Standing out as a startup is probably one of the toughest things you’ll do as a business owner. There’s a massive sea of competition out there in basically every industry, so someone finding your business is essentially the same as looking for a needle in a haystack–at least, that’s the case if you don’t do anything special. We do this at Blue Whale Poke Bar and Grill as much as we can.

But if you’re willing to put in the extra work, then standing out can be possible with a little investment. So here are a couple of ways that a startup can make a name for itself.

Customizing your packaging materials

Standing out often means doing something different from your competition, and customizing your packaging materials can be a good way to differentiate yourself. When your customers receive something that’s been designed specifically by you, it feels more personal and shows that you’ve put some effort into making the customer experience a lot more enjoyable. It’s something that you can do with minimal investment too, such as envelope printing or printing designs onto shipping labels. It’s a small yet impactful way to set yourself apart, and the unique experience it offers can get people talking about your business.

Embracing the idea of transparency and authenticity

These days, people like to work with businesses that are transparent and authentic. Whether it’s sharing your values, discussing your process, or even explaining your pricing, authenticity builds trust with your customers and creates a strong connection to your audience. This can lead to better customer experiences, improvised support, and even an increase in revenue. Word of your brand will spread because you’re showing that you’re a genuine company, and it’ll help your business stand out among the competition.

Engaging with the community at any chance you have

It’s a good idea to engage with your community whenever you can. It’s important to communicate with them, share ideas, and even listen to their feedback. If you don’t establish a platform where they can communicate with you, then it’ll be difficult to listen to what they have to say. Engaging with the community is another way of building a stronger connection to your audience, and it’s also one of the most valuable ways to receive feedback on your products and services. This can be done with help from a dedicated community manager who focuses on your social media presence, but if you don’t have the means to hire someone for the role, then just engaging with your audience on platforms like Facebook and X is good enough.

Offering exceptional customer service

When you’re setting up a new business, you start on a blank slate and can choose to build your brand however you like. This gives you the perfect opportunity to grow a brand that is known for going the extra mile for its customers. Sometimes it means offering a lenient refund policy, other times it means answering customer support queries yourself instead of outsourcing them. The more you focus on the customer experience and providing exceptional service to your audience, the more likely you’ll be noticed in the industry.

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