How do you keep yourself one (or several) steps ahead of your competition?

Question

And does it matter?

----------

It is a kind of "philosophical" question for me because whenever I compare myself to others, I feel less motivated to do something.

We do not start at the same starting line and should try to improve from inner motivation + Generally, I think it is better to have competition and fill the gap that competition left "unfulfilled". But not "toxic" competition.

But I may be wrong.

What's your take?

Felix Sattler · Accepted Answer

Staying ahead of the competition is definitely important, but I’ve found that it’s all about balance. Competition can be a great motivator – it pushes teams to improve and innovate a little more every day. But at the same time, it’s crucial not to compare yourself too much with others, especially when you’ve found your USP and carved out your unique positioning.

Every company is different, not just in terms of product but also in structure and resources. If you see another company excelling at something, it’s perfectly fine to aspire to reach that level. Just keep in mind that you might not have the same resources or circumstances, and trying to replicate their success exactly could shift your focus away from your own goals.

The key is balancing “getting inspiration from competitors” with “executing your own plan.” Stay motivated by others, but don’t lose sight of your strategy. Focus on building momentum with what makes your approach unique, and keep delivering the best you can for your users.

Ben Syverson · Answer

I'm at an SEO conference right now, and heard that there are over 45,000 digital marketing agencies in the US alone. With so many players offering essentially the same set of services, an economics textbook would tell us that this industry should be a race to the bottom on price, and everyone's margin should approach zero. Yet that is not what's happening; the industry is growing, and many companies are doing well. Many agency owners have told us that their competitive strategy is simply to focus on relationships and deliver great service—basically to do a good job. I guess with 45,000 competitors (more if you include international and solo operators), you can't worry about them all!

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

@tjlarkin That is true. + comparing to others can lead to anxiety ("why my competition is here and I am only there?")

TJ Larkin · Answer

I've found that obsessing over competition often leads to copying rather than innovating. Instead of playing catch-up, I focus on deeply understanding my audience's problems and solving them in unique ways. When you nail that, you naturally stay ahead without the mental drain of constant comparison. What matters most is creating genuine value that makes a real difference for your people.

Sergey Koshevoy · Answer

Engaging directly with our audience to understand their evolving needs, pain points, and preferences, and then tailoring the app is the best approach, I believe.

Tymek Zapała · Answer

I try to beat the game with consistency. I don't have much time every day to work on my side projects, but I have understanding that I cannot say "I'll take a break today". I think the effect adds up over time and it's quite nice.

Ben Syverson · Answer

@busmark_w_nika It was BrightonSEO San Diego & HeroConf (just wrapped up yesterday)

BrittanyWhite · Answer

To stay ahead, I focus on continuous learning and innovation. Keeping up with industry trends, customer needs, and technological advancements is key. Networking with professionals and collaborating with diverse teams also helps gain new insights and ideas. Plus, always being open to feedback and willing to adapt strategies as needed can make a big difference.

EmilyGiles · Answer

Staying ahead of the competition is all about being adaptable and innovative. I focus on understanding my customers deeply, so I can anticipate their needs before they even realize them. Also, I keep an eye on industry trends and tech advancements to stay relevant. Networking with other professionals helps too, as it opens up new ideas and opportunities. Lastly, continuous learning and improving my skills are key to staying sharp and competitive.

EmilyGiles · Answer

Staying ahead of the competition is all about continuous learning and adaptation. I make sure to stay updated with industry trends, listen to customer feedback, and always be open to new ideas. Networking with peers and mentors also helps gain fresh perspectives. Lastly, I believe in investing in personal growth and skills that can give me an edge. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

@felix_sattler You are right in every single word! :)

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

@bensyverson what's the conference, Ben? I would like to see their web.

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

but at first, you need to somehow gain the audience. I admit that I have a look what competition does, what its audience is, so I can better target on my own audience or be inspired by activities. @koshevoysergey

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

@tymzap Your approach is the right one. It is a good think to remain consistent (to add up some amount of work every day) and over time it grows. I keep my fingers crossed for your project and your discipline! :)

pritesh akhaja · Answer

To stay ahead, I focus on:

Improving what I’m best at – Play to your strengths instead of copying others.
Learning, not comparing – Look at competitors to find gaps, but don’t get stuck comparing.
Listening to customers – Solve their problems better than anyone else can.
Trying new things – Experiment often to stay fresh and innovative.
Motivating myself – Compete with who I was yesterday, not others.

How do you keep yourself one (or several) steps ahead of your competition?

Replies