6 Competitive Differentiation Techniques for a Saturated Market

Competitive Differentiation August 10, 2020

Chloe Henderson

Writer

Markets are flooded with companies that manage similar processes, products, and prices, making it challenging for consumers to choose where to take their business. Companies that establish competitive differentiation can stand out and attract customers by offering unique branding, products, and customer experience.

When an organization successfully differentiates itself from other businesses, they can promote sales and customer retention by finding their niche within the industry. Therefore, companies in saturated markets must identify opportunities to set themselves apart from competitors with similar characteristics.

What is Competitive Differentiation?

Competitive differentiation sets one business apart from another to attract buyers based on individuality.

There are two aspects to competitive differentiation - identifying unique traits that other organizations do not possess and promoting these traits for buyer outreach. However, this does not mean that a company must offer an entirely new business plan in order to stand out. Although having a completely unique business model is undoubtedly an advantage, organizations only need to focus on a few characteristics that they can claim as a part of their identity.

While a company may differ from other businesses, if their unique characteristics are not advertised as something the customers can benefit from, the business is missing out on unexplored potential. Therefore, to achieve competitive differentiation, organizations must identify and define elements that only they pose and promote it effectively to consumers.

Without competitive differentiation, buyers have no reason to choose one business over another, other than seeking the lowest prices. However, organizations that offer unique characteristics and customer experience can attract consumers without relying on competitive pricing strategies. Companies that find the most success in competitive differentiation spend less time trying to appeal to all consumer groups and focus on demographics that benefit from their business model.

When a business can successfully find their niche and harness competitive differentiation, they can-

Remain competitive without relying solely on price
Appeal to target audiences
Establish their company as indispensable
Promote customer retention
Boost profit margins

6 Ways Companies Can Differentiate Themselves from Competition

There are various ways companies can differentiate themselves from competitors. However, not every differentiation strategy will be equally effective for all industries. Therefore, companies should understand the advantages of each method and decide on the most realistic and beneficial option for their unique situation.

1. Product Differentiation

Product differentiation is the most substantial way a business can set itself apart from competitors. This includes both actual and perceived differences that are presented through targeted advertising. A differentiated product could refer to an item's functionality, capabilities, performance, design, or purpose. This strategy is where production and distributor marketers dedicate their time, effort, and capital.

However, while a differentiated product may have remarkable success initially, it is often short-lived. Modern technology and production make it extremely easy to replicate almost any company product design. While there are patents and legal protection of intellectual property, there are many loops holes that negate these obstacles.

2. Service Differentiation

Service differentiation can be implemented in the delivery, customer service, training, installation, and the ordering process. While these may seem like basic business procedures, by standardizing the customer experience, clients can expect the same treatment at every store location.

For example, there are thousands of McDonald's shops around the nation, and yet the service, ordering process, and food preparation is the same at every location. Therefore, when a customer places an order for fries, they will receive fries that are prepared and delivered in the same fashion as any other location.

3. Distribution Differentiation

Although this technique is often overlooked, the distribution process is another way businesses can differentiate their operations. Finding a distributor that provides high coverage, availability, and reliability significantly enhances customer experience and satisfaction. Without a dependable distribution partner, manufacturers are unable to provide retailers or consumers with prompt product deliveries.

While an exclusive distributor partnership is ideal, establishing a strong relationship with a company through incentives, strong communication, and service support ensures reliable distribution.

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4. Relationship Differentiation

Creating a strong relationship between employees directly affects how customers perceive a company. Employees, staff, and team members with strong communication skills significantly improve customer service, support, responsiveness, and reliability. Without an established bond, internal operations can become disjointed and negatively impact the business.

Establishing bonds between the business and customer is another excellent way to stand out. Some companies designate employees to supervise customer support teams that contact buyers to ensure products are functioning correctly and up to their standard. These extra efforts promote trust and loyalty because consumers cannot receive this attention elsewhere.

5. Brand Differentiation

A significant element of differentiation is creating a unique brand or identity. This allows customers to instantly recognize a company by image, service, mission, quality, or performance. The most significant way to display a company brand is through advertising on major platforms, from digital marketing to physical campaigns.

For example, UPS is easily identifiable by its known brown uniforms and yellow logo. While the imagery is simple, customers remember this logo and can quickly refer to it when sending a package. Besides the actual design, clients can recall the business's mission to provide quick, safe deliveries at a reasonable price. This brand differentiation is what makes UPS one of the most used shipping services in the nation.

For startups, differentiating a brand can be challenging, especially with a small marketing budget. Small businesses have to determine what their brand stands for, whom it appeals to, and the best way to communicate their image. Only then can the company develop their identity and begin to advertise.

6. Price Differentiation

Competitive pricing relies on surrounding businesses and insights on what consumers are willing to pay for a product or service. Price differentiation considers the quality of goods, demand, and store location when pricing items. This strategy ensures that products are priced to attract customers while still driving profits.

Competitive differentiation can significantly boost business profitability and longevity. Identifying and promoting what sets a company apart creates a competitive advantage by appealing to targeted customers.

Organizations that can establish themselves through unique branding, products, or experiences can increase customer loyalty by positioning themselves as an indispensable business.