Internet Marketing: 5 Tips on How To Know Your Competitors
11.30.09
On Internet Marketing, it is safe to say that everything’s been done. It is hard to be innovative, but it is a must.
It is usual to stumble upon situations on which we believe to have the Next Big Thing after Sliced Bread and, after a sneak peek at our competitors, we realize that someone’s been doing it for ages now.
Don’t let it happen to you. Here’s a list of five tips to know what your competitors are doing.
1. Look for your competition on search engines.
It is a simple exercise, but you can get tons of information from it. A search engine query can help you determine these facts:
- Ranking of your competition
- Keywords used by them
- They way they’re advertising (the language they use, their target, their graphic approach…)
And all you did was look for them on Google. A keen eye will always take you places.
2. Analyze their gaps and capabilities.
Nobody likes comparisons but, in order to create a successful marketing campaign, you have to bear in mind where their gaps and your strengths are. Where they fail, you have a chance to succeed. What aren’t they offering that you can excel at? Which bases aren’t you covering that they are? Though this mindset can make you slightly paranoid, it keeps you with both feet on the ground.
3. Ask your customers.
If there’s anyone who can give you a bigger picture, that would be a customer. Customers and visitors have specific goals in mind when they look for products and services. If you’re filling a need they have, if you’re offering something they want or need, then half of the battle is won.
- Always have a conversion form on your site. If you add a “suggestions” space, they will let you know how to improve your online service and what others are doing.
- Keep track of your customers. Post-sales service is not only a way to support your products but a means to know what’s the word on the streets.
- Never forget: you are a customer too. What would YOU like to find on a web site?
4. Talk to your competition.
What’s the worst thing that could happen? Creating bonds with your competitors gives you access to information and it helps by keeping communication channels and making things fair and square. Nobody likes a backstabber.
5. Talk ABOUT your competition.
Look: before you engage in war paint and sharpen that piercing tongue of yours, this is not an excuse to diss about thy neighbor. Just don’t be afraid to mention your competition. If you can find an elegant way to talk about your benefits over the competition (through polls, studies, comparisons), that will show security and your trust appeal will grow.
There you go. Five Internet Marketing tips that will help you know what you’re fighting against.
