How to: Monitor your Competitors

It is important for you to focus on what is best for you, your company and your personal brand. So while you will want to look at what your competitors are doing – don’t focus too much. Don’t follow what they are doing.

Instead, use the information to inspire you and help you to focus on your strengths and vision and learn from their mistakes.

Focus on a maximum of 5 competitors and do these 3 quick things:

01 Set up Google Alerts or other monitoring/analytical tool

If you are keeping it simple set up a google alert, so that the information comes directly into your inbox without you surfing the internet for information. Easy wins also include signing up to their mailing list and social media accounts (with your personal account).

If you want something a bit more targeting or deep dive (and have a budget) you can also looking into monitoring /analytical tools designed to monitor competitors.

02 Make a List of Questions

Ask yourself “What do you want to know?” To make competitor research and monitoring more effective and less time-intensive make a standard list of questions that you want to ask about your competitors and research/monitor. This will help you plan ahead.

03 Create a Comparison List

Create a comparison list with your top/target competitors so you know your strengths and weaknesses. Once identified, you know what to focus your efforts on.