One really useful marketing activity that often gets overlooked is a competitor analysis.  How well do you actually know your competitors?  Here are a few suggestions to carry out a simple analysis of those companies you are competing with.

• What is the main feature of your competitor?s website?
• What services do they offer that you don’t?
• Do they publish their prices on the website?
• Do they have a video on their website explaining their product or service better than you?
• Do they list their clients?
• What do they give away on their website?
• How do they retain their visitors interest?
• What strategic links do they have on their website?
• Do they cater for specific industry sectors?
• What offers do they have on their site?

If you understand your competitors it may help you to make the difference in winning new business.  Is a competitor analysis regularly included in your marketing plan?  Do you feel it?s not necessary for your business?  Let me know if you think you already know your competitors.  Comments welcomed!