Google is one of the most accurate and usable search engines every developed. The geniuses at Google Labs (labs.google.com) are always coming up with new innovative ways to allow people to search for information. With over a billion pages indexed, Google is the largest search engine and should stay that way for the foreseeable future. That being said, basically any information that you could possibly imagine is somewhere on Google including information on your company and your competition.

Here is how you can find out everything you can imagine about your competition in five easy steps:

1. Locate your competition's domain name.

2. Type in the Google Search Bar: link:companyname.com -site:companyname.com. This will show all web pages (excluding their own pages) that have a link pointing to your competitors web site.

3. Document ALL of the links in document (I use Excel personally).

4. Repeat the process except with a www in front of their domain name, then two more times but instead of "link", write "inurl".

5. Now the list you will be left with will provide the following key information about your competition:

a. FREE TRAFFIC: You will now have a complete list of all of the web sites that are driving free traffic to their web site. (begin submitting to this list right away!)

b. EVENTS/SEMINARS: Most seminars/events/trade shows are now advertised on the web. If your competition is speaking at an event or attending a trade show, this will most definitely show up in this list.

c. PRESS/ARTICLES: Almost all published articles are online. You will now have an up-to-date list of the next big thing your competitor is getting involved in.

d. SPONSORSHIP: Find out what sponsorships your competitor is involved in.

e. CLIENTS: Most companies keep an up-to-date client list, and sometimes even trade reciprocal link on their site (designed/developed by company xyz).

In conclusion, the analysis of all of this information will provide you with key information into the marketing activities of your competition. By collecting this information, you will be able to make internal adjustments in your marketing and sales initiatives and ultimately eat your competition for lunch!

Copyright Todd Jamieson 2004; Todd Jamieson, EnvisionOnline.ca (www.envisiononline.ca)

About the Author

About the Author Todd Jamieson is Founder and President of EnvisionOnline.ca and has worked as Project Manager on more than 200 web sites, web applications and Internet e-business initiatives for small and medium sized enterprises. He is also actively involved in a number of other small businesses.