One of the most important parts about selling your business or product to your customer is defining a Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Thoughtfully writing down your unique selling proposition, or what makes you different from your competition, will help you gain confidence in the product or service you’re selling. After all, if you don’t believe in your product, why should anyone else believe in it?
What is a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
A Unique Selling Proposition is a communication tool that tells your audience how your product or service is different and better than your competition. A good USP should be clear and concise. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
Your Unique Selling Proposition should focus on how your product or service benefits the customer and effectively communicate your brand values.
Before you write your USP, make sure you’ve narrowed down your target audience. It should describe the products you offer and how you can solve your customer’s problem.
How to Write a Unique Selling Proposition
1. What are your differentiating qualities? (hint – if your competition can say the same thing about their brand, go back to the drawing board!)
2. Focus on how it benefits the customer (don’t just talk about the product or service itself.)
3. Use strong language (it’s okay to use words like “best” or “greatest.”)
Example of a Unique Selling Proposition
Here is an example of Barnyard Marketing’s Unique Selling Proposition (just to get your wheels turning!)
“Barnyard Marketing is a marketing company specializing in social media and graphic design for organizations that want to get noticed by the right audience at the right time.”
So start thinking! What makes YOUR business different? Nailing down your unique selling proposition is the first step in creating a marketing plan that will reach your audience with the right message at the right time.
Need help thinking through your marketing plan? Contact Barnyard Marketing for a free initial consultation.