3 strategies for standing out in a noisy market
Is it me, or is price a bold liar pants on fire when it comes to conveying quality these days?
This is a conclusion I’ve come to after years of expecting more for what I pay, and receiving less.
Less:
quality
service
care
quantity
Here are just a few pieces of data from my own life:
- I bought a $4,000 beautiful new couch with raving reviews— that literally disintegrated before my eyes in less than 2 years and the company couldn’t care less.
- 2 new tops I bought for $55 each, had hems falling apart after a few washes, and are now relegated to “I can’t sweat in these” status.
- I swear up and down, the wine pours are getting smaller when we go out for dinner and drinks… come to think of it, the price of some of my go-to wines have really shot up. How can we blame tariffs if it’s from Napa?
- Shrinkflation is alive and boy are these companies bold.
The Real Cost of Efficiency
Here’s the problem: price used to mean quality. Spending more used to mean getting more.
This is no longer the case.
Our global economy is deadset on “doing more with less”, while charging the same …or more.
I know I’m not the only one experiencing this.
People are now cynical and distrustful – after being swindled one too many times with phony promises and sparkling (but shallow) reviews that don’t tell the whole story.
You know what? This is a boon for you my small business friend.
A real opportunity to do better than big business and mass market deception. You can build true relationships, stand out for your quality, and run your business on your own terms.
I’m going to show you 3 strategies to capitalize on this and stand out in this price-noisy market to build authority, trust, and relationships with customers who are hungry for quality.
Strategy #1: Show your values, reputation & proof that you really mean them
People who are willing to spend more care about quality and values.
When you can show, not just tell your value, you’ll build immense trust in the eyes of your customers because they see you’re walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
Here are some ideas on how to show, not tell your values:
- Write a post about your business’s impact & share it with the world
- Send a personal note to your most valuable customers, thanking them for trusting you with their business
- Make a commitment & share progress – what causes do you believe in? How are you helping others? Can you tie that mission to every purchase, or certain purchases, and share progress with your community?
Value:
People are growing evermore distrustful of big businesses and the shady ways they treat their employees and customers when they think no one is looking.
This is your chance to build real trust based on you sharing your values & supporting causes that make a difference in the world.
Strategy #2: Show proof of quality & consistency over time
People want to know you stand the test of time, not just at the beginning.
Here are some ideas to show proof of quality & consistency over time:
- Showcase reviews from your longtime customers – that include phrases like “my go-to”, or “I’ve been coming here/buying x for years”, or “x has lasted so long, I love it!”
- Showcase reviews from customers who were hesitant, but then glad they chose you
Value:
People are wary of products/services/companies that put all their effort into selling, but then their products suck or they suck at fulfilling and servicing.
When you show case proof that you stand the test of time, it goes a loonnnng way in building trust.
Strategy #3: Make it easy for strangers to get to know you
People buy from people they know.
Create ways for people to get to know you. It can be through a newsletter, events, blog posts, or socials.
My business mentors talk a lot about the importance of having a place for people to get to know you and who you are, whatever the medium.
Value:
Sharing your ideas, thoughts, and personality with the world helps people get to know who you are and trust you. If all they have is a shop link and a generic website, how will they ever feel like they know and like you?
An Invitation: get to know me
As always, I practice what I preach – so here are some ways you can get to know me:
Visit my blog here
Get on my email list
Did you know I have a podcast? It’s all about living life on your own terms. I’m planning season 2 as we speak and will be out soon-ish
Let me buy you a coffee here
