I am asked this question a lot: “Are we putting too much information on our website?” The concern is not that they are giving too much information to a potential customer, but that their competitors have access to all of their information.
I usually tell them not to worry about it, their competitors already know about them, and I hope they know all about their competitors.
Want to know the very best way to find out how your competitors are doing? Sure, you can Google them, visit their website, creep them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, but the solution is as low-tech as ideas come: spy on them. It’s not illegal and you are not doing anything wrong. Actually, you’re helping your business. Simply put, buy something from them. Walk into their business and place an order. Pick up the phone and ask a question. Visit their website and place an order. Frame your mindset as a customer and not as their competitor. Think critically as a customer and not a competitor. If you have time (and they don’t know you), wander around their place of business to see how they conduct themselves. If they do know you, send a friend.
Thinking like a customer, consider the following: Is buying from the competitor easy, convenient, and logical? Is their product or service what you expected? Do they have good customer service? How are their Covid safety protocols?
Keep a sharp eye and you may find things that could be improved in your business. Implement these improvements in your own operation. Actually, implement and make them better.
Pride aside, look for things they are doing better than you. It’s okay to find out everything you can about competitors. Rest assured they are doing the same with you.