Varos Glossary

SaaS Competitive Analysis

What is a SaaS Competitive Analysis?

Competitive analysis is a technique that reveals how your firm matches up against its rivals. You would need to categorize these rivals into direct and indirect groups.

Direct rivals are those that provide items that are virtually identical to yours. They may provide the same essential features and solve the same pain points as you. In the meanwhile, indirect rivals provide distinct items but target the same market segment.

Importance of Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis is similar to scouting the terrain. Additionally, it provides information about your rivals. It also provides an assessment of your company.

Among the advantages of competition analysis are:

  • the identification of your strengths and shortcomings
  • a means to learn from the errors of other businesses
  • identifying market prospects
  • contributing to the development of your value proposition

How to conduct competitive analysis?

  • Identify your competitors

You must determine who your SaaS competitors are. Focus on immediate rivals to get the proper perspective.

  • Research rival products and services

The offering is the linchpin of every firm. For a thorough examination of the competition, it is essential to evaluate the products and their quality. The expense should also be considered. They cater to high-end or low-end industries. Exist any affiliate marketing techniques? What elements define the perfect consumer profile?

  • Conduct a competitive analysis

Assess how your rivals operate. Start with the date of inception, revenue, financing, number of employees, account growth, etc. This information may be found on websites such as LinkedIn, AngelList, Owler, and Crunchbase. Check the company's merger and acquisition history to determine its direction.

  • Understand competition sales strategies and value offerings

Examine in detail their user acquisition, sales, and market entry strategies. What is the company's sales procedure? What channels do they have? Utilizing these channels? Are you looking in the same direction for potential growth plans? What design perspective and value proposition draws clients? Observe and evaluate this data.

  • Assess the gaps

The next step in SaaS competitive analysis is to put on your detective hat and assume the mindset of your rivals. Conduct a competitive landscape analysis framework to identify the gaps in your rivals' strategies. How, therefore, should one do a SaaS market analysis? You may do this by creating a competitive analysis matrix and a SaaS SWOT analysis for your rival.

  • Determine the distinguishing factors

The most compelling reason to do a competitive analysis is that you offer a similar product to your rival, although with slight distinctions. Users will only choose your product or service if it offers them something unique that sets them apart from your rivals' products or services. 

  • Compare costs and benefits

Examine the prices charged by rivals for their services. If you believe that your product is superior in every way, you might consider charging a somewhat higher price. You will know whether you believe your items are expensive and can be made more reasonable. To appeal to a bigger audience, this gap may be closed. Knowing what bonuses and discounts are offered to clients can help you create your own bundles.

  • Examine their marketing strategies

Keep track of the marketing activity of competitors. Do they maintain a website, a blog, and whitepapers? Using webinars, videos, or podcasts, do they communicate with their customers? Are there intriguing case studies, press releases, purchasing guides, or featured notes available?

  • Monitor social media participation, visibility, and strategy

Engaging with competitors on social media will provide insight into how they react to certain scenarios. Check the comments, tweets, and reactions to ascertain which subjects are trending. You may learn from tags, buttons, and other elements. You may identify cracks in your social media marketing approach and then fill them.

  • Perform a SWOT analysis

It can assist you in evaluating the overall quality vs the competition. Where do you fall short, and does your main rival have the same issue? What common benefits do they share? The SWOT analysis will assist with strategic planning and the understanding of competitive advantage.

  • Perform, estimate, improve, and practice

The last phase of a SaaS competitive study is to determine what works best for your product and then replicate it. The basic concept of executing, estimating, upgrading, and rehearsing is the foundation of several client success stories. It is a basic process. Once you have a successful competitive product analysis SaaS, you must safeguard it. Consider modifying the plan and focusing on the activities you are doing.

Closing Thoughts

It is essential to comprehend your company in relation to the competitive environment. Numerous SaaS businesses compete in a similar space; thus, identifying the appropriate competitors is essential. Price, features, customer service, technical or tool use, marketing techniques, and the whole business strategy must be analyzed. You must recognize the chances that will set your brand apart from the competition. A competitive study may help you improve your performance and gauge client satisfaction. This is an excellent method for enhancing your customer success strategy and business development.