To successfully bring anything to market, you have to understand the market that you are bringing it into. In this blog, we thought that it would be beneficial to introduce you to the idea of understanding your competitors when marketing, whilst paying particular attention to the SEO practices involved. So, what is competitor research?
Competitor research is carried out by marketers to help them better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their campaign when compared to other actors in the market. You then position your campaign to bridge the gap between you and your best-performing competition or move your brand away from other competition using an SEO strategy.
At Wildcat Digital, we often review other players in the market to best inform our SEO campaigns and strategy. Here are our top tips for anyone wanting to bridge the gap between their competition, find their niche and increase their online presence.
Competitor research is an investigation into how your prospective customers view the market that you want to enter. It’s also a fact-finding mission into how these potential customers interact with your competitors.
You can investigate how your competitors perform in a number of different ways, namely; by pulling commonly available data from marketing research tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs or Google’s Keyword Planner, or by manually taking the time to view your competitors’ sites themselves.
Another less data-based method may help you find new layouts for pages, inspire ideas about structure, tone of voice or added value services that you could shout about. This aspect of competitor research can be circumstantial, and change depending on the industry in which the business operates. Simply searching online for certain phrases (also known as ‘keywords’, which we will get to shortly) that relate to your product or service will bring up these key players online. Leafing through their sites can yield some positive results, but only on a surface level.
Instead, for now, let’s look at how you can analyse your competitors to gain insights into how they market their business effectively.
A business owner would want to conduct competitive research to identify:
Understanding your competition by using SEO tools should help you identify the four above goals.
But wait, who exactly are you in competition with anyway? The answer isn’t always straightforward.
Many businesses already know their competitors. If you run a completely unique business then all you need to do is find your customers, however, in the real world there can be hundreds of different businesses with competing online presences for similar services or products for sale. So where do you begin?
Direct Competitors – These competitors are competitors that directly compete in your market. Consider Coca-Cola and Pepsi here, where the product and brand operate very similarly in the same field. Customers of Pepsi will already know of and may have already tried Coke.
Indirect competitors – This form of competition may be harder to identify for some businesses, but bottled water would be an indirect competitor for either of the cola brands mentioned above. They are both drinks, sure, but Pepsi wouldn’t worry about bottled water taking their shelf space any time soon. They do operate in the same space, however. So there is competition there which needs to be considered with your overarching market strategy.
There are many ways in which you can conduct market research, the most important for SEO and online marketing would be research into ‘keywords’.
When your business is online, you could have many competitors from different areas of the world that you might not be aware of. This is due to how your website is understood by crawlers and the keywords on your website.
To appear on Google and other search engines, your website must first be read by something called a ‘crawler’. These crawlers read your site and build an understanding of the content that is present on the site, such as finding keywords in the text.
These keywords are the main topics or points of discussion of the webpage in question. They are found by crawlers because they find repeat mentions of these keywords across the page and the site as a whole. For a simple example, one of our keywords might be ‘Buy Bananas’.
Across our site, we will offer information on who we are and the services that our business offers. This might look like ‘buy melons’ or ‘buy apples’, which is read by crawlers and helps website crawlers build up an idea of the different services or products that we offer.
This allows Search Engines to build up a profile of who we are and what we do. A Search Engine then provides its service by helping searchers find appropriate sites online by matching these keywords with the queries.
Website crawlers will do the same across your competition, building an understanding of nearly all websites that offer this kind of information, and adding it to the crawler’s index.
Market research tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs or Google’s Keyword Planner access the information gathered by crawlers and offer it to market researchers to inform their campaigns.
Using this information, we can see how other players in your specific field are understood by search engines, which gives us further insight into their marketing strategy.
For more information on Crawling and Indexing, why not read one of our latest blogs? ‘What is crawling and indexing’
Using Semrush as an example, this tool allows marketers the opportunity to see any gaps in keyword usage between you and a number of your competitors.
This can be plotted on a chart, where your competitors’ rankings for these keywords are compared against yours.
Using our example from earlier, let’s see how we can see where our fruit-selling business ranks up against its competitors for some essential keywords from our field.
This data shows us that we are performing well for ‘buy bananas’, in fact, we are ranking in first position on Google’s search results. Great. However, it is clear that our competition is targeting keywords and phrases, such as ‘buy apples’. This keyword is much more commonly searched than ‘buy bananas’, and they are ranking for it on our search engine results page.
This tells us that our competitors are established in our chosen field of fruit-selling. Competitor 1 seems to focus much of their online presence on selling apples online, with a few other services being promoted. This is a keyword with a high search volume, so it would be difficult to rank for. This is likely their main service as a business, to focus on the sale of apples.
Competitor 2, however, has a good spread of keyword rankings and could be seen as a key player in the world of online fruit shopping. Their presence is established and they appear to sell fruit generally, with no focal point to their campaign.
Looking at this data, we can see that some players in our field rank for a spread of keywords (Competitor 2), and others rank for a limited number of keywords, such as Competitor 1. They are targeting ‘apples’ as a keyword.
This information gives us information about how these established players market themselves online, and it also shows us possible gaps where we can emerge and market your products efficiently.
Again, using our fruit example above, an SEO such as myself might suggest that the ‘apple’ market is difficult to get into due to a high search volume combined with a relatively high keyword difficulty. This metric can change depending on which tool you use, but it essentially tells us how difficult it may be for any site to rank for this keyword due to market saturation.
A huge site can rank for keywords with a high difficulty, however, a much smaller site which is happy targeting smaller keywords in our market niche may struggle. It therefore might be better to target something else to help our business grow.
Notice that ‘buy melons’ as a keyword has a relatively high search volume, but a lower keyword difficulty.
At a glance, it seems that ‘buy melons’ might be a keyword that we would want to target right away, filling this gap in the market with our presence.
This is how an SEO company may use marketing tools to search the market and other players within that market to find a niche.
Using our market research, we now have found a suitable field into which we can market our products to hopefully turn a profit.
As an SEO, businesses might choose to partner with our business and help them find gaps within the market, using their competitors as we go.
Of course, as the business in question builds its online presence, its ability to rank for more and more difficult keywords becomes easier as it grows in its niche. This, in turn, allows the business to target more and more areas using keywords, and diversify within its field.
As the campaign grows, we will strategise and target more and more difficult keywords (with higher search volumes), allowing your business to compete against the major players.
Ready to start your digital marketing journey with an award-winning agency?
Here at Wildcat, we specialise in helping businesses punch above their weight online. But it is only after the weigh-in of your competitors that we can get a good idea of your business’s size and position in relation to the market and your competitors.
At the start of every campaign, we review your competition to see viable gaps in your market where you can successfully market your products, services or information.
As your campaign progresses, we will conduct more and more market research into your field and improve your strategy accordingly.
For a discussion with the Wildcat Team, why not get in touch with us by giving us a call or dropping us an email using the link below?
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
PPC Team Leader
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Account Manager
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
Senior SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
Senior SEO Executive
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
SEO Executive
Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.
In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.
SEO Executive
Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.
In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!
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