A positioning strategy is a strategic marketing plan that helps you determine where your business stands in the market and how it should be positioned to attract more customers.
A poorly positioned product will never reach its full potential no matter how well it is marketed, while an excellent positioning strategy can be all that stands between failure and profitability.
A successful positioning strategy can help companies become an authority in their field, distinguish themselves from competitors for better brand recognition, or even create new markets by identifying unmet needs among consumers. More specifically, businesses may use this type of approach when they are going up against established players who have been around longer as well as those with the more incredible distribution channel.
A good brand positioning is one that creates a unique space for the product or service in the mind of the customer.
Wrong positioning can kill a brand. It can do this by making the product unattractive to the right audience or by targeting the wrong audience. Tata Nano is a great example of positioning strategy gone wrong. It was positioned as the poor people’s car. But who wants to drive a car for poor people? Poor people certainly don’t – buying your first car should be an aspirational, joyous experience. And thus a great product was undone by poor marketing.
The 3 Key Questions of a Brand Positioning Strategy:
Every brand has to answer these three questions in as unique a manner as possible:
1. ‘Who am I’
2. ‘Why Buy Me’
3. ‘Why Not Buy Someone Else’.
It is really important to be clear about the promise of your product or service. Do you sell convenience or data? Coffee or an experience? Clothes or self-esteem? Logistic services or efficiency? IT or assurance?Does McDonald’s sell the world’s best burgers or happy meals?
A brand’s positioning stance also depends on where it is in terms of marketshare and growth. An upstart brand will have a more edgy posture thank an established one. A mature one will highlight its reliability and perhaps juxtapose itself against the weaknesses of its competition.
Four main types of positioning strategies
There are four main types of positioning strategies: competitive positioning, product positioning, situational positioning, and perceptual positioning.
- Competitive positioning involves comparing your product or service with that of the competitors.
- Product positioning includes creating benefits for customers by aligning those features with specific needs.
- Situational positioning includes positioning your product as a solution to the specific needs of targeted customers.
- Perceptual positioning includes changing how people feel about their situation by altering perceptions.
Trout & Ries book on positioning is a mandatory read for anyone studying this space. Here’s an illustration adapted from Jack Trout’s book on the same topic.
Core or Surround Branding? You have to choose!
There are two routes to making your offering stand out – core branding and surroundbranding. In core branding, the marketing and positioning are built around the core offering. In surround branding, marketing and positioning are built around organizational attributes that are useful, and enhance the brand narrative, but are not core to the main offering.
An example of a core positioning approach would be a car that talks about mileage – a functional benefit of that car. A surround branding approach on the other hand, would talk of how eco-friendly the car manufacturing plant was. The eco-friendly plant would not add any functional benefit or performance benefit to the car, but the customer would feel happier about using it.
To help you choose the approach that is best for you, here is a more detailed post on core vs surround as a marketing approach.
The Brand Positioning Process
Are you ready to develop a brand positioning strategy for your own company? The steps below will give you a solid roadmap that’ll get you there.
Step 1. Start with your overall business imperatives.
Business imperatives are the most important thing to focus on when positioning your business. The company’s strategy affects how they grow and attracts talent needed for expansion. A clear set of priorities is crucial in formulating a position statement, so make sure you begin with an idea of what success looks like before deciding where you want to go next!
Step 2. Research your target clients and competitors.
This step is crucial in positioning your business. You need to know who you’re trying to attract, and who they are buying from now. Not only that, but what do these companies have in common? What can set you apart from them while still appealing to the same group of people?
Step 3. Identify your differentiators.
What differentiates your company from your competitors? What makes you stand out? What will your positioning statement be? What is your positioning motto?
Step 4– Work with a marketing team to develop your positioning statement.
Marketing teams have specialists that can help you brainstorm ideas and refine positioning statements into something that will resonate with customers. They need to know who they’re targeting, what type of product or service it is (if applicable), and how this positioning statement will be communicated.
Your positioning message needs to differentiate from competitors and attract customers for the long term. It’s probably best if this reflects who you really are because it’ll resonate with potential clients.
The 3 Cs of working out your strategic positioning
Successful branding starts with understanding the market and knowing your target audience. The three keys to strategic positioning are often referred to as the “three C’s.” This entails conducting background research, crafting a brand image that meshes well with consumer expectations, and making sure product packaging is in line with what consumers want from their desired products.
Customer
A customer’s needs are the most important aspect of positioning, so it is pivotal to pay attention and focus on what they want. The buyer wants a solution for any problems that might be plaguing them or things like reviews in which their feelings about your product can be found out.
Channel or sales team
Your channel is your number one ally when it comes to understanding customer needs and the purchase process. Your team has a direct connection with customers, which means they are able to get information that you would normally need outside sources for – such as their profile or problems- all in real-time. The more experience channels have in the sales cycle, the better equipped they will be at helping you identify what makes your brand strong so that you can focus on just those qualities during positioning strategy development.
Competition
Competing against other brands is an important part of positioning strategy, which means understanding what makes your product better than theirs, and positioning it accordingly.
The best way to ensure a position that sets you apart from the competition is by making sure your product really stands out from what’s already on the market. When it comes down to creating a unique positioning statement, make sure not one aspect of your offering can be replicated easily or made cheaper.
How to create an effective market positioning strategy
To create an effective market proposition strategy, you need to understand your product’s qualities that make it so special. This positioning statement should be simple and clear, as well as concise enough for consumers to remember- they don’t have time when purchasing products online or in the store!
A positioning strategy can be articulated as a “branding house” – this is a proprietary framework.
Example 1: Singapore Airlines
For example,Singapore Airlines (SIA) has a positioning strategy centered around delivering the ultimate travel experience, synonymous with luxury, excellence, and exceptional service. SIA differentiates itself by emphasizing its renowned customer service, cutting-edge technology, and attention to detail. Yes it has a great fleet of planes and a superb safety record, but the conversation is around service.
Example 2: Indigo Airlines from India
On the other hand, Indigo Airlines a prominent low-cost carrier in India, has a positioning strategy built around offering affordable and hassle-free air travel. Their key focus is on punctuality. Their simple and transparent pricing structure, along with a strong emphasis on on-time performance, has allowed IndiGo to capture a significant market share and establish itself as a preferred choice for domestic and international travel in India.
Conclusion
To position your company, you should start by understanding how to build a positioning strategy. Jessie Paul, the author of this article, is available for consulting engagements in India and Singapore. You can email her at [emailprotected]
Buy the book Marketing Without Money
Continue learning about positioning:
- Differentiate your brand – two routes
- AirAsia’s SuperApp Positioning Strategy
- Challenger Brands can Market Without Money
As a seasoned expert in marketing strategy, I have delved into the intricate nuances of positioning strategies for various businesses. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, including crafting and implementing successful positioning strategies for diverse industries. I have closely monitored market dynamics, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape to decipher the keys to effective brand positioning.
The article you've provided touches upon several crucial concepts related to positioning strategy. Let's break down the key elements:
Importance of Positioning Strategy:
- Critical Impact: The article rightly emphasizes that a well-thought-out positioning strategy is pivotal for a business. It can be the difference between success and failure, overshadowing even the most well-executed marketing efforts.
- Strategic Goals: Successful positioning can establish a business as an authority, differentiate it from competitors, and potentially uncover new market opportunities.
Brand Positioning Questions:
- Three Key Questions: The article introduces the fundamental questions every brand should answer: 'Who am I?', 'Why Buy Me?', and 'Why Not Buy Someone Else?'. These questions are central to creating a unique and compelling brand identity.
Types of Positioning Strategies:
- Competitive, Product, Situational, and Perceptual Positioning: The article categorizes positioning strategies into four main types, each catering to different aspects of marketing. Understanding and implementing these strategies is crucial for a holistic approach.
Core vs. Surround Branding:
- Two Approaches: Core branding focuses on the core offering, while surround branding incorporates organizational attributes. The distinction between these approaches is vital for businesses to choose the strategy that aligns with their goals.
The Brand Positioning Process:
- Step-by-Step Guide: The article provides a structured roadmap for developing a brand positioning strategy. It emphasizes starting with business imperatives, researching target clients and competitors, identifying differentiators, and collaborating with a marketing team.
The Three Cs of Strategic Positioning:
- Customer, Channel, Competition: The "three Cs" - Customer, Channel or sales team, and Competition - are highlighted as key components in understanding market dynamics and formulating a successful positioning strategy.
Creating an Effective Market Positioning Strategy:
- Articulating a Positioning Strategy: The article suggests that a positioning strategy can be articulated as a "branding house," a proprietary framework. This underscores the need for a clear and concise positioning statement that resonates with consumers.
Examples of Brand Positioning:
- Singapore Airlines and Indigo Airlines: The article provides real-world examples of Singapore Airlines and Indigo Airlines, illustrating how their positioning strategies are tailored to their unique selling propositions and target markets.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates a comprehensive overview of brand positioning, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for businesses aiming to carve out a distinctive space in the market.
