How do I make my small business standout against much larger competitors?
I know there is a serious market for my business, but I don't know how to attract bigger companies to use my services for their employees? I do not have the financial means to compete with the big relocators, but do a much better job.
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Aug 13, 2014
"My business is a relocation agency, we deliver a very custom made service for our clients and we have a very high service level. We make sure that our clients will not experience any unpleasant suprises and every clients gets personal attention every step of the way. My goal is not to become a big business, but I want my business to be of absolute good quality."
Marlies - listen to yourself! Your ADVANTAGE is what you perceive as your DISADVANTAGE. Your advantage is your size, your personal attention. Flaunt it! Make it your #1 selling point. Make it clear that due to your size you only handle X number of customers at any given time and new customers can apply to join your "waiting list". That's how I'd go if I was you. The general direction at least! Good luck!
Jul 23, 2014
Work with a company that can help you obtain the right marketing tools to drive traffic to your desired location. It is not hard to have great looking brochures, direct mail pieces, email blast to a targeted market and a nice website. You can have an image of a much larger company. If you're interested, send me a message and we could talk.
Jul 3, 2014
Hello Marlies,
Lots of great advice. No matter what you choose to do. If you have not watched the "Start with Why" video at the link below by Simon Sinek, you should take time to check it out. He talks about what he calls the "Golden Circle." He says, "People that believe what you believe are more likely to buy "why" you do what you do long before they will buy "what" you do. He also has a book by the same title that I just finished too. It was great.
http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
Jun 28, 2014
From my personal experience, the key to this is to focus on a particular area that really resonates and fascinates you and become an expert in that area. Write about it, blog about it, speak about it. Your much larger competitors will never be able to touch your specific expertise and before you know it your small business will standout against much larger competitors. And that is how I did it too....
Jun 26, 2014
Differentiation can be a difficult process. The best way to start is to take a step back and ask yourself, "Would I actually by this product as opposed buying Brand X?"
In other words, what is it about your company that makes it unique?
You say that you do a much better job than "the big relocators". How? Why? Are these differentiators expressed in your marketing materials - your logo, your website, your business cards, etc?
Also, consider joining your local chambers of commerce. Through the chambers you will meet hundreds of potential customers.
Jun 24, 2014
I'm going to be echoing what others have already said, although I didn't read all of them, but in general, focus on your Unique Selling Opposition - what is it that makes you different and be sure that is very clear message in your marketing. The text on the website is really difficult to read and if you are going to stay with WIX, I would recommend you at least upgrade to a paid version so you remove the "Wix advertising for FREE" on your site. That to me doesn't say you can compete with big re-locators or large competitors. Also, I would blog, get testimonials, write press releases, utilize your social media (I didn't see those icons on your website currently), and start building your opt-in list and communicating/networking with your IDEAL target audience right away. Blog and building a lead list with auto-responders aren't easily added to WIX templates. We have done it, but I never recommend using WIX for the reason Dave pointed out, the SEO value is poor at best and you are very limited by the fact it is a template.
Jun 24, 2014
Hi
With out know the nature of business its difficult comment , how ever every business comes with its own set of challenge . Since you are confident of your business model , I would suggest you to first start a pilot project to understand the challenges which can not be replicated . Then you can take it up further . E.g in many business supply chain / delivery is game changer , you can see how these can be handled at ease and what are your strength against the bigger company .
Regards
Jun 22, 2014
You have to define your nitch. Sit down an define why you are better. Faster, better customer service, attention to detail. cost less, higher quality (define quality). Solicit feedback from customers. Have them provide recommendations on LinkedIn and other social media. Promote what you do that will help customers given your agility, flexibility and nimbleness, expertise etc. In what ways are you better?
Once you define that, market it so others can learn about you.