Why does a service-based business need to know about packaging? Because it just may be what's missing from your current marketing efforts.

Packaging can help you add more perceived value, increase fees, and attract more business. It helps a small businesses like yours stand out from the crowd.

So what is packaging for a small, service-based company?

The packaging as it relates to a service business is about how you communicate through images, verbally, and in writing. Every time you speak about your business or put your materials in front of someone, you are packaging your business.

Packaging helps to make your business more tangible while it helps carves out your unique positioning in the marketplace. Most small business owners don't understand the power of this idea and end up ignoring it. And that can be detrimental to the growth of their business growth.

As a service-based business provider, you face some unique challenges. Selling services is not like selling products or retail. These challenges are what prevent many people from taking action towards becoming your clients.

Do you recognize these challenges for your business?

1. Your services are intangible. They can't be seen, heard, or felt. The benefits of your services aren't realized until after the service has been provided. That makes it more difficult to convince your prospects versus selling a hard good.

2. Because services are intangible, it's more difficult to convince prospects and clients of how you're different from everyone else who says they do what you do. Too often you're forced to compete on price.

3. Raising your fees to grow your business is not much of an option. Prospects typically find it more difficult to understand the true benefits of what your services can do for them. So paying a premium is out of the question.

The good news is that packaging can help you fairly easily overcome these obstacles. Packaging your services clarifies your marketing communications. It helps your clients understand what they will get and what your services will do for them. It will help you generate attention, interest, and a willingness to take action.

Take a good hard look at what your packaging elements such as your business identity package, your introduction, your customer service model, your service offerings and names, etc. are saying about your business.