What is my USP?

There are pros and cons as a freelance web developer. On the one hand, you have freedom and flexibility to work when and where you want. And the ability to choose who you work with and which projects to work on.

But, it’s down to you to grow your business and make good decisions about it. Getting it right. That can be tough.

I’ve thought about my business over recent weeks. And, of course, how I can improve it. One question I asked is “What is my USP”? My unique selling point. What makes me stand out from the ‘crowd’?

I came up with a few possibilities:

• I have more than 12 years experience as a freelance web designer and developer. No mean achievement, some might say.
• I work with a small and powerful website system called Perch. It has many advantages and fewer people use it than, for example, WordPress.
• I’m ‘local’. I live and work in Horsham, Sussex. It’s a medium-sized town with ‘digital’ companies and freelancers. But, it’s not as big as other towns nearby.
• I work with Windows and Mac. Not everyone does.

These are all good points but “What is my USP”?! I still wasn’t sure but my web colleague Joel Hughes gave me feedback that provided the answer. It’s me!

Of course it is. People come to me because I’m a trusted, friendly, independent freelance web developer. I am the USP. No other business has me!

With this in mind, I’ve started making changes to my site to emphasise the point. In truth, this is a continuation of changes I made before but hadn’t followed up. Even so, it’s great to move forward with a better focus.

Every business is different. I don’t want to be an agency. That’s why I’m focussing on me.

Your business is different. You may be bigger than me and selling products or services that aren’t related to mine.

But, why don’t you review your business and ask the question,”What is my USP”?!

This is an amended version of an original article published on CVW Web Design.