Conducting a competitive analysis can be crucial for a brand’s success, especially in a competitive market. By conducting a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and taking a look at where you stand, you can help give your brand the leverage it needs in order to provide customers with what they are looking for.

What is a competitive analysis?

​​A competitive analysis is a strategic tool that compares a business’s products and services to its competitors. It is used to identify potential opportunities and threats in the marketplace and assess the company’s strengths and weaknesses relative to its competitors.

Why is a competitive analysis important?

A competitive analysis is important because it helps businesses identify opportunities and threats in the marketplace and allows businesses to see where they stand relative to their competitors. It also allows them to assess their strengths and weaknesses relative to their competitors. By performing one, a business can gain insight into how it can better position itself in the market and identify areas of improvement to gain a competitive edge.

How do I conduct one?

  1. Identify and research competitors: Identify the key competitors in the industry, and research their products and services.
  2. Analyze competitors’ strengths and weaknesses: Analyze competitors’ strengths and weaknesses to identify potential opportunities and threats. 
  3. Develop a competitive strategy: Develop a strategy that considers competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. 
  4. Monitor competitors: Monitor competitors’ actions and new product developments to stay ahead of the competition. 
  5. Evaluate results: Regularly evaluate the results in order to adjust the strategy as needed.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of conducting a competitive analysis include the following: 

  1. Understanding the competitive landscape: Provides insight into the competitive landscape, which helps businesses identify opportunities and threats in the market. 
  2. Identifying areas of improvement: Enables businesses to identify areas in which they can improve in order to gain a competitive edge. 
  3. Gaining a competitive edge: By understanding the competitive landscape and identifying areas of improvement, businesses can gain a competitive edge.
  4. Improving decision-making: Provides valuable information that can be used to make informed decisions.