Being the first choice in the consumer's mind translates into higher brand recognition, increased customer loyalty, and ultimately more sales. So if you can’t be the first to arrive in the marketplace, focus on creating a strong brand and delivering a memorable experience to your customers, and become the first choice in their mind.
In the world of business, being the first to market with a new product or service may seem like the ultimate goal. And as we’ve talked about (see Law #2), there are untold benefits to being the first one to get a product or service offering to market.
But what really matters is being the top choice in the mind of the consumer. Imagine being the second or third company to offer a similar product - you may have missed the opportunity to be the first mover, but there is still a chance to capture a significant market share by becoming the preferred option for your most profitable audience.
(Adapted from "The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing" by Ries & Trout)