I’m sharing about why your business should not emulate other online businesses because I’m a bestselling entreprenuer and author and founder of the program: How To Make Profitable Courses – Without The Overwhelm.
Building an online presence feels pretty intense nowadays, especially when you’re surrounded by seemingly perfect business accounts and websites that boast sleek graphic design as the minimum.
Such competitors can seem to have everything figured out, from their social media presence to their perfectly crafted email campaigns, as well as ranking highly on search engine results pages (SERPs). It’s tempting to look at their success and think “Well, I’ll just do exactly what they’re doing.”
The trouble is that copying other businesses rarely works out perfectly on a 1:1 scale, even if you’re in the same industry. That’s because from tailored websites for realtors to artisanal bakery Instagram accounts, the most memorable online presences feel genuine to their brands.
After all, customers can usually spot when something feels forced or borrowed, even if they can’t quite put their finger on why that is. Some things that seem good in the moment, like viral marketing because you used Gen Z slang on TikTok, now reads as you trying to ape other brands.
Now, it’s easy for us to say that without really digging into why your own approach is so much better. So instead of just telling you not to do something, let’s give you context as to why:
Even if you’re in the same industry as another business, your ideal customers might be completely different. Maybe you’re a local shop competing with a national chain, or perhaps you’re targeting a specific age group that your competitors ignore. Your marketing should be proud of these differences. For example, if your customers prefer personal, direct communication, then trying to copy a competitor’s formal, corporate tone won’t connect with them properly. Remember too that your existing customers chose you for a reason – they already appreciate what makes you different. If you about-turn as you grow that might seem like the business has lost its flair. If you can, work with writers and designers who understand your unique messaging.
Large businesses often have entire teams dedicated to their online presence, complete with photographers, copywriters, and social media managers working full-time. Trying to match that kind of output when you’re managing everything yourself (or with a small team) isn’t realistic or sustainable. Instead of stretching yourself thin trying to maintain multiple platforms perfectly, it’s best to think about investing your energy where it matters most to your specific business. Sometimes a well-managed Facebook page serves your customers better than five half-hearted social media accounts, because that’s where your audience is. A local cafe might just need an Instagram account to show their latest cakes, and that’s pretty much it.
Your business has its own unique history, values, and personality, even if you don’t think you’re doing much different than other companies. Maybe you started your company because you spotted a gap in the local market that you uniquely positioned yourself into, or it might just be that you have special expertise that sets you apart based on your past career.
These details matter – they’re what make your business and you as its leader interesting. Even something as simple as sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your daily operations can create more genuine connections than polished, corporate-style content designed to sand off all your corners and edges, so to speak.
With this advice, we hope you can focus more on building an authentic online presence rather than trying to become a carbon copy of another business.
If you want to grow your business, it’s always worth getting the support of a successful business consultant to help keep you on the right path. I’d love to work with you. Learn about my business consulting program here.
P.S. Before you zip off to your next Internet pit stop, check out these 2 game changers below - that could dramatically upscale your life.
1. Check Out My Book On Enjoying A Well-Lived Life: It’s called "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." Think of it as your life’s manual to cranking up the volume on joy, meaning, and connection. Learn more here.
2. Life Review Therapy - What if you could get a clear picture of where you are versus where you want to be, and find out exactly why you’re not there yet? That’s what Life Review Therapy is all about.. If you’re serious about transforming your life, let’s talk. Book a FREE consult call here.
Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.
No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.
