A Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is the distinctive feature, benefit, or value that sets a product, service, or brand apart from competitors.
It answers the question: "Why should customers choose this over alternatives?"
Key Elements of a USP:
- Uniqueness: A trait competitors don’t offer (e.g., Domino’s "30-minute delivery or free").
- Specific Benefit: Solves a customer problem or fulfills a need (e.g., Apple’s "Think Different" ethos).
- Clarity: Communicated concisely (e.g., FedEx’s "When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight").
Examples:
- Amazon (1990s): "Earth’s biggest bookstore."
- Tesla: "Zero-emission luxury electric vehicles."
- M&M’s: "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands."