There is a lot of competition out there these days. Whatever line of business you’re in, someone else is most likely doing it too, and (gasp!) maybe even better than you. To stand out and compete in this crowded marketplace, you have to be different. And one of the best ways you can differentiate is to focus on three critical areas of your branding. Read on to learn the three things you need to know to build a more competitive brand.

One of the biggest reason big companies spend so much time on branding is that being intentional about building their brand gives them a competitive edge. Branding shows their customers how they are different from everyone else. It positions their brand in their customer’s minds in a way that allows their business to stand out. It’s not magic. It happens because those companies spend a great deal of time and money working to get it right.

You can get it right too, and you don’t have to spend a great deal of time and money to do it. Here are three things you need to know if you want to build a more competitive brand:

1. Know Yourself

Connect with your passions. One of the best things about being an entrepreneur is that you get to decide what you do for work. And when you choose to do something you love, it shows.

Your passion and energy are contagious. When you’re excited about the work you do, your customers will be too. Your excitement alone can be a deciding factor for potential customers. Think about it. Who would you prefer to work with, someone who’s fired up and passionate about the work, or someone who could honestly care less?

If you’re not fired up about your work, you may want to find something else to do.

Make a list of your core values and beliefs. If you know me at all you know I’m a big fan of creating a manifesto for your brand. Your brand manifesto is a public declaration of your core values and beliefs. It shows the world that you stand for something. It’s a way for people to connect with you emotionally.

When you connect with people who believe what you believe, your brand begins to stand out in their minds. They start to see you as the different and better choice.

Have a clear and compelling vision. Do you have a big bold vision for your business? Have you thought about where you’d like to be in the next year? How about the next five years? What are the ultimate goals for your business?

When you have a well-thought-out vision for where you want to be as a brand, and you communicate that to your audience, they will want to help you get there. If you want to build a more competitive brand, get your customers on board with your vision. This is a great way for them to become emotionally invested in you and your brand.

2. Know Your Customer

Know your ideal client. How well do you know your ideal client or customer? Do you understand their struggles and their fears? Have you created your ideal customer profile? This is the first step in gaining a profound understanding of your customer.

When you gain deep insights into your customer, you uncover all the ways you and your products make their lives better.

Know your target market. Once you’ve created your ideal customer profile, it’s time to find more people just like them. What larger groups does your ideal client belong to?

Once you’ve identified your target market, your customers will start to feel like they’re part of a tribe,