Differentiation — Definition

Differentiation is what makes your business meaningfully different from competitors in the eyes of your customers. It could be your process, expertise, ...

What it is

Differentiation is what makes your business meaningfully different from competitors in the eyes of your customers. It could be your process, expertise, audience, pricing model, personality, or values.

Why it matters

Undifferentiated businesses compete on price. Differentiated businesses compete on value.

The mistake most people make

Thinking it has to be revolutionary. Sometimes it's as simple as "we answer our own phone" or "we specialize in one industry." Small, real differences beat big, vague claims.

See also