15 Examples of Value Propositions That Are Ridiculously Effective

With the average human attention span shorter than that of a goldfish, inbound marketing is a lot like speed dating.

When prospects get in front of you (or in the case, arrive on your website), you have to tell them everything you offer quickly while you have their attention, or else the bell will ring and they'll be off to the next option before you get the chance. 

The most effective way of doing this is through a skillfully written value proposition. 

As we know, a truly great value proposition paints a picture of your brand for prospects. It tells your audience:

• what you do
• who you do it for
• how you do it differently

It introduces you to prospective buyers and helps you make a strong first impression. That's why it is so important to have a powerful one. 

Writing a powerful value proposition is a skill you can learn, but like any other skill, it helps to see examples from those that did it right.

With that in mind, here are 15 examples of value propositions that (as Derek Zoolander would say) are really, really, ridiculously effective. 

1. Stripe

In its value proposition, Stripe makes it clear that its web and mobile payment products are specifically made for developers and tech-savvy businesses. 

Its APIs and tools are comprehensive, state-of-the-art, and trustworthy for businesses that demand nothing less. This statement is also aided cleverly by the image of two cell phones, each highlighting a different, well-known Stripe customer. 

2. MailChimp

Three little words. That's all that MailChimp needs to tell you what its brand is all about. It's simple, direct, and bold. Use its service and you will send better email -- no ifs or buts. 

3. Lyft

Unlike others on our list, Lyft skillfully targets two different personas at the same time with two distinct value propositions. Both clear and concise, one speaks to who want to get rides and the other to those who want to give them. 

While many companies would shy away from this, Lyft's approach is highly effective yet subtle with the help of tasteful design.

Like MailChimp, the company is able communicate its value in as few words as possible. This is especially important when your product or service's goal is simplify the lives of its users. 

4. Dollar Shave Club

By now, we all know and love Dollar Shave Club's marketing and its value proposition is no exception. In this example, the cheeky brand does an impressive job of highlighting value and benefits instead of features while also incorporating its biggest selling point -- price. While it's not entirely clear who the brand is targeting here, for something as universal as shaving, it's not needed. 

5. Mizzen and Main

In this example, the cotton dress shirt company clearly knows its buyer persona -- people that want dress shirts that look like a nice, formal dress shirt, but are built for functionality. My only qualm with this value prop is that it's hidden on the eCommerce website's "About Us" page. I'd love to see it given more prominent real estate on the homepage. 

6. Pagely

In this value proposition, Pagely addresses two of the biggest pain points of businesses with a WordPress website (scalability and security), while also enlisting social proof to give the company credibility right off the bat. Though one of our longer value propositions, Pagely's simplicity and clarity helps prevent it from being overwhelming. 

7. Bitly

Known for its link shortening, Bitly is all about removing clutter and being concise, so it's only natural that the company's value proposition reflect these traits as well.

In these simple statements, Bitly summarizes its three major services in a way that is not only easy to remember, but also cannot be misinterpreted. 

8. Unbounce

In this value proposition, Unbounce is very clear about what it offers while also addressing a common marketer pain point of needing to defer to or call in their "IT guys." With this statement, marketers know that they'll be able to create and manage their landing pages easily without having to call in reinforcements. Ain't that convenient? 

9. Apple MacBook

Apple has great value propositions for every product, but one that is particularly impressive is its statement for the MacBook. In this witty example, Apple emphasizes how lightweight its product is (its biggest differentiator), while also speaking to how advanced its technology is.

That Apple...always "light years ahead" (even in marketing.)

10. Vimeo

If you're familiar with it, you know Vimeo positions itself as a higher-quality, more sophisticated YouTube, and their value proposition makes this very clear. When you choose its platform over YouTube, you're making a commitment to posting something "worth watching," not just another cat video (no offense, cat videos).   

11. FreshBooks

In their value proposition, Freshbooks does a great job of telling you exactly what they do and who it is for, calling out their personas directly. 

By boldly addressing them as "non-accountants," FreshBooks not only commands attention but always highlights a common marketer pain point of not being able to understand accounting software. 

12. DuckDuckGo

Though a bit hidden, DuckDuckGo has one of the most effective value propositions on our list because it actually tells you what it doesn't do -- it doesn't track or share your personal information.

Unlike bigger search engines, DuckDuckGo makes privacy a top priority and as its key differentiator, it wants you to know that as soon as you arrive on their site. 

13. Mint

Recently updated, Mint’s value proposition grabs your attention with its aspirational message.

Having a good grasp on money and personal finances is key to reaching many long-term goals and planning for the future (i.e. buying a house, retiring, etc.).

As the statement suggests, though these landmarks may seem distant (like horizons) or even far-fetched, they will not only be more attainable than you think but also accomplished sooner with the help of Mint. The vague messaging could also be seen as one of urgency; encouraging people to get their finances in order now as some "horizons" can arrive sooner than we expect.  

14. Weebly

With so many players in the market today, Weebly positions itself as the "easiest" option to make a website, blog, or online store today. Need a web presence now and considering Squarespace, Wix, or Webs? Weebly's value proposition sets out to make sure its prospects know there's no faster or easier way to get started than with its platform. 

15. Tortuga Backpacks

While many people may associate backpacks with school kids, Tortuga makes it clear in their value proposition that that is not its market. Making"travel backpacks for International, Urban Travel," the brand is going after hardcore travelers who are annoyed at the thought of checking bags and inspired by that of backpacking. Their imagery and messaging resonates perfectly with this audience.