Ann Sieg's free new ebook, Attraction Marketer's Manifesto, has a lot of people thinking about ways they can differentiate themselves online. Its a great point and one that too many people skip over. Marketing 101 tells us to identify our target market and tailor our marketing efforts to them. But the target market is only part of the equation. You are the other part. What is it about you that will appeal to your target market?

Remember that in attraction marketing, you're providing free content that is valuable to your target market so they will be attracted to you. Break that down. There are three key pieces: your target market, your content and YOU.

You need to identify who your target market is and what their needs, challenges, desires and goals are. That will help you create content that is of value to them. You might think you know who your target market is, but too often we think too broadly. We're so afraid that if our target market is too narrow, we'll leave money on the table. In The Attraction Marketer's Manifesto, Ann Sieg lets us know that its the exact opposite and you will actually be more successful the more targeted you are.

Let's say for a minute that your target market is network marketers. Too broad. Okay, narrow that down. Baby boomer network marketers. Still too broad. Okay. Baby boomer network marketers who are new to attraction marketing, are preparing for retirement, are at a point in their lives where they are ready to learn, have the time to invest in their training and business, are straight shooters and enjoy helping other people. Much better.

How do you narrow it down like that? In part, it is studying the market and identifying a niche. The other part of the equation is identifying what it is about you that people will be attracted to. What is unique about you that sets you apart?

According to Wikipedia, a USP is defined as follows.

1. Each advertisement must make a proposition to the consumer. Not just words, not just product puffery, not just show-window advertising. Each advertisement must say to each reader: "Buy this product, and you will get this specific benefit."
2. The proposition must be one that the competition either cannot, or does not, offer. It must be unique—either a uniqueness of the brand or a claim not otherwise made in that particular field of advertising.
3. The proposition must be so strong that it can move the mass millions, i.e., pull over new customers to your product.:)

• Domino's Pizza: "You get fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less -- or it's free."
• Head & Shoulders: "You get rid of dandruff"
• Olay: "You get younger-looking skin"
• M&M's: "The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand"
• Wonder Bread: "Wonder Bread Helps Build Strong Bodies 12 Ways"
• Federal Express: “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight”

Your USP is the force that drives your business and success. It is also a branding strategy that should be communicated in all your marketing efforts such as an ad, a postcard, or web site.

The ultimate goal of your USP is to have people say... "Oh yeah, I've heard of you. You're the one who..." - And then take action by requesting more information or making a purchase.

Defining your USP can be hard. But it is worth the effort.

Go to Home Business Wins for a valuable article that shows you how to create a powerful USP.

Cindy Schulson is a coach for those who work from home or want to have a home business. Her focus is on working smart by helping you leverage the power of the Internet and attract qualified people to you. Visit Home Business Wins to book a free consultation and to receive a free copy of her ebook. You can contact her directly at cindy@homebusinesswins.com or call her at (619) 318-8688.