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What is unique about your idea

A unique business idea or a unique service offering is probably the most important factor for a successful website. If you wish to stay in business for long you have to develop original content as subscribers value original content. It is very difficult to sustain in the long run if you lift your concepts from your competitors.

There have been many cases of a copycat environment, especially for information related websites. Publishers of such websites often cut and paste information from other websites and sell it as their own. This may bring customers initially, but, in the long run, it never succeeds. Besides, this is all the more reason for you to provide something original and unique. With so much content copying going on, subscribers are bound to appreciate original content. You should always look for something new to say. Consumers are constantly looking for information that will stimulate and challenge them.

It is very likely that your service or content is not entirely unique. In such cases, you need to provide your customers with some extra – maybe a higher discount with the same quality of service, or some other kind of incentive. Offer something that has high value. Offbeat or unusual services often attract online attention and sell strongly. You would generally not try to sell information people can get at most websites.

Some people subscribe because they feel your website is novel or revolutionary. Some people subscribe because they believe your information is dependable and reliable. Some people subscribe because they believe they're getting a good deal. Being unique is all about focusing on your customer’s needs. Answer the following questions and would be that much closer to creating a unique service offering.

* Do you provide specialized information?
* Is your content hard to find or unavailable elsewhere?
* What makes your product exclusive? Is it better than your competitors? If so, how is it better?
* What is the focus of the information you provide
* What do your readers have when they have your information? What do they miss if they didn’t get your information?

Assess the competition

We stressed a bit on the “unique” factor above. What is the most pragmatic way of devising a unique offering? The answer to this is plain and simple. Study your competition! This is probably the smartest thing you’ll ever do. Make a list of all your competitors and their offerings.

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