MEHducation

Clever positioning tactics to dominate market growth

Written by Matt Hodkinson | Apr 22, 2024 10:12:00 AM

Let’s be frank.

Achieving standout market growth in the consultancy sector isn’t just about expanding your marketing budget; it’s about leveraging deep understanding and strategic finesse.

Many consultancies pour resources into broad-spectrum campaigns, yet miss out on tailoring their approach to meet the precise needs and growth opportunities within their niche.

Imagine a scenario where every strategic move and message is crafted not just to reach but to deeply resonate with your target audience, turning potential interest into measurable market share and robust growth. 

Ready to discover how? Let’s explore four powerful positioning tactics that can significantly elevate your consultancy's market share and drive robust growth.

 

1. Category of one positioning

Adopting a 'category of one' positioning means identifying a niche market or service that no other consultancy offers, thereby establishing your consultancy as the sole expert in that area. 

This strategy involves diving deep into the industry to discover untapped opportunities or creating a new subset within the market where you can lead without contest.

Consider The Win Academy, who (with our help) position themselves as the world’s only "win rate optimisation consultancy". By focusing on this unique offering, The Win Academy targets a specific ambition in future clients, whilst occupying a category of one.

 

The key to success here is not just differentiation but becoming synonymous with the niche itself - making your consultancy the default choice for that specialised need.

 

2. Emphasising differentiation over marketing volume

True market growth stems from how distinctly a consultancy can position itself rather than how loudly it can shout.

By focusing on what makes your consultancy unique, you can craft a value proposition that speaks directly to the needs of your market, thus ensuring more effective use of marketing resources.

In fact, Nextwave leveraged its unique market position to achieve an impressive 185% compound annual growth rate, by clearly differentiating its offerings and focusing on delivering exceptional, measurable value to its clients.

 

3. Utilising strategic language and terminology

The language used in your marketing communications can significantly impact how your brand is perceived.

Strategic use of terminology not only helps in clarifying your offerings but also in making your consultancy's messages stick.

For example, proprietary terms or bespoke descriptions of your services can create a memorable brand language that distinguishes your consultancy in a crowded market.

 

4. Guaranteeing outcomes to de-risk propositions

Building trust with potential clients can be effectively achieved by guaranteeing the outcomes of your services.

This strategy not only de-risks the proposition for your clients but also boldly states your consultancy’s confidence in its capabilities.

 

There are several risk reversal guarantees that you may want to try, including:

Conditional guarantee. Promising to deliver specific outcomes under specific conditions.

Unconditional guarantee. Clients love this because they can claim compensation if they’re not satisfied for any reason.

Reverse guarantee. You take on extra risks, like compensating for losses.

Success-based charging. Your fees are linked to the success of your service’s outcomes, such as achieving specific results.

Revenue share. You receive a portion of the revenue generated by your engagement with a client.

Such guarantees should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the client’s critical success factors; enhancing credibility and supporting business growth.

 

Conclusion

Positioning is not just about being different; it's about being strategically aligned with market needs and opportunities for growth. 

By implementing these tactics, consultancies can not only improve their visibility but also significantly increase their market share and growth rates. It's about making informed, strategic decisions that resonate deeply with your target audience and convert into sustainable growth.

These tactics are designed to make your consultancy not just a participant in the market but a leader that shapes the market dynamics.

The result is a robust positioning that not only captures attention but also captivates your audience, leading to higher conversion rates and sustained annual growth.