Today it’s harder than ever to make your organization stand out. Consumers have many choices and it’s guaranteed your prospective customers are evaluating multiple events or causes in addition to yours. With the onslaught of news, information, notifications and choices, how do you make your brand stand out from the rest?Here are 5 ways you can help your organization stand out.

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1. Take a stand.

Don’t simply talk about what your company does well, take a stand and have an opinion about what’s wrong in the industry and cast vision for what could better. Our company has taken a stand against an industry of outdated options that give you less and cost you more. Since every product solves a problem, you better be clear and opinionated on the problem you solve, or the need you exist to meet. Customers will appreciate a company that has a strong opinion for how things ought to be.

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2. Be human.

Many corporate websites are cold – lacking personality and tone with lots of corporate-speak. Even their graphics are impersonal – showing stock photos of handshakes instead of pictures of real people from the company. While this low bar of marketing might be easier, today’s consumers expect to create a connection with the companies they use. To foster greater connection between your company and prospective customers, try changing your website’s copy to be more human-like with a conversational tone, use real photos of real people at your company and engage with people on social media.

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3. Create unique experiences.

Recent trends indicate that positive responses from prospects and customers are greatly influenced by unique experiences. The customer experience is much more influential than ever before. For our customer support, we regularly share animated gifs to bring delight to the previously mundane chat interactions. If a customer reaches a particular milestone in their success, we send a celebratory care box with a mini bottle of champagne. For any customer who comes visits us in Sacramento, we take them to happy hour. These unique experiences have helped us not only develop excellent customer satisfaction, it often translates into long term loyal customers.

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4. Become a thought leader.

In addition to making a terrific product or service in the industry you love, commit yourself to writing articles, hosting lectures, participating in podcasts and create infographics for your industry that help people succeed. Not only will people benefit from your contributions, you will build a following and develop greater influence in your field. You and your company will eventually be recognized as experts in the field which will result in greater trust by prospective customers.

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5. Give back.

Prospective customers respond well when they see your company giving back and participating in social impact. Get your company involved in your community, industry or causes you care about that shows the world you are making a difference in and outside of your field.

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For better or worse, the voice of a consumer has more influence than ever before in shaping how prospective customers consider your company.

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If you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace, your company needs to do something worthy of being noticed and talked about. These 5 strategies will help you get there.