How to Conduct a Competitive SEO Analysis? - Almostzero.io
## **How to Conduct a Competitive SEO Analysis?**
In the world of digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is one of the most powerful ways to attract organic traffic. But you’re not the only one trying to rank higher – your competitors are also working hard to capture the same audience. That’s where **competitive SEO analysis** comes in.
Competitive SEO analysis is the process of studying your competitors’ websites, keywords, backlinks, and strategies to understand what’s working for them. By learning from their strengths and spotting their weaknesses, you can improve your own SEO strategy and get ahead in the search results.
In this blog, we’ll explain step-by-step how to conduct a competitive SEO analysis that helps you outrank your competition.
# 1. **Identify Your Real SEO Competitors**
Your business competitors may not always be your SEO competitors.
* Search your main keywords on Google and note which websites appear in the top 10.
* Include both direct competitors (selling the same products/services) and indirect competitors (publishing content in your niche).
**Example:** If you run a bakery, your SEO competitors might include recipe blogs as well as other bakeries.
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# 2. **Analyse Competitors’ Keyword Strategies**
* Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to find which keywords your competitors rank for.
* Note down high-traffic keywords they are targeting.
* Identify keywords you are not ranking for but could target (keyword gaps).
**Tip:** Look for long-tail keywords, as they have lower competition and higher conversion rates.
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# 3. **Check Their On-Page SEO**
Review how your competitors optimise their pages.
* Title tags and meta descriptions
* Header structure (H1, H2, H3)
* Keyword placement in content
* Internal linking strategies
**Example:** If a competitor uses “Best Birthday Cakes in Mumbai” in their title, you can create similar but more detailed content like “10 Best Birthday Cakes in Mumbai – Complete Guide.”
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# 4. **Study Their Content Strategy**
Content is a big part of SEO success.
* See what type of content they publish: blogs, videos, infographics, case studies.
* Check their posting frequency and engagement.
* Analyse their top-performing content using tools like BuzzSumo.
**Tip:** Create content that is more detailed, more engaging, and better optimised than your competitors.
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# 5. **Evaluate Their Backlink Profile**
Backlinks (links from other websites) are crucial for SEO rankings.
* Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to check your competitors’ backlinks.
* Identify high-quality websites linking to them.
* Reach out to those websites with better content or a fresh angle to earn similar backlinks.
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# 6. **Check Their Technical SEO**
A fast, mobile-friendly, and error-free website is essential.
* Use tools like Screaming Frog or Google PageSpeed Insights.
* Look for mobile responsiveness, site speed, and proper use of schema markup.
* Identify broken links or technical issues that you can improve on your site.
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# 7. **Review Their User Experience (UX)**
Google rewards websites that are easy to navigate and engaging for users.
* Study your competitors’ website layout, menus, and overall design.
* Check if they have clear CTAs (Call-to-Action) and user-friendly features.
**Example:** If a competitor’s product page loads quickly and shows reviews at the top, consider adopting a similar approach.
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# 8. **Analyse Their Local SEO (If Applicable)**
For location-based businesses, local SEO is critical.
* Check if your competitors have a Google Business Profile.
* See how they use location-based keywords.
* Look at customer reviews and ratings.
**Tip:** Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews and keep your local information updated.
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# 9. **Monitor Their Social Media Influence**
While social media is not a direct ranking factor, it can drive traffic to your site.
* See which platforms they are most active on.
* Analyse how they promote their content.
* Note which posts get the most engagement.
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# 10. **Track Their Changes Over Time**
Competitive SEO analysis is not a one-time task.
* Set a schedule to review competitors every 3–6 months.
* Track changes in rankings, content updates, and backlink growth.
* Adjust your strategy accordingly.
A competitive SEO analysis helps you see the bigger picture – not just where you stand, but what you need to do to get ahead. By studying your competitors’ keywords, content, backlinks, and overall strategies, you can find new opportunities, avoid mistakes, and build a stronger SEO plan.
At AlmostZero, we specialise in helping businesses improve their search rankings through detailed competitive analysis and smart SEO strategies. From keyword research to technical fixes, we ensure your website stays ahead of the competition.
Want to outrank your competitors in Google search? Contact AlmostZero today and let’s create an SEO strategy that gives you a competitive edge.