How to Identify Your Competitors

How to Identify Your Competitors: A Simple Guide

When working on your SEO strategy, knowing who your competitors are is essential. Your competitors give you insight into what works in your industry and where you can improve. But finding your competitors may not always be obvious, especially if you’re new to this.

This guide will help you easily identify your top competitors, even if you have no experience in SEO or business analysis. Let’s walk through the steps!

1. Think About Your Direct Competitors

Your direct competitors are businesses offering the same or very similar products or services in your area or online. These are the companies you want to be aware of. Here’s how to identify them:

• Local Businesses: If you run a physical business like a restaurant or a salon, think about other businesses in your area offering the same service. These are your direct competitors.
• Online Businesses: If your business operates mostly online, your direct competitors are other websites offering the same products or services.

Write down the names of these companies—these are your obvious competitors.

2. Search Online Like Your Customers

Put yourself in the shoes of your customers. What would they type into Google or another search engine if they were looking for the products or services you offer? Use simple searches like:

• “Best bakery in [your city]”
• “Buy handmade jewelry online”
• “Affordable web design services”

Take note of the websites or businesses that appear on the first page of search results. These businesses are competing for the same customers as you and should be on your competitor list.

3. Use Social Media

Social media is a great place to find competitors, especially if your business is active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Here’s how to search for competitors:

• Instagram and Facebook: Search for hashtags or keywords related to your business. For example, if you own a fitness studio, search for #fitnessclasses or #yogainstructor. You’ll likely find other businesses in your niche.
• LinkedIn: If you offer professional services like consulting, LinkedIn can help you discover competitors. Look at profiles or businesses that are active in the same field.

Jot down the names of businesses you come across that are offering similar services or targeting the same audience.

4. Ask Your Customers

One of the easiest ways to identify competitors is to ask your existing customers! They often know what other businesses they considered before choosing you. Here’s how you can ask:

• “Did you compare our services with any other businesses before coming to us?”
• “What other options were you considering when looking for [your product/service]?”

This can provide real-life insights into your competition that you may not have found online.

5. Check Business Directories

Business directories like Google My Business, Yelp, or even local directories can help you find competitors. These platforms often list businesses in the same category as yours.

For example:

• Google My Business: Search for businesses in your industry or location. The “People Also Search For” feature often suggests similar businesses.
• Yelp: If you’re a local business, Yelp is a powerful tool. Search your business category and see who else comes up in the results.

6. Look at Industry-Specific Sites

Many industries have specific websites or platforms where businesses are listed. For example:

• For eCommerce, platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay could reveal online competitors.
• For restaurants, platforms like TripAdvisor or Zomato can help you discover local competitors.

Search for your industry-specific platform and see which businesses are ranking well.

7. Review Online Ads

Take note of the ads you see while browsing online, especially when searching for terms related to your business. Ads can show you which competitors are paying to attract the same audience. Search for phrases you think your customers might use, and you’ll likely spot a few competitors paying for ads at the top of search results.

8. Join Online Groups

Online communities and forums (like Facebook groups or Reddit) dedicated to your industry or niche can also provide competitor insights. Join these groups and observe the discussions:

• Who is being recommended?
• Which businesses do people talk about?
• What products or services seem to be popular?

This will help you discover competitors that might not show up in a simple Google search.

9. Look at Product Reviews

Check review platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, or even Amazon (if you sell physical products). Reading reviews for similar products or services can introduce you to new competitors. Reviewers often mention why they chose one business over another, giving you clues about the competitive landscape.

10. Stay Open-Minded

Sometimes, your competitors might not be businesses offering exactly the same thing as you, but something related. For example:

• If you sell luxury handbags, your competitors might also include shops selling high-end shoes or accessories.
• If you’re a fitness trainer, you may compete with yoga studios, personal coaches, or even online fitness apps.

These indirect competitors are important to note because they can attract the same type of customer.

Conclusion

Identifying your competitors doesn’t need to be complicated. By using simple searches, social media, business directories, and asking your customers, you can create a solid list of competitors in no time. Knowing who your competition is can help you improve your own offerings, refine your marketing strategy, and stay ahead in your industry.

Use this guide to write down 10 competitors for your SEO brief. The more you know about them, the better you’ll be able to compete!