Introduction to Competitive Analysis
Identify competitors, understand their strategies, and find your competitive advantage
Your Progress
Section 1 of 5Understanding Competition
Every product exists in a competitive landscape. Understanding your competitors is not about copying them—it is about finding where you can win.
Why competitive analysis matters: You cannot build a successful product in a vacuum. Knowing who you are competing against, what they do well, and where they fall short helps you position your product for success.
Types of Competitors
Types of Competitors
Direct Competitors
Same solution, same market
- →Uber vs Lyft
- →Gmail vs Outlook
- →Slack vs Microsoft Teams
Why Analyze Competitors?
1. Understand the Market
See what solutions already exist, how they are positioned, and where gaps remain.
2. Learn from Others
Competitors have already tested ideas. Learn from their wins and losses.
3. Find Your Advantage
Identify where you can differentiate and provide unique value.
4. Anticipate Moves
Track competitor activities to stay proactive, not reactive.
Competitive Landscape Types
Competitive Landscape Types
Crowded Market
- •Many competitors
- •Well-defined category
- •Clear leader
Differentiate or niche down
Find a specific segment or unique angle
What to Analyze
Product & Features
What they build, how it works, and where it excels or falls short
Pricing & Positioning
How they price, who they target, and how they communicate value
Market Position
Their market share, growth trajectory, and brand perception
Go-to-Market
How they acquire customers, their marketing channels, and messaging
Competition is Healthy
Competitors validate that there is a market. The goal is not to avoid competition—it is to understand it and find your unique angle to win.
Key Takeaways
- •Competitors fall into categories: direct, indirect, substitute, and future threats.
- •Different market types (crowded, fragmented, emerging) require different strategies.
- •Analyze product, pricing, positioning, and go-to-market strategies.
- •Competition validates your market—use it to find differentiation opportunities.