Starting a business can be intimidating, especially when it feels like every market is saturated. Basically, it feels like all of them are, right? All the corners just seem to be overflowing.
Whether it’s selling supplements, lipstick, or any other product, it’s easy to think,
“Why should I bother? Someone’s already doing it.”
But here’s the truth: it’s perfectly okay—and often wise—to enter a market with existing players. In fact, the presence of similar products is a sign of a healthy, thriving market, and there’s plenty of room for more success stories.
How to Start Embracing the “Unoriginal” When Starting a Business
You might be able to do it way better than them with perfect product packaging; your audience is different, and you have more innovation.
Hydrox was the original cookies and cream Sandwich but Oreo came in and made it better and see how they’re doing! So, let’s dive more into this!
Starting a Business ~ 4 Cool Ways to Embrace the Unoriginal
1. Competition Validates Demand
When considering starting a business in a market with established competitors, it’s essential to flip the narrative. Instead of seeing competition as a deterrent, recognize it as validation. Competitors’ presence means a demand for the product or service. People are already spending money in that niche, proving there’s a need or desire for what you want to offer. So basically, think of it this way: your job is to step in and capture a slice of that market by bringing your unique spin to the table.
2. Your Unique Perspective Is Your Superpower
So this sort of piggybacks on what’s being said above, but we should dive in a bit more. Even in a crowded market, your business can stand out because of one crucial factor: you. Your experiences, values, and perspectives are unique and will naturally shape how you run your business. These differences can resonate with customers who feel a connection to your approach, your story, or your brand’s mission.
For example, you might launch a lipstick line because you’re passionate about clean beauty and want to create products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly. Or maybe you’re thinking about starting up a supplement brand for a certain supplement (such as for Gen Alpha or Gen Z) and want custom supplement formulation because the current supplements for younger people on the market are too hard to swallow—that means you’re adding your own twist to make something better.
Here’s what you need to think about: your individuality is what makes your business stand out, even in a market filled with similar products.
3. You Can Always Make It Better
Another reason not to shy away from starting a business in a competitive market is that there is always room for improvement (like the supplement example from above). No product or service is perfect, and consumers are constantly looking for better options. This is your opportunity to innovate and address the pain points that others have overlooked.
4. There’s Room for Everyone—Including You
Your brand will attract its own tribe, a group of customers who connect with your mission, values, and unique offerings. What you’re doing and who you’re targeting might not be the same as those of other businesses. There’s room for everyone, and the market is large enough to support multiple successful businesses, including yours.
