Do you know what your “USP” is?

In fact, let’s rewind a step, do know what a USP is?

Well, very simply it’s your Unique Selling Proposition/Point.

It’s what makes your business different to every other business out there in the same market.

For example, if you sell widgets just like Business Z in the same street – how are you different? Well, your business might do home delivery of widgets. That’s your USP because Business Z only sells widgets direct from the shop.

It’s a very basic example but you get the drift. It’s what differentiates you. It’s why people chose to buy from you when they’re faced with a myriad of other choices.

Now we’ve established what the USP is, do you know how to identify yours?

Okay, so grab a pen and paper or make some notes on your phone. It’s important to keep track of your findings for future review. Also, it’s an exercise you might start now and then come back to later. You may want to ‘sit on it’ for a bit and let things sink in.

And, remember your USP could be based on quality, price, location, logistics, packaging, technology or customer services.

Really briefly this is what you need to do to identify your USP

1.     List the features/benefits of your products/service

2.     Write down how they’re they different to your competitors

3.     Capture these (different) features in a short, clear and concise phrase

4.     Tell the world your USP

TIPS

Use google and customers to help you with parts 1 and 2.

Test your USP on a few customers – get their feedback.

Repeat this exercise every 6 months or so.

What are you waiting for? You need to stop your brand getting lost in the crowd. Sit down today and begin to work through steps 1-4 to discover your USP.

Then, shout it from the rooftops, or post it on social media, whatever is easiest.

And the fun part? You get to write down all the things that are so amazing about your brilliant business.

Good luck!