Brand positioning involves differentiating a brand in the minds of consumers by emphasizing certain attributes or benefits that are important to the target segment. There are four key components of brand positioning: 1) product category, 2) targeted consumer segment, 3) brand location in consumer perceptions, and 4) emphasized benefits and attributes. Effective positioning establishes a brand as the superior choice compared to competitors by communicating its attributes and benefits in a credible way. Perceptual mapping techniques like image profile analysis and factor analysis can be used to understand how brands are perceived on various attributes relative to competitors and an ideal brand image.