How do you monitor your competitors?
In the past, I had clients who expected general weekly reports on everything their competitors had been doing online.
I tried various tools to automate the process, but none completely hit the mark. I ended up doing a combination of software and manual work, which was really time-consuming.
We've started working on a solution based on the requirements of these clients and so far it's coming together nicely.
I'm interested to hear the importance that others put on competitor tracking and what metrics are most relevant to them?
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Just focus on doing things that provide value for your customers. Spending time thinking about competitors is a waste of time.
For many scenarios, I agree with you completely. However, for this specific type of client, they need to be aware of what their competitors are up to at all times. The reason for this is because these businesses normally have very limited chances to speak with decision-makers. They need to be on top of there game and prepared for any questions or comparisons.
ahrefs, and other tools can do this automatically.
Agreed, I've used ahrefs a lot in the past and I really like it, but for the specific clients I'm working with, they needed social and page monitoring included as well.
This is what we're focusing on with Accordably, it won't be as SEO oriented as ahrefs, but it will give them a general overview, which they can then delve into further.
This is something I am working on right now. Founders/business owners often don't have a process around tracking their competitors on a regular basis. Also, founders often "run-into" a competitor online/offline. Hoping to launch the MVP in a couple of weeks.
Would love to have your feedback on the MVP :)
Looks like we might be working on something similar, happy to give you feedback though ;)
Sounds good. Feedback from IndieHackers are always welcome 👍
I do it manually :)
I check their pages, their pricing strategy, their features, then I take note of what I can do about it or if I even bother about it.
I usually just subscribe to their email list, follow them on twitter and bookmark their webpage which I check whenever I feel like it.
I would like to track our competitors, but I actually find that it is difficult as we are building something that has similarities in some ways to what others are doing and completely different in others.
Out of interest, what tools did you use?
In the past, I've used ahrefs, semrush, spyfu, mention, changetower, visual ping, google alerts and manual labour. They all have their benefits, but I needed something specific for these types of clients. This is our goal with Accordably, however, I'm happy to help if you have any questions on the tools I was using previously.
Its semi automated today. I'm using Awario today. I usually look for if there are any negatives(disgruntled customers) and what they are saying. It gives me an opportunity to know if it can be solved in my product. If I have already I have solution I reach out to help.
Sounds like a logical process, I'll have to check out awario. Have you had much success with directly approaching these disgruntled customers?
Little bit. Got couple of customers so far.
Sometime it is looked as spam. Sometimes as a genuine help. Continuing to test it though.