Although it depends on your region, most businesses these days face tough competition, with many other groups providing similar services. Especially with social media around, many of our businesses are not only competing very directly, but are being compared constantly by consumers and fans. Although this can be great for innovation and promotions, it can be tough on profits, as consumers pick and choose before ever stepping foot in your business.

Standing out from other area businesses can attract a lot of members who may not have heard about you before." (Image by Maximilian Imran Faleel)

Here are some ways to stand out from the crowd, so that you can attract the most business possible:

Optimize Your Social Media

Social media has become one of the most important marketing outlets for businesses. The real-time communication with your customers is incredibly effective, as is the ability to market for very little. Check out the best Instagrammers around, especially businesses, and see if you can get your team to produce high quality posts. If you have a photographer on your team, get them to handle your Instagram feed. If you have a writer, get them writing up blog posts to boost your SEO. One thing to consider is to hire a social media company. However, be careful in who you choose, as you want to make sure they can represent your company effectively.

Get Creative

What can you do that your competitors can’t? Do you have a design background? Experience in nutrition? Focus on unique strengths and boost your company’s branding or provide workshops and lessons that are complimentary that the competition hasn’t thought of yet. Creative ways of driving business can often be attention grabbing and keep things more exciting for your team.

Substance Over Hype

Hype will bring you customers and the substance and quality of your product or service will keep them coming back. In other words, you want both. At the end of the day, substance is going to be your focal point: what you need to concentrate on. Market yourself in a way that is clear, concise and accurate. Put as much time and effort into your services, classes, and other offerings as you can. You want to build the core of your business, instead of putting all of your attention on fanfare.

Do the Opposite, if It Makes Sense

What is your competition doing? Sometimes, doing the opposite can be a great tongue-in-cheek way of marketing effectively. You’ll have to be careful with this one, as they could take it as an insult or call-out but, done effectively, it can become good marketing. Even large companies like Apple and Samsung regularly utilize this style of marketing. As well, don’t be afraid to try things other area businesses haven’t. Innovation comes from attempting what hasn’t been done and not what has already been established.

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