{"id":2526,"date":"2025-03-07T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backstagelenses.com\/?p=2526"},"modified":"2025-03-07T16:23:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T16:23:57","slug":"15-brand-positioning-examples-to-refine-your-branding-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.backstagelenses.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/15-brand-positioning-examples-to-refine-your-branding-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Brand Positioning Examples to Refine Your Branding Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"
I’ve always been fascinated by how some brands have become so iconic that their names replace generic terms. Band-Aid instead of bandage, Kleenex instead of tissue \u2014 it\u2019s the ultimate example of successful branding<\/a>.<\/p>\n But how do you actually build a brand positioning strategy that sticks? I went straight to the experts to find out, and I\u2019ll share their insights here. Plus, a practical framework to help you position your brand in your ideal market.<\/p>\n Below are the high-level topics I\u2019ll cover, but don\u2019t worry \u2014 I\u2019ll still get into the weeds so you have a thorough understanding of how to position your brand.<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Denver Burke<\/a>, head of insights and demand generation at Fuelius<\/a>, says, \u201cToday, a strong brand message is one of the few things that remains constant.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cAcquiring new customers is crucial for any business, but building and retaining strong relationships with existing customers through your brand is what truly future-proofs your business.\u201d<\/p>\n Effective brand positioning happens when your brand is perceived favorably, valuable, and credible to the consumer. The sum of those three becomes unique to your business, and your customers carve out a place for you in their minds.<\/p>\n This is important because being \u201cdifferent\u201d from the competition isn\u2019t enough to win in the market. Take it from brand positioning expert Will Barron<\/a> at Salesman.org<\/a>. \u201cYou only get the opportunity to position your brand when you\u2019re doing something remarkable. Anything else, and it\u2019s just comparison,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Brand positioning allows a company to differentiate itself from competitors. This differentiation helps a business increase brand awareness, communicate value, and justify pricing \u2014 all impacting its bottom line.<\/p>\n And, you have a reputation whether you cultivate it or not, so you might as well create a brand positioning plan to help you control your reputation and brand image.<\/p>\n Jigar Thakker<\/a>, chief business officer at INSIDEA<\/a>, seconds this, as he told me that brand positioning is bridging the gap between what customers need and the unique solution you offer that fulfills them. He says that brand positioning \u201ccements how your product or service stands out and ultimately wins over customers. It helps your target market identify your brand and understand why you\u2019re the best choice and the leader in your market.\u201d<\/p>\n But, not all brand positioning strategies are the same or have the same objective. Your positioning and messaging vary depending on the nature of your offering and industry.<\/p>\n [Video: Brand Positioning: Make Your Brand Stand Out (FREE Guide!)<\/a>]<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n When you\u2019re deciding how to position your brand in the marketplace, you have several options to choose from. Still, the most important recommendation I can give is this: tailor your brand positioning strategy to highlight your product\u2019s competitive advantage and point out your competition\u2019s shortcomings.<\/p>\n Below are a few popular positioning strategies to differentiate your brand in the market.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve likely chosen a retailer or service provider for its exceptional customer service at some point.<\/p>\n Companies in industries known for poor support can stand out by emphasizing their friendliness, while those with complex products can attract customers by showcasing robust support. Great customer service also justifies higher prices \u2014 Apple, for instance, charges a premium but backs it with responsive, friendly support.<\/p>\n These service interactions are also an integral part of the flywheel<\/a>. For example, an initially unhappy customer may become a promoter if they have a great service experience.<\/p>\n Be diligent with this strategy. If you advertise exceptional customer service but don\u2019t deliver, you\u2019ll invite bad reviews, callouts on social media, and even Better Business Bureau complaints<\/a>.<\/p>\n HubSpot\u2019s founder and CTO, Dharmesh Shah, uses this simple equation<\/a> to explain customer delight and stay accountable for delivering the brand promise: Customer delight = experience – expectations.<\/em><\/p>\n P<\/strong>ro tip:<\/strong> Equip your team with the right customer service software<\/a> to deliver on your promise.<\/p>\n A convenience-based positioning strategy focuses on why your product or service is easier to use or access than the competition\u2019s. This could be about location, ease of use, wide accessibility, or multi-platform support.<\/p>\n Sometimes, convenience is all about design. For instance, Swiffer\u2019s WetJet<\/a> is marketed as a hassle-free alternative to traditional mops, thanks to its disposable pads. This positioning appeals to busy consumers and often justifies a higher price \u2014 Swiffer WetJets cost around $26, compared to $10 for an O-Cedar mop.<\/p>\n Burke agrees: \u201cIf you have a highly-priced product, it [a compelling brand story] helps to justify your pricing strategy by emphasizing the quality and value that your audience will receive. Not only will this provide reassurance to them, but it could increase your chances of being considered.\u201d<\/p>\n But convenience comes with its challenges. In the B2B SaaS space, for instance, offering a product across multiple operating systems requires a robust, always-on development team to address bugs and other issues. Supporting that kind of convenience can quickly become expensive.<\/p>\n The last item I recommend checking is if your product is truly convenient. For example, while the WetJet is easy to use, needing frequent trips to the store for refills might frustrate customers. Offering features like automatic refill subscriptions could better meet their expectations and solidify your positioning.<\/p>\n A company uses a price-based position strategy to present its product or service as the most affordable option. When you position your product as the cheapest on the market, you can generate a large customer base because no one likes to spend more than they have to. Offering the lowest price is an easy way to get prospects to convert.<\/p>\n I have to note that this strategy comes with its share of risks and drawbacks \u2014 namely, giving prospects the impression of lower production quality.<\/p>\n You might also run into economic issues that can hinder your brand positioning over time \u2014 like Subway\u2019s $5 footlong that couldn\u2019t survive inflation. Price-based positioning can also initiate a price war<\/a>, though that mainly applies to certain industries such as air travel.<\/p>\n This strategy emphasizes a product’s quality \u2014 quality that often comes at a premium cost. This can be shown through exceptional craftsmanship, small-batch production, high-quality materials, and even sustainable practices that make it more expensive to produce. You can show the quality of service through evidence of exceptional end results, high ROI, and glowing customer testimonials.<\/p>\n Budget-conscious shoppers may bypass your brand in favor of a cheaper alternative. So, I recommend looking at your buyer personas: your target customers’ income and shopping habits determine whether emphasizing quality (with a higher premium) is the right approach for your brand.<\/p>\n A differentiation positioning strategy relies on a product\u2019s uniqueness or innovative qualities in comparison to the traditional competition. Tesla is a great example.<\/p>\n Before the Tesla vehicles existed, there wasn\u2019t an attractive, fully electric vehicle available for purchase. Now, it’s one of the leading tech companies in the self-driving car and AI robots<\/a> space.<\/p>\n If you implement this strategy, consumers who value innovation will be attracted to your brand and product. The one potential limitation is that the public could be discouraged by the lack of history of use. If your product is completely new, I recommend providing the research and testing that went into its creation. Often, innovation-driven consumers like to know how the new technology or product works.<\/p>\n Kevin D\u2019Arcy, CEO at ThinkFuel<\/a>, sums up the power of digital storytelling: \u201cThrough immersive websites, interactive ads, and social media narratives, brands can create a participatory experience that captivates the audience. This approach allows consumers to become co-creators of the brand story, offering them a personal stake in its success.\u201d<\/p>\n Social media positioning stands out because it\u2019s tied to the channels you use \u2014 not just your messaging. The platforms you choose (or skip) send a message about your brand just as much as your content does.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to be everywhere. Simply focus on channels your target market uses the most. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n Sometimes, all three align on one platform; other times, they\u2019re spread out. Once you know where to show up, tailor your messaging to connect with your audience right there.<\/p>\n Brand positioning comes in many forms. You can position yourself as the leader, the original, or the most popular. Another option? Frame your product as the go-to solution for a specific problem.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the direct comparison strategy: calling out competitors and highlighting why you\u2019re better. Think Popeyes vs. Chick-fil-A. I\u2019ll explore their rivalry further below.<\/p>\n The key to crafting your position is understanding your buyers. Do they value saving money, quality, or the latest trends? As Jigar puts it, \u201cWhen your brand is positioned just right, it sparks curiosity. You can attract the right eyeballs and keep them coming back for more because they believe in what you\u2019re selling.\u201d<\/p>\n Now that you know the approaches you can take, it\u2019s time to create a positioning plan.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Creating your brand positioning strategy involves diving deep into the details of your brand and discovering what you do better than anyone else. Mike Wessel<\/a>, director of consulting services at Blue Frog<\/a>, endorses this: \u201cNailing your positioning centers around pinpointing the unique value you deliver, and understanding who loves that value the most.\u201d<\/p>\n Below, I\u2019ll go over the key steps to help you create a brand positioning strategy unique to your business.<\/p>\n Are you marketing your product or service as just another item on the market? Or, are you marketing it as something distinctive? Your current brand positioning gives you important insight into where to go next. You’ll need to understand your current position to further analyze your competition.<\/p>\n Start by considering your target customers and defining who they are. Next, identify your mission, values, and what makes you different from the rest of the market. Finally, take stock of your value proposition and your current brand persona and brand voice.<\/p>\n Matylda Chmielewska<\/a> at LiveChat Partner Program<\/a> advises, \u201cWe like connecting with brands that sound and feel authentic to us. Instead of building complex lingo that no one understands, just talk human. Start with researching who your (ideal and existing) audience is and speak their language.\u201d<\/p>\n Once you know where your brand stands in the market, it\u2019s time to define what it means to your customers. A brand essence chart organizes these ideas and serves as a great resource for copywriting and design inspiration.<\/p>\n Here are the seven components of a brand essence chart:<\/p>\n You need to see who you’re up against to conduct competitor research. That research will help you decide what you can do better in your strategy to gain an edge.<\/p>\n Try these methods<\/a> to determine your competition:<\/p>\n Wessel says, \u201cFrom my experience, it\u2019s critical to really challenge yourself on how your capabilities or features compare to both competitors and alternatives.\u201d<\/p>\n Once you’ve determined who your competitors are, conduct in-depth competitor research. Analyze how your competition is positioning their brand in order to compete. At its simplest, your research should include:<\/p>\n Staying unbiased during competitor analysis is super important. As Wessel puts it, \u201cSeeking an outside perspective can be invaluable in overcoming internal biases.\u201d<\/p>\n Building a unique brand is all about identifying what makes you different and what works best for your business. Chmielewska<\/a> suggests, \u201cStart by defining what ‘effective’ really means for your brand \u2014 and then build its image based on that.\u201d<\/p>\n After you conduct your competitor research, I imagine you\u2019ll start to see patterns in that some businesses have the same strengths and weaknesses. As you compare your product or service to theirs, you might find one of their weaknesses is your strength.<\/p>\n This is what makes your brand unique, and it’s the perfect starting point for positioning your brand in the market. Take note of your unique offerings as you compare, and dive deep to identify what you do better than anyone else.<\/p>\n Positioning a brand can seem overwhelming at first. With so many touchpoints, it can be hard to prioritize a key message. A brand positioning framework like the one below can help your brand positioning strategy.<\/p>\n This framework uses a top-down approach, starting with the big idea and ending with sample touchpoints you can use in tactical instances like social media captions, headlines for blog articles, and advertising copy.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve listed some helpful articles below that you can use as step-by-step guides for completing each section of your brand positioning framework:<\/p>\n It\u2019s time to pull everything together and write your brand positioning statement<\/a>. This is a short description of your brand\u2019s unique offering and how it meets your customer\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n Think of it as different from a value proposition. It focuses specifically on what sets you apart and highlights the main benefits you offer to your customers. As Wessel puts it, \u201cBy understanding the customer\u2019s \u2018job-to-be-done,\u2019 you keep the messaging centered on their perspective and desired outcomes. The better your positioning aligns with helping customers achieve their goals \u2014 faster, better, or cheaper \u2014 the more it will resonate.\u201d<\/p>\n To get started, answer these four key questions:<\/p>\n From there, you can craft a simple but compelling positioning statement. For example, here’s Amazon’s positioning statement<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cOur vision is to be the earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s clear and to the point: Amazon\u2019s target audience is broad, their greatest benefit is variety, and the proof is in their massive online store.<\/p>\n Once your positioning statement is created, it’s time to test, experiment, and gather feedback from your customers on whether or not your positioning achieves its goal.<\/p>\n As Ryan Robinson<\/a> of RightBlogger says, “Investing the time and effort into positioning your brand to appeal toward a specific vertical, type of consumer, or demographic is only a small part of the battle. It’s crucial to test, experiment, and actively gather (real) feedback from your target customers on whether or not your positioning is actually having its desired effect.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cWe’ve doubled down on our positioning by consistently asking for (and listening to) feedback from new customers when they join, and it’s clear that both our content and its delivery style remain a key asset for our brand.\u201d<\/p>\n Connecting with your prospects on a human level before going in for the hard sell builds trust and helps your prospect have a more positive experience with your company’s brand.<\/p>\n For example, at the beginning of the sales process, reps should take ample time to learn about your prospects and what problem they are looking to solve by using your product.<\/p>\n Besides me, take it from the experts \u2014 nearly everyone I spoke to mentioned the importance of an emotional connection with your audience when working on your positioning.<\/p>\n D\u2019Arcy said: \u201cGrasp the emotional impact your brand can make and reach beyond mere products or services to fulfill the deeper aspirations of your consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n Jigar also said: \u201cYour brand is not limited to your product’s features; it should shape perceptions and create a space in consumers\u2019 minds. By focusing on the mental and emotional aspects, you can distinguish your brand in the crowded marketplace.\u201d<\/p>\n With a strong brand position, the differentiating properties of your company’s offering should be easy to understand and refer to. Make sure your prospects understand what makes your brand unique throughout the sales process.<\/p>\n You probably already know what your key differentiators are, but you can always refer back to your competitor analysis to iron in the key points to call out during your sales process.<\/p>\n I know you know this, but it\u2019s worth repeating: your main goal should be to help your prospect solve a problem or overcome a challenge they are experiencing. Ideally, your company’s offering is part of the solution.<\/p>\n Customer-facing employees are your company\u2018s most valuable ambassadors. Prospects should receive an experience that embodies the core values of your company and aligns with the company\u2019s brand. For example, if your company takes a light, fun approach to branding, you should incorporate this language into your sales conversations. Having an overly serious or stiff tone would not be authentic to your company’s brand.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n If you want to see how your brand compares to others in consumers’ perceptions, a brand positioning map can help.<\/p>\n According to the American Marketing Association (AMA), “Perceptual brand mapping<\/a> is the visual plotting of specific brands against axes, where each axis represents an attribute that is known to drive brand selection.”<\/p>\n Source<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n A brand positioning map consists of attributes important to your target audience. To do mapping right, I recommend creating multiple versions of your map based on different sets of attributes, which you can get directly from the values your customers hold dear. Your product or service’s perception is linked directly to those values, and brands focusing on shared values win in the end.<\/p>\n As Harvard Business Review states<\/a>, \u201cBuild brand loyalty on shared values with your consumers. It is not the number of interactions a buyer has with your brand, but the quality and relatability of the interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n If you place your brand and your competitors on your map, you\u2019ll get a sense of who\u2019s more competitive in a certain area over the rest.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Plenty of companies have excelled at brand positioning over the years by building a positioning strategy that rivals the rest. Here are 15 of my favorite examples.<\/p>\n Founded in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe after her departure from Tinder, Bumble was positioned as an app designed to empower women to take control when connecting with new people.<\/p>\n In addition to its initial focus on improving the female user experience, Bumble has expanded beyond the dating category, allowing users to find friendship and professional connections within the platform. Tinder, on the other hand, focuses on fleeting connections.<\/p>\n Starbucks and Dunkin\u2019 may both serve the morning coffee crowd, but their branding couldn\u2019t be more different. Starbucks leans heavily on the in-store experience, with its green and brown branding evoking quality and craft. Dunkin\u2019, with its bright pink and orange colors, emphasizes convenience and its staple offerings: coffee and donuts. Its slogan, \u201cAmerica Runs on Dunkin\u2019,\u201d drives home the brand\u2019s focus on availability and accessibility.<\/p>\n Spotify is known for its high personalization, whereas Apple Music is known for a more premium song selection and, of course, the high-quality Apple brand. Though their offerings are strikingly similar, both brands use radically different strategies to position themselves in the market.<\/p>\n Popeyes and Chick-fil-A have one thing in common: fried chicken. Other than that, the brands couldn\u2019t be more different. Popeyes focuses on down-home, southern, Cajun-style recipes that pack a punch to your lunch hour. Chick-fil-A, on the other hand, refrains from this edgy vibe and offers tried and true favorites that everyone in the family will enjoy every day (except Sunday).<\/p>\n This long-standing rivalry is a textbook example of a brand positioning strategy at work. For some customers, geography might be a barrier to experiencing the Target brand since there are far more Walmart stores nationwide. But for the most part, these two retail chains are earning their fair market share.<\/p>\n Cash App and Venmo have become cultural mainstays in their own right. When getting paid back once relied on \u201cI\u2019ll pay you back later,\u201d both apps now ensure everyone keeps their word by letting users request the funds they\u2019re owed.<\/p>\n I use both apps, but I know that some of my friends have a strict preference.<\/p>\n If you thought the market for at-home stationary bikes was a monolith, think again. This segment of the at-home workout equipment market has boomed in the past few years, with Peloton leading the way. Although the brand isn\u2019t brand new, it\u2019s one of the youngest players in the industry and is giving seasoned competitors like Bowflex a serious reason to sweat.<\/p>\n And here’s Monigle senior director Brian Elkins\u2019<\/a> rendition of Peloton\u2019s chart:<\/p>\n Source<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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Why is brand positioning important?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Customer Service Positioning Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2. Convenience-Based Positioning Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Price-Based Positioning Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Quality-Based Positioning Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Differentiation Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6. Social Media Positioning Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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7. Other Positioning Strategies<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Determine your current brand positioning.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Create a brand essence chart.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3. Identify your competitors.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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4. Conduct competitor research.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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5. Identify your unique value proposition.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6. Build a brand positioning framework.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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7. Create your positioning statement.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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8. Evaluate whether your positioning statement works.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
9. Establish an emotional connection with prospects and customers.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
10. Reinforce your brand’s differentiating qualities during the sales process.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
11. Create value.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
12. Ensure that customer-facing employees embody your brand.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Brand Positioning Map: The Power of Perception<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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1. Bumble vs. Tinder<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Bumble\u2019s vs.<\/strong> Tinder\u2019s Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2. Starbucks vs. Dunkin\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Starbucks\u2019 vs. Dunkin\u2019s Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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3. Spotify vs. Apple Music<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Spotify\u2019s vs. Apple Music\u2019s Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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4. Popeyes vs. Chick-fil-A<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Popeyes vs. Chick-fil-A Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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5. Target vs. Walmart<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Target vs. Walmart Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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6. Cash App vs. Venmo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cash App vs. Venmo Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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7. Peloton vs. Bowflex VeloCore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Peloton vs. Bowlfex VeloCore Positioning Strategy: What I Like<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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8. Google Meet vs. Zoom<\/strong><\/h3>\n