Competitor Mapping
Identifying every brand a buyer compares you to — direct, adjacent, and replacement.
What it is
Competitor mapping = the full list of brands your buyer thinks about when evaluating. Not just direct competitors. Adjacent + replacement options too.
Three types
1. Direct = same product, same buyer. 2. Adjacent = different product, same buyer (steals attention). 3. Replacement = "I'll just do nothing / use a spreadsheet" (your real biggest competitor).
How to map yours
Search the buyer-intent queries for your category. Note every brand that ranks. Pull "[your category] alternative" results. Read review platforms — see what buyers compare you to.
Why it matters
You can't position against a competitor you don't know exists. Maps reveal the brand you're actually losing deals to.
Want this for your category?
Atlas Sprint maps all of this and more — 10 competitors, 7 signals, ranked next moves, in 21 days. $8,000. 14-day refund.
See the Sprint ladder →