With more companies appearing, industries are becoming more congested. You need to distinguish your company from the competition if you want to succeed as a startup in a rising market. Consumers must be drawn to your company above that of your rivals in some way. To make your startup stand out, use these five strategies:

1. Be unique

While your startup may offer the same types of products or services as another, you need to start by setting yourself apart by having a unique identity that differentiates you from others in today’s crowded marketplace. To be unique, your business brand identity ( from your logo, website, and all your online presence) must stand out, be professional and solid + your product or service must have a standout attribute that the competition lacks. This attribute must provide a benefit and/or value to consumers.

2. Build a reputation online

A major mistake I see startup founders often make is not building an online reputation right from the start and the right way. Before even launching the startup, start building an online presence from your website, social media channels, and audience. The way that you deliver information about your new company, why it was started, and what sets it apart from the competition helps build that reputation. The way that you interact with consumers in transparent and private situations also builds rapport with consumers and the competition.

TIP: When building an online reputation, do not try to blow your competition’s candles off thinking yours will shine brighter.

3. Develop a solid website.

Create a strong, professional, reliable, and interactive website for your startup. Provide access to a mobile-friendly version of your company’s website and unique features providing convenience and value to your consumer base. This can also be a platform to market unique promotions exclusively for your users and also attract more customers.

A high percentage of the world accesses company information searches for reviews and accesses the internet on a mobile device. To maintain a successful startup, you have to stay updated and understand trends. Knowing what customers are going to expect in advance helps your new company get off to a stronger start upon official launch.

4. Manage your local listings.

Your local listings give you another way to stand out online because they help you show up in both search results and map results locally.

This is another basic strategy, but by ensuring your local listings have the most accurate and updated information about your business, including your phone number, website, email address, address, and hours of operation, you can stand out from competitors that may have incorrect—or missing—local listings.

5. Adopt philanthropy.

Consider making philanthropy a part of your startup’s business model. Consumers like brands that give back to local communities and organizations. It shows society that the startup is concerned not only with itself but also with its local community. Even pledging a small amount of assistance is a step in the right direction as society understands that not all startups are rich and successful from the start.

Hiring distinctive employees is just as crucial to have a unique business plan. For the brand to continue to be distinctive, your corporate culture has to be vibrant, full of innovation, and inventive.