What is Competitor Research?
Competitor Research is the process of analyzing your competitors to understand:
- Who they are
- What they’re doing right or wrong
- What’s working for them
- Where you can do better
This gives you a strategic advantage by helping you avoid their mistakes and capitalize on opportunities they’ve missed.
Key Things to Research:
- Their platforms – Are they active on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn?
- Type of content – Do they use video, carousels, memes, lives?
- Engagement rate – Are people liking, commenting, sharing?
- Brand voice – Are they formal, friendly, youthful, or serious?
- Audience response – What do people love (or hate) about them?
- Paid Ads – Are they running Facebook/Instagram ads? (Check Facebook Ad Library)
What is Market Positioning?
Market Positioning is how you place your brand in the mind of your audience, relative to your competitors.
It answers:
- What makes you different or better?
- Why should customers choose you instead of them?
It`s not just about what you sell — it`s about how your audience perceives your value.
Positioning Helps You Define:
- 🧭 Your niche – e.g., eco-friendly skincare, budget tech tools, luxury fashion
- 📢 Your message – What do you stand for?
- 🛍️ Your offer – What makes your product or service unique?
How They Work Together:
- Competitor Research gives you insight into what others are doing.
- Market Positioning helps you craft your own unique place in that landscape.
Example:
Let’s say you`re launching a natural skincare brand. Your competitor offers:
- Fancy packaging
- Influencer promotions
- Free shipping
But their customers complain about:
- Poor customer support
- Delayed delivery
✅ Your Positioning:
“100% Natural Skincare with Fast Delivery & 24/7 Support — Because You Deserve Better.”
You`re not just copying them — you’re finding the gaps and filling them with your own brand strengths.