Using unusual materials can help you stand out on the market with a unique aesthetic. It can also let you tell a story behind your unique choice of materials.
For example, reclaimed wood not only present a unique look, but also tell a story about sustainability. Or you can tell a story behind each book you use if you turn them into a paper sculpture.
Versatility enhances a product’s value. Think about whether you can add some ingredients or functionality to create a new use case.
For example, a bar soap infused with insect-repelling ingredients can be valuable for camping enthusiasts because, in addition to cleaning, it could be placed in the camp to repel bugs.
Another example could be a scarf that can also be styled as a hood or a shawl.
A video or photo showcasing the different use case would help shoppers understand your product better, and increase the perceived value in their minds.
Similarly, presenting your product in a different use case can get shoppers’ attention. For example, a candle jar that comes with a seeds and a soil pallet, so that the candle jar can double as a planter.
By catering to groups that are often overlooked by mainstream brands, you can fill a market gap and create a USP to stand out.
Like jewelry with magnetic closure so it’s easy to put on for people with arthritis, or birthday card with braille for visually impaired children.
By offering more than the main product, you can increase the perceived value, which makes shoppers feel like they’re getting more for their money.
The freebie should be highly relevant to the main product. A mismatch could risk the overall appeal of your offering.
Make sure your extra inclusion is not going to over-shadow your main product, and doesn’t cost you too much extra to make/ship.
For example, many resume template sellers include a free job hunting guide with their product, which is a digital PDF that’s free to include but provide extra value to customers.
Other examples include a recipe book for cooking utensils, a polishing cloth for sterling silver jewelry, or a simple DIY patterns for a beginner crochet kit.
If you can offer a package that covers all needs of your target customers, you simplify the buying process for them and help solve the problem better than your competitors.
It works best if you include highly relevant products that your customers are going to buy anyway.
For example, a home spa kit with bath bombs, salt, essential oil, a guide on creating the best experience, or even a Spotify playlist.
Or a gardening starter kit that include seed, pot, soil, gloves, and a beginner guide.
This is especially useful for products that are complicated. Support can come in a few different ways, here are some examples:
More and more shoppers are drawn to eco-friendly products. Using sustainable materials, recyclable packaging, eco-responsible production process and help you appeal to them better, especially if your competitors are not doing so.
Some examples include sustainable bamboo yarn knitwear, upcycled denim tote bags, cornstarch packing peanuts instead of styrofoam ones, or using natural dyes instead of artificial dyes.
Committing a portion of your profits to a cause can create a feel-good factor for the buyer.
For example, Pura Vida builds their brand on giving part of their proceeds to various charities.
Sharing your journey, inspirations, and challenges can create a deeper connection with the consumer. But it’s important to always tie it back to how it can benefit your target customers.
It’s also important to communicate that through multiple parts of your product and the shop as a whole, like listing photos, order inserts, Instagram posts, etc.
Incorporating elements from your culture, such as traditional motifs or artisanal techniques, can make your product unique. Make sure it’s genuine and authentic.
By incorporating genuine cultural elements into your products, you’re not just selling an item, but an experience and a piece of history.
Sometimes you may not need to change anything for your product to stand out; You may be able to simply highlight an overlooked feature of your product as a USP, if your competitors are not doing that already.
For example, highlighting the breathability of a natural woven fabric, highlighting the natural digestive benefits of dried fruits, etc.