Analyze Competitors’ Top Blogs For The Best F*cking Leverage

Sometimes, coming up with blog ideas feels like trying to decide what to watch on Netflix when you’ve watched your whole list. After about an hour of trying to find something, you eventually give up and go to bed. The good thing about blogs is that inspiration is already out there, ready for you. How? With competitor research! Analyzing your competitors’ blogs may make you feel like Liam Neeson, but he always came out on top at the end, right?

First things first, you need to know who your competitors are. This might sound simple, but it’s not just about finding brands that do the same thing as you. Competitors come in two flavors: direct and indirect. Direct competitors are the brands that offer the same products or services and are fighting for the same audience. Indirect competitors, however, might not be in the same business as you but still attract your ideal readers. Think of it this way: If you’re a taco truck, your direct competitor is the other taco truck across the street, while your indirect competitor might be that trendy sandwich shop down the block.

Once you’ve scoped out your competition, it’s time to find out what’s hitting it big for them. Luckily, you don’t have to hire a detective or go full spy mode. Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or BuzzSumo can give you a backstage pass to their most popular blog posts. And if fancy tools aren’t in your budget, don’t worry—good old-fashioned social media stalking works too. Check out what blogs they’re promoting, which posts are getting shared, and what’s drawing comments like bees to honey.

Now that you’ve got a list of their top-performing blogs, it’s time to dissect them! Pay attention to the topics they cover and the way they approach them. Are they writing in-depth guides, quick how-tos, or opinion pieces? Are their titles spicy and clickable, or are they more straightforward? Even their formatting can give you clues—are they using lots of visuals or keeping it text-heavy? It’s like cracking the code to what their audience loves, and spoiler alert: their audience is probably your audience, too.

Here’s where the fun really begins. As you analyze your competitors’ blogs, you’ll start to notice what they’re not covering. Maybe they’re ignoring certain trends, glossing over important details, or just failing to offer a unique perspective. That’s your golden opportunity. By filling in these gaps, you’re not only creating valuable content but also positioning yourself as the go-to resource in your niche. You’re basically saying, “Hey, they forgot this part—don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

Even if your competitors are covering similar topics, there’s always room for your voice to shine. Maybe you can offer a personal anecdote, a behind-the-scenes look, or a hilarious take that sets your content apart. Think of it like karaoke: everyone might sing the same song, but the way you perform it makes all the difference. Your audience will appreciate your authenticity and originality, even if the topic isn’t brand-new.

Now that you’ve done all this detective work, it’s time to put it into action. Use the insights you’ve gained to plan your own blog posts, keeping your audience’s preferences front and center. Remember, the goal isn’t to copy your competitors—it’s to build on their successes and offer something even better. Whether it’s diving deeper into a topic, exploring a different angle, or just making it more engaging, you’ve got the tools to create content that resonates.

Competitor research might sound like a lot of work, but the payoff is worth it. You’re not just guessing what your audience wants—you’re basing your content strategy on real data and proven trends. And let’s be honest, isn’t it satisfying to outshine your competition using their own blueprint? Channel your inner Liam Neeson and get to writing!