Consumers are increasingly turning to small businesses for bespoke products and tailored services. With so many businesses to choose from nowadays, it can be a challenge to make yours stand out.

There is competition from companies with greater cash behind their already well-known brands in addition to many other businesses. What can you do to stand out in this competitive market if you're having trouble finding your niche?

Here are five ways you can start standing out in the marketplace today.

1. Find Your Niche

The first step in standing out is identifying your market niche and mastering it. If you haven't already, schedule some time to carry out recent, exhaustive market research that can show:

• Which undiscovered audience could your business cater to?

• What problems need solutions that your business could provide?

• Where do gaps exist that your product or service can fill?

The answers to these questions will help you find your place in the market and own it as a one-of-a-kind business.

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2. Deliver Amazing Customer Service

In every market, providing exceptional customer service will help you stand out. You can take advantage of the fact that bigger businesses frequently require assistance in order to offer the kind of individualized service that smaller businesses can.

Your consumers might get the chance to meet and welcome you in person, unlike a major brand-name business where the CEO is probably never going to be encountered. Although in-person care is the most personalized, it's crucial to recognize the benefits of online customer support.

Tip: Digital customer service can be as simple as a personalized email or as complex as a social media rewards program. Is your business Wi-Fi in synch with your digital needs? Find out here.

3. Partner With An Influencer

It's true that influencer marketing can be a game changer when it comes to standing out. Partnering with an influencer can boost brand awareness and credibility overnight, thanks to social media platforms with tremendous reach, such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

If your business doesn't have a presence here, it’s time to start tapping the potential. This Guide to Setting Up Social Media Pages for Business can get you started.

Tip: Sparklight’s robust and growing collection of business blogs are full of insights you can use to maximize your presence on social. Check them out here!

4. Sell Branded Merchandise

Selling branded goods is occasionally all it takes to get noticed. This doesn't imply you have to put your logo on every product you sell (although you certainly can); instead, sell those items along with your other products or services.

Some go-to choices include t-shirts, water bottles and pens, although there are other, more creative options if you’re looking to stand out more. These items become real-life advertisements, and the customers who purchase them become your brand ambassadors.

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5. Be a Brand Individual

If you want to stand out, don’t make the mistake of trying to satisfy everyone. A more effective strategy is to develop a brand identity that’s not only true to your business but also makes customers feel unique.

If customers see your brand as just “more of the same,” they’re likely to move on. Unique brands have staying power long after a patron makes a purchase.

Tip: Iconic brands have iconic fans who connect through social media platforms, online reviews, and streaming platforms. Whether it’s Instagram, Google Reviews, YouTube or any number of digital platforms, stay connected with them—and the world—with Sparklight business, phone, and Wi-Fi services. Learn more here.

6. Stay Connected

If the tips we’ve shared throughout this blog post haven’t made it clear, one of the most effective ways to stand out is to stay wired and connected to the world. Sparklight lives to help businesses like yours thrive online with the latest technology in business Wi-Fi, phone service, and a host of additional digital services.

We’d love the opportunity to learn more about what we can do to help you thrive. Connect with us today!