What are the six simple steps to achieve competitive intelligence and gain a competitive edge for corporate websites?
In the realm of competitive intelligence for corporate website owners seeking to outperform their rivals, the article explores valuable techniques. The first step involves leveraging web-based competitive intelligence tools like SEMrush, AHREFS, Wappalyzer, BuiltWith, Moz Local, and Whitespark to procure high-quality information on competitors’ online marketing strategies.
Additionally, the article proposes strategies such as identifying competitors, collecting pertinent data, exploring job postings, subscribing to newsletters, and investigating competitors’ advertising campaigns to facilitate competitive intelligence efforts. These actions are designed to help companies keep abreast of competitors’ endeavors and make astute decisions to lead the market.
The article underscores the criticality of monitoring competition and cultivating a reputable image, stressing that competitive intelligence necessitates meticulous attention and continuous dedication. It extends support and guidance to individuals aiming to enhance their competitive intelligence skills or formulate a digital business strategy.
For owners of corporate websites, competitive intelligence can be extremely useful for keeping an eye on your rivals. The goal: set up a winning competitive edge by figuring out what your competitors are doing now and what they plan to do in the future. But what is the best way to do this? What’s the first step towards competitive intelligence? Here are 6 ways to get there.
1-Use web-based competitive intelligence tools
Before you start the analysis, you need the right tools. There are several methods of competitive analysis, each designed to provide quality data. Here are a few examples:
- SEMrush is an all-in-one suite that improves online visibility and uncovers marketing information from your competitors’ SEO and SEM.
- AHREFS is a solid alternative to SEMrush.
- Wappalyzer is a free chrome extension which determines the type of software being used by competitors.
- BuiltWith is a useful application similar to Wappalyzer.
- Moz Local is a SEO evaluation tool that gauges your performance against your competitors.
- Whitespark is an excellent alternative to Moz Local.
2- List your competitors
Competitive intelligence wouldn’t accomplish much without any competitors to analyze. You can start a comprehensive list of key competitors, including those to look out for down the road. Your list can include company websites with different content from your own, but with similar business needs.
3- Look for relevant data
A competitive intelligence survey produces a vast amount of information. However, you should select your data to avoid an endless stream of statistics and research results. Data collected about a company, for instance, can reveal that they’re gearing up for a launch.
4- Browse job openings
You can learn a lot about a company’s ambitions by looking at their job postings, especially if they involve new contracts or projects.
5- Subscribe to Newsletters
When you subscribe to a company newsletter, you receive all of the latest news. So, in a competitive intelligence, why not subscribe to a competitor’s newsletter? You can gather data at the source and keep yourself informed about their activities.
6- Inquire about competitors’ advertising initiatives
Advertisements in print, on TV or on the radio provide first-hand information about your company and its positioning vis-à-vis your clientele.
Monitoring the competition and building a solid reputation can be a painstaking process. If you aren’t experienced in competitive intelligence or if you just want advice on developing a digital business strategy, just contact us!