Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

5 Ways to Make Sure Your Business Stands Out Among Competitors

photo

SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Staying competitive in today’s market can be a challenge. As the business landscape continues to evolve, paying attention to the competition is more important than ever. Business isn’t run in a vacuum and understanding what’s working — and equally important, what’s not working — for other successful companies is an integral step in staying ahead of the game.

Here are some ways to do that from the experts at PNC Bank:

Set a Google Alert

One of the easiest things you can do, setting up a Google alert, allows you to immediately be alerted of big news that’s being reported about you, your industry or your major competitors.

Follow Websites and Track SEO

Poor user experience on a website can drive 50% of potential customers to competitor businesses. “Track what your major competitors are doing on their websites — taking special note of anything new or innovative — to ensure you stay viable in this area. Start by paying attention to their SEO. Compare web traffic and look for similarities and differences in your online strategies,” says Marc McAndrew, head of small business, PNC Bank.

Go Through the Customer Experience

Consumers have indicated in any number of surveys and forums they would leave a brand they’ve been loyal to after three or fewer bad experiences with customer service. It is worth running through your competitor’s customer experience from time to time to see how smoothly it operates and what they’re doing differently.

Invest in Data Technology

There are plenty of automation tools on the market that help track how competitors are doing in various areas. Look for companies that offer things like competitive and social post analysis, social media audits and social listening for the most complete overview.

Track Pricing

Technology aside, pricing is one of the most important aspects of a business. Understand where your company falls by comparing pricing strategies among your competitors. Customers are willing to pay more for certain things, so understand your customer base and price accordingly for best results.

Just having the above data on-hand isn’t enough to make a difference. Besides assessing your competitors, institute the following as benchmarks for your business to keep customers coming your way:

• Provide unparalleled customer service;

• Define and build your brand based on the value you provide;

• Position yourself — and your business — as experts in the field;

• Put a face to your product or service; and

• Have a clear and unique voice in the market.

Check out PNC’s Small Business Insights for more topics to explore on managing, running, and growing your business.

Running a successful business requires a strong business model, a willingness to keep a keen eye on the competition, and the ability to adjust as needed to stay one step ahead of the game.

*****

Photo Credit: (c) gorodenkoff / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.