Whether you’re a freelancer, solo entrepreneur or a small business owner, working in any creative field is tough. And one of the biggest challenges is standing out. It’s essential to show potential customers and clients why they should choose you over your competitors.
You know that your business is unique, but how can you actively display that and differentiate yourself from others offering similar products or services?
Define your USP
Now, “USP” (unique selling proposition) may seem like a very corporate term, but it’s essential in every industry. Before you start marketing to others, make sure you have a clear understanding of your strengths, skills, and expertise that set you apart.
Perhaps you pride yourself on offering speedy turnaround times for designs or you hand-make your products. Once you’ve identified your USP, you need to then clearly communicate it through your branding, marketing materials, and client interactions.
Be honest and authentic
If you’re unsure where to begin with defining your USP, think about why you started your business and how it demonstrates your beliefs and aims.
No matter what niche you’re in, being authentic and honest is the best way to attract clients and customers who resonate with your approach and aesthetic. Trying to imitate other businesses in the same field can be time-consuming and exhausting. Instead, put your effort into cultivating your own creative voice.
By being yourself and making sure your small business reflects your values, you’ll naturally stand out.
Create a brand identity as a freelancer
Once you have your USP pinned down, you can use your authentic voice to create a strong brand identity. From the tone of voice to logos and other design elements, let your business values shine through all your marketing and outreach.
A strong brand identity will make sure you stand out from the crowd and that customers and clients remember you.
Network and collaborate
Getting your name out there can seem daunting, particularly if you’re a solo entrepreneur or freelancer managing all areas of your business. However, meeting other people in your local area or those in a similar industry can help you develop your own presence. The more people you meet, the more people you have to potentially advocate for you.
While standing out is important, embracing a sense of community is also vital.
Focus on customer service
There’s a lot to be said for providing excellent customer service. After all, clear, friendly communication and going the extra mile for a customer can elevate even the most average of offerings.
Satisfied clients are more likely to come back to you in the future and recommend your services to others. This, in turn, helps you extend your business’s reach.
If you're working on your own or in a small team, knowing how to keep up with customer communication is key. You may find it helpful to outsource customer service tasks to a virtual assistant. From answering emails and phone calls to responding to reviews, a virtual assistant (VA) can ensure your customers and clients get the best service possible, while you focus on other aspects of your creative business.
VA services from Bizzybee
There’s no denying that standing out in a crowded market takes a lot of work. But once you get your name out there and showcase what you can do, the rewards will speak for themselves. And a little support can help you get there.
Erin at Bizzybee can offer a range of Virtual Assistance to allow you to develop your brand identity, network, and make sure customers and clients are aware of your USP.
From admin and email management to competitor research, Erin can help you get organised and grow your creative business. For more information, get in touch today.