Marketing term in context

Brand positioning

In brief: Brand positioning defines the place a brand wants to occupy in a customer’s mind relative to alternatives, based on a credible difference.

How I use brand positioning in practice

I identify the customer, situation, alternatives, promise and proof. I turn the positioning into choices about offer, language, experience and what the company will deliberately not claim.

What to watch for

A slogan is not positioning. A broad promise without evidence, a difference customers do not value or a message the business cannot deliver will not create a durable position.

Questions for a decision

  • Which customer and situation are we choosing?
  • What alternative are we compared with?
  • What proof supports the difference?
  • What must the company do consistently?

Related practice