A good competitor analysis example names the real competitors, captures their promise, price cues, proof, review patterns, and friction, then turns those observations into one decision for the business.
What you need before you start
- Business: a local meal-prep company selling weekly prepared meals.
- Goal: understand why new customers choose competitors and decide what to improve on the website.
- Competitors: one low-cost meal service, one premium nutrition brand, and one grocery delivery substitute.
- Decision needed: improve pricing page, proof, menu clarity, or local delivery message.
Step-by-step process
- 01
Define the buying moment
The customer is comparing weekly meals before committing to a first order.
- 02
Compare the visible offer
Each competitor is reviewed for menu variety, dietary filters, delivery promise, minimum order, and first-order offer.
- 03
Read proof and reviews
Reviews are grouped by taste, portion size, delivery reliability, health goals, price, and customer support.
- 04
Find the gap
The local meal-prep company has strong food photos but weak delivery clarity and no first-week explanation.
- 05
Choose the next action
The business should add a first-week ordering guide, delivery map, and simple comparison of plans before testing price changes.
Example competitor table
The table stays useful because every row ends with a decision, not just an observation.
| Competitor | Main promise | Price cue | Proof | Weak spot | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Meals | Healthy meals for less | $8.99 per meal | Many reviews | Low variety | Explain ingredient quality and menu rotation |
| Fuel Kitchen | High-protein plans for training | $129 weekly plan | Athlete photos | Narrow audience | Create fitness and family plan paths |
| Grocery app | Fast groceries delivered | Delivery fee shown | Known brand | Customer still cooks | Emphasize ready-to-eat convenience |
What the owner concluded
The competitor research points to clarity, not a price cut.
| Finding | Evidence | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Price is not the only issue | Premium competitor still gets strong reviews | Do not race to the bottom |
| Delivery clarity is weak | Competitors show delivery timing earlier | Add delivery map and schedule above FAQ |
| First order feels risky | Competitors explain plans better | Add first-week guide and guarantee language |
Common mistakes
- Making the example look too polished to be usable.
- Skipping substitute competitors because they are not meal-prep companies.
- Writing observations without decisions.
- Assuming every gap should become a website change.
- Changing price before explaining the offer clearly.
What to do next
- Copy the table structure and replace the example competitors with yours.
- Use customer reviews to validate the action column.
- Fix the easiest high-impact gap first.
- Track whether the change affects calls, bookings, trials, or first purchases.
Use the example as your first draft
Replace the example competitors with your own and keep the action column practical.
Questions people ask
What should a competitor analysis example include?
It should include the competitor set, the buying moment, a short comparison table, evidence from public sources, and a clear next action.
Can I copy this example for another industry?
Yes. Keep the columns and replace the specific checks with what buyers compare in your category.
How detailed should the example be?
Detailed enough to make a decision. If it takes more than a page to understand, it is probably too detailed for a first pass.