What is Product Positioning? Definition and Strategies

They didn’t invent soda.

They didn’t invent smartphones.

They didn’t invent running shoes.

But Coca-Cola, Apple, and Nike are the names that come to mind when you think of those products.

Why? Product Positioning.

These brands didn’t win because they were the first to create something.

They won because they figured out how to shape how people see and remember them.

They didn’t try to be everything to everyone.

They picked a lane, stood by it, and owned it.

Product positioning is what helped them become household names.

And for smaller brands and startups, it’s even more important.

Because when you’re not the cheapest, or the biggest, or the most popular yet, what sets you apart is how you frame your value.

The truth is, people don’t always buy the “best” product.

They buy what makes the most sense to them.

What feels familiar, what feels right, and that comes down to how your product is positioned in their mind.

Positioning answers the questions your audience might not even say out loud.

Why should I buy from you? What makes this different? Why should I care?

In this article, we’ll be explaining what product positioning is, brands that got it right, and how you can go about it.

What Is Product Positioning?

Product positioning is simply how your product is perceived and understood by your customer.

It’s the story your product tells before you ever get the chance to speak.

It’s what people think and feel when they come across your offer, even before they experience it.

It’s not about the features. It’s about perception.

Two brands can sell the same thing and be seen in completely different ways. One can feel luxurious, the other can feel cheap.

One could be a must-have, the other could be something people scroll past without a second thought.

Product positioning determines how your product is perceived in the customer’s mind.

Brands that win don’t leave this to chance. They decide how they want to be seen, then shape everything, product design, packaging, marketing, language, to match that story.

Because how you show up is how people remember you. And that memory is what determines whether they’ll choose you or move on.

Also Read: What is Direct Marketing and How to Use it for Your Business

Product Positioning: Examples of Brands That Got It Right

1. Paystack

Before Paystack, online payments in Nigeria were a gamble.

Failed transactions, delays, and interfaces that looked like they were built in 2004.

And worst of all, businesses had to jump through hoops to receive payments online.

Paystack stepped in with quiet confidence and a simple message

Paystack focused on trust. They understood what African entrepreneurs needed, which was a payment solution that wouldn’t embarrass them in front of customers.

Something that worked the first time. And that’s exactly what they built.

The user experience was easy to understand, and the onboarding process didn’t feel like rocket science. You didn’t need a tech team to figure it out.

You could start accepting payments in minutes. That alone was a breakthrough for thousands of small businesses trying to look professional online.

But Paystack didn’t stop at function; they got the branding right too.

Their tone was warm, friendly, and straight to the point.

Their website, emails, and product copy all had that unmistakable vibe.

We see you. We understand you. We’re building this for you.

And it worked.

They quickly became the default option for Nigerian startups, creators, ecommerce businesses, freelancers, and even big organizations. You couldn’t talk about running an online business in Nigeria without mentioning Paystack.

They didn’t try to copy PayPal or Stripe.

Instead, they built something by Africans, for African businesses, and earned respect by showing up consistently, solving real problems, and staying reliable.

Even after their acquisition by Stripe, they kept the original voice and essence that made people trust them in the first place.

That’s what strong product positioning looks like. Paystack built a product, and they built a relationship. And in fintech, trust is everything.

2. PiggyVest

PiggyVest didn’t show up acting like a bank, and that’s exactly why people trusted them.

While banks were out here charging account maintenance fees and calling you to sell loan packages, PiggyVest kept things simple. Save what you have. Build a habit. Watch it grow.

They didn’t promise quick riches. They didn’t shame you for not being financially buoyant.

From their very first campaign, PiggyVest positioned itself as the everyday money partner.

You can start small. ₦500, ₦1000, ₦2000.

They met people where they were. And that alone made saving feel possible.

Their use of social proof is one of their strongest positioning tools. People don’t just say, “I use PiggyVest.” They say, “PiggyVest helped me save for my rent,” or “I finally bought a laptop because I used their Safelock.”

It feels real, personal, and community-driven.

Their brand voice is also intentional, warm, playful, and easy to understand.

They don’t sound like financial advisors in suits. They sound like your smart friend who figured something out and wants you to win, too.

Today, when young Nigerians talk about saving, PiggyVest is one of the first names they mention. That’s no accident. That’s the result of clear, consistent positioning.

3. Kwikpik

Most Nigerians have at least one courier horror story.

Packages getting lost, riders switching off their phones, endless “I’m coming” calls that never result in delivery.

That’s the gap we at Kwikpik stepped into, not just with logistics, but with reliability.

We didn’t position ourselves as “just another delivery company” but as a solution.

We targeted business owners, and everyday people tired of explaining to customers why orders haven’t arrived.

Our positioning was built on trust, speed, and clarity, three things that are rare in the delivery space.

Our interface is simple.

With our App, you can track your order, pickup, and delivery services, and get insurance coverage on your goods. Also, you can pay for your bill payment and airtime purchase. Click here to download our app.

Over the years, we’ve focused on being dependable.

That’s what stuck and got people to trust us.

And now, when a small business owner says, “I can’t afford another customer complaint,” they’re calling us to handle the delivery..

We’ve positioned ourselves to bring structure to logistics chaos, and we’ve stayed true to that promise.

To read how Kwikpik helped a customer with procurement and delivery, click here.

4. Apple

Apple doesn’t sell phones.

It sells identity.

You don’t walk into an Apple store and feel like you’re shopping for a gadget.

You feel like you’re stepping into a lifestyle, and you’re confident about it.

Everything from the layout of their stores to the weight of the phone in your palm has been carefully designed to make them feel special.

They’re not competing with brands that shout specs and low prices. They don’t have to.

They’ve carved out a lane where they don’t talk about what the product does; they talk about how it makes you feel.

The language is intentional. The marketing is quiet but powerful.

Apple positioned itself as a premium device.

They knew people don’t want to feel like their devices are working against them.

So they created a brand that syncs seamlessly, phone, laptop, watch, and AirPods, all talking to each other at the same time.

This positioning is why people wait in line for a phone that isn’t wildly different from the last one. It’s why people defend Apple like a family member during tech debates.

Because for them, it’s not about features. It’s about how it makes them feel.

Even their ads are less about the phone and more about what’s possible because you have it.

Apple has stayed consistent for over two decades.

They’ve evolved, but never drifted.

They’ve innovated, but never confused their identity.

So when people say, “Why is Apple so expensive?”

The answer is because it’s not just a product. It’s a feeling.

And people are willing to pay for how something makes them feel.

Also Read: 12 E-commerce Marketing Tips for Business Owners

How to Create a Product Positioning Strategy

1. Start With the Product

Start with the product by asking yourself what you’re truly offering.

Go beyond the surface, past the product name and features.

What does it help people do or feel?

Does it save them time? Ease their stress? Make them feel seen or empowered?

Identify the real value it brings to someone’s life.

That’s the foundation of your messaging.

2. Define Your Audience

Who exactly is this for? You’re not selling to everyone, and you shouldn’t try to.

Be specific.

Trying to appeal to everyone weakens your message.

Think about who this is really for.

What do they care about? What challenges are they facing? What kind of language do they naturally use?

Once you understand who you’re speaking to, your communication becomes clearer and more powerful.

3. Check the Competition

Study how other brands are positioning similar products.

Find out how other brands are positioning similar products.

What are they doing right?

What gaps are they leaving open?

The goal isn’t to copy them, but to find opportunities, angles, and messages they haven’t claimed. That’s where you can stand out.

4. Decide What Makes You Different

Your edge doesn’t need to be groundbreaking.

It could be your tone, your backstory, your process, your price point, your packaging, or your values.

Ask yourself: Why would someone choose your product over others?

What’s the most compelling reason to believe in it?

Build your messaging around that.

Also Read: 12 E-commerce Metrics to Track in Your Business

5. Craft Your Positioning Statement

Now, write your positioning statement.

This is a short sentence, one or two lines, that captures how you want your product to be perceived.

It could be something like, “A premium skincare line for women with sensitive skin,” or “Affordable laundry services for busy professionals in Lagos.”

This is a guiding light for your brand.

Every piece of content or design should be in line with it.

6. Reflect It Across Your Brand

Finally, bring your positioning to life across your brand.

It should show up consistently in your product photos, website copy, social media posts, email subject lines, influencer collaborations, packaging, and even in how you deliver your product or service.

Everything the customer sees or experiences should reinforce that same core message.

Summary

At the end of the day, strong product positioning isn’t about being the loudest or being everywhere. It’s about being clear.

Clear enough that your audience instantly knows you’re the one for them.

Because people don’t always buy the “best” product.

They buy the one that feels right.

And when you position your product with purpose, it becomes easier for the right people to see you, understand your value, and say yes.

Position Yourself for Excellence with Kwikpik

At Kwikpik, we’ve done the work of positioning ourselves as the delivery company people can count on.

Fast, transparent, and built for real-life challenges in Nigeria.

Now, we want to help your business do the same.

We’re not just moving packages but also helping you build a reputation.

A customer shouldn’t place an order and be met with silence or stress. They should get clarity, speed, and peace of mind.

If you're a small business tired of refunding orders that never arrived, or a growing brand looking to boost trust at every touchpoint, Kwikpik is your logistics partner with purpose.

Our app is simple, our riders are accountable, and our system puts you in control.

From pickup to delivery, we give your customers the experience they deserve.

We’ve positioned ourselves to make delivery feel easy.

Let us help you position your business as fast and reliable because great products deserve great delivery.

To learn more about how Kwikpik can help you with your online deliveries, click here to schedule a call with us now!

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