Being Unique vs. Being Better: Which Gets You More Business?

Many businesses believe that to succeed, they need to offer more features, better service, or higher quality than their competitors. While this approach can work, there’s something even more powerful: being unique. Standing out by being different, rather than trying to be better, creates a lasting impact on your audience. Let’s dive into why uniqueness is a more effective business strategy than simply aiming to outdo the competition.

Why Being Unique is More Effective than Being Better

Being better is relative—someone else can always come along with more resources, newer technology, or more experience and take that “better” position from you. Uniqueness, on the other hand, is hard to replicate. When you’re unique, you’re creating a distinct place for yourself that no one else can fill as effectively.

Imagine positioning based on uniqueness versus trying to compete solely on quality. Say you offer a specific service that you know aligns well with your audience’s needs because of your unique approach, background, or perspective. This alignment draws people to you not because you’re “better” but because you offer something they can’t find elsewhere.

Don’t Be Better, Be Unique

Instead of trying to beat others at their game, focus on what makes your approach different. When you’re clear about your unique strengths, you naturally attract people who are looking for exactly what you offer. This is niche marketing 101: don’t be better, be unique. Then, tell everyone what makes you unique. It’s not about competing on features; it’s about standing out by being distinctly “you.”

Get Better at What Makes You Unique

Once you know what makes you unique, it’s time to double down on those strengths. In other words, don’t just rely on your unique approach—get even better at it. When you refine and improve what makes you stand out, you create an even stronger position in the market. Rather than expanding to compete in broader areas, your focus is on becoming a true specialist in what you already do best.

Ultimately, being unique is more powerful than simply trying to be better.

While “better” is relative and can be matched or outdone, uniqueness is something only you bring to the table. Define what makes you unique, then get better at delivering that unique approach to your audience. This creates a defensible position that attracts your ideal clients and helps your business grow in a sustainable, lasting way.