What do you do to stand out from the competition around you?

[Minion]

Hey Square Sellers.  I'm looking to get some insider insight from other business owners on what to you do to stand out from the competition around you in your area?   Are you competing with other business' similar to yours, or are you trying to compete online only on a more global scale with much larger competition?

For me and my business, I am the only place that sprays bedliners within 60 miles or so but that doesn't mean I don't have competition.  I now need to put on my salesman hat and get that customer who is 90+minutes away to come to me instead of lets say going 90 minutes in the opposite direction. 

I used to stray from checking out any competition when I first started out.  I can't really explain why. Maybe it was the fact that they were already established for years, had a large client base and just seemed like they were leagues above me. I have no problem checking out competition now to see what other services they offer, or how are they using marketing to draw in current and previous customers. 

I set up a Square Loyalty program and just getting into Text Marketing as well to be able to bring back some of those customers with just a few clicks.  

So what do you do with competition in your area, do you follow their every move, do you try to get out in front of them or do you really pay any mind to them. 

Let me know below!

[indianathomas]

Great question—and it’s one every business owner, no matter the size or industry, should revisit often.

From an industry-standard standpoint, standing out typically includes:

• Identifying your unique value proposition (UVP)—what you offer that no one else does.

• Consistently innovating in products, services, or experience.

• Monitoring competitor activity, both locally and online.

• Building strong brand recognition and trust through authentic marketing and customer engagement.

• Leveraging tools like loyalty programs, SMS/email marketing, social proof, and SEO to stay visible and relevant.

For us, we operate in the smoothie, juice, and bowl space, and competition is fierce. We stand out by keeping a close pulse on industry trends—and then pushing a bit further. Our strategy is to stay two to three steps ahead, not just reacting to trends but anticipating them, while staying true to our core business values.

Execution is the hardest part—especially with 20 locations. Consistency across the board takes discipline, training, and a whole lot of team buy-in. Each year brings new ingredients, flavor profiles, and marketing trends, and everyone in our space is trying to outdo each other.

We also focus on keeping our concept and menu proprietary, making what we offer hard to duplicate. This protects our identity and helps create a distinct customer experience. On top of that, we invest in building trust and brand reputation—because a great product only goes so far without loyalty behind it.

In the end, standing out is part innovation, part execution, and part customer connection.

Looking forward to hearing what others are doing too—this is the good stuff that helps all of us grow.

[Minion]

Some great information and insights there @indianathomas .  I really appreciate reading  your take on it and how you with 20 locations seem to have a grasp on things and continue to climb.