches them loud and clear.

Competition

Take a good look at what your rivals are up to. Analyze their positioning strategies and find the gaps. Then shine a spotlight on what makes you unique. Highlight those killer features, benefits, or value propositions that set you apart from the rest.

Now let's explore the interplay between building a strong brand identity and crafting a successful positioning strategy. After all, they go hand in hand!

A compelling brand identity provides the foundation for your positioning strategy. To craft an effective business strategy, pay attention to:

• Defining your customer base and niche.
• Crafting a unique brand story that captivates the minds of your customers.
• Developing a brand voice and personality that resonates with your audience.
• Aligning your brand values with the aspirations of your target market.

By embracing these elements into your brand positioning strategy, you'll not only create a strong positioning statement, but will also establish a solid foundation for profitability and success.

So… 

What are the 5 positioning strategies? 

When it comes to positioning your brand, you've got options. But here's what's interesting: small businesses, solopreneurs, and certified coaches have a unique competitive advantage. With a range of positioning strategies tailored for their needs, they can showcase their uniqueness to their target market. From highlighting your strengths to carving out your niche, you can make a memorable impact.

Let's explore some popular positioning strategies that can give your brand the edge it needs.

The 5 Common Types of Positioning Strategies:

Customer Service Positioning

Go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service that sets your brand apart.

Convenience Positioning

Make your brand the go-to choice by offering hassle-free experiences and convenient solutions.

Service or Product Price Positioning

Position your brand as an affordable option without compromising on value.

High Product Quality Positioning

Be known for delivering top-notch products or services that customers can rely on.

Differentiation Positioning

Stand out from competitors by offering something unique, innovative, and distinctive.

Now, these strategies are just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to positioning your brand, the options are endless. 

• You can blaze a new trail, set the latest trends, or become the crowd's absolute favorite.
• You can tackle your audience's pain points head-on with your new product. 
• You can leverage social media to put your competitors in the spotlight and prove you're the superior choice. 
• You can use eye-catching symbols or groundbreaking innovations to make a lasting impact. 
• You can use certifications, awards, endorsements, or other credibility indicators, to stand out from your competitors. 

Bottom line: Using strategic positioning tactics help you embrace your uniqueness and create a brand that truly stands out in your target market.

Let’s look at a couple of positioning examples…

What is a positioning strategy example? 

Positioning strategy examples play a crucial role in helping brands connect with their target customers and drive profitability. 

Let's explore two notable examples:

First, let's talk about Amazon. From its humble beginnings as an online bookstore, Amazon has transformed into the world's largest online marketplace, offering a diverse range of products. Amazon's positioning strategy revolves around providing easy, convenient, and fast shopping experiences. 

They prioritize their customers by delivering a seamless shopping process. With an extensive product selection, competitive pricing, and fast shipping, Amazon ensures convenience is at the forefront of their positioning. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and putting customers first has solidified their position as a trusted platform.

Now, let's shift our focus to Precision Nutrition, an example in the coaching industry. 

Precision Nutrition started as a bootstrapped venture by a health and fitness coach. Early on, they recognized the significance and competitive edge of combining solid nutrition science with behavioral change psychology to help people achieve their health and fitness goals. Today, Precision Nutrition is a leading authority in the field. Their positioning strategies are mostly centered around training and certifying qualified, trusted coaches who offer a client-centered coaching experience. 

They also offer personalized nutrition programs tailored to individual clients, guided by knowledgeable certified coaches. Precision Nutrition's science-based approach ensures their programs are rooted in the latest research and evidence. They are results-oriented, providing a money-back guarantee, and they foster a supportive community through ongoing support from coaches.

These examples illustrate how small businesses, solopreneurs, and/or coaches can leverage effective positioning strategies to transform their services or products into successful ventures. 

By understanding their target customers' needs, emphasizing convenience, delivering personalized solutions, and fostering a supportive community, businesses can carve out their own unique position in the market.

So, how can you stand out from your competitors?

5 Strategic ways to stand out from competitors

Standing out from your competitors requires a strategic approach, and here’s how you can do that: 

1. Offering a unique product or service

Differentiate yourself by providing a product or service that stands out in the market, catering to a specific demographic and addressing their needs better than your competitors do.

2. Creating valuable content

Develop informative and engaging content that showcases your expertise and helps your prospects and customers solve their problems. This positions you as a thought leader, enhances your brand positioning strategy, and attracts potential customers.

3. Cultivating strong customer relationships

Focus on building lasting relationships with your customers. Provide exceptional product quality and customer service to establish loyalty, generate positive metrics, and gain a larger market share.

4. Utilizing social media and online platforms effectively 

Leverage social media platforms to engage with your target audience, share valuable content, and promote your unique offerings. Utilize metrics to measure the effectiveness of your social media efforts and make data-driven decisions.

5. Create an honest and engaging positioning statement 

Craft a positioning statement that clearly communicates your unique value proposition and resonates with your target market. Emphasize your new positioning and how it sets you apart from similar products in the market.

Dominate Your Industry with Practice’s Expert Tools 

Running a business, no matter how big or small, is an exciting adventure filled with challenges and amazing opportunities. If you want to truly excel in your industry, it's super important to use smart strategies and establish a strong brand presence.

By figuring out what makes your products or services unique through market research and clever product positioning, you can captivate your target audience, build a loyal following, attract new customers, and become a real leader in your field.

Here at Practice, we've got your back every step of the way. Our user-friendly CRM tools make it a breeze to manage client data, files, contracts, and even coaching sessions. We've got easy-to-use templates and contract forms and so much more. Plus, our exclusive blog articles are jam-packed with insider secrets on how to run and promote your successful business.

Take charge of your business and position yourself for success with our practical tools and priceless resources.