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Are You In Touch
With The Competition?... by Sonia Colon
We all know that competiton
is an ugly word. Competitors are a fact of life. If your business can't
compete with other businesses, don't start it. You have to have some type of
an edge. You may have an excellent product or service, but if everyone
else is selling a similar product or service, just how much of the market can
you expect to capture?
You will have to get to know
everything there is to know about your competition and keep up to date
with their marketing strategies.
The best way to research
your competition is to locate those you consider the largest threat to
your potential business. Then, take time to note and acquire a feel for
how the competition deals with its customers.
Answer the following
questions:
What appeals to you most
about their website, introduction, set up etc.?
How large of an inventory do
they carry?
Are their products
eye-catching?
What is their alexa, google,
yahoo and aol ranking?
Are their testimonials
positive?
Are their prices in line and
competive with yours?
What do they offer that you
could not?
Do they offer
discounts?
Do they offer a return
policy?
Do they offer any special
services, such as free delivery?
Which areas could do with
some improvement and could you improve in these areas?
Do they keep their online
store up-to-date?
What means of promotion do
they use? (e.g. coupons, flyers, free gifts, discounts, etc.)
After evaluating the above,
You should then be able to build a profile of each main competitor and
know how they advertise, why customers shop there, what areas need improving
and how successfully you can compete with them. You may also find
further ideas for improving and promoting your own business. Your success
will lie in knowing and assessing your competitor's strengths and
weaknesses. Evaluate and compare your own strengths and weaknesses to stay
in touch with the competition and succeed in your own business.
--------------------------------------------- About the
Author:
Sonia Colon owns and
operates Jimson Products. She is also a writer & publisher of "My Jimson
Products Ezine". Subscribe by visiting her site at http://www.jimsonproducts.com. Sonia
Colon is also a Senior Independent Candle Consultant Visit: http://www.shopaffordableluxuries.us/scolon and
join her team that offer an extremely generous financial rewards
program.!
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