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Competitor analysis template google sheets

Here’s a ready-to-implement Google Sheets competitor analysis framework you can build in the next 30 minutes. I’ve structured this as a multi-tab workbook that automates scoring and visual comparisons.

🎯 The 5-Tab Structure

Create these tabs in your Google Sheet:


Tab 1: Executive Dashboard (The Scorecard)

Auto-populated summary view for stakeholders

Column AColumn BColumn CColumn DColumn E
CompetitorThreat Level 🔴🟡🟢Market PositionOur GapLast Updated
Competitor A=IF(E2>80,"🔴 High",IF(E2>50,"🟡 Med","🟢 Low"))Leader/Challenger/NicheHigh/Med/Low[Date]

Setup:

  • Link Column E to your scoring from Tab 2 using =Tab2!F2
  • Create a Chart: Insert → Chart → Radar Chart using data from Tab 2 to visualize competitive positioning

Tab 2: Competitor Scorecard (The Engine)

Quantitative comparison matrix

Comp NameMarket SharePrice PointFeature ScoreUX ScoreMarketing StrengthTotal Score
Acme Corp35%$19/mo8/107/109/10=AVERAGE(C2:F2)
Beta Inc15%$19/mo6/109/105/10=AVERAGE(C3:F3)

Pro Formulas:

  • Conditional Formatting: Select Market Share column → Format → Conditional Formatting → Color scale (Green=High, Red=Low)
  • Auto-ranking: =RANK(G2,G\$1:G\$10,0) in column H to rank by total score
  • Data Validation: For Price Point column, use dropdowns: "Premium/Mid-tier/Budget"

Tab 3: Feature Matrix (The Deep Dive)

Side-by-side capability comparison

Feature CategoryYour ProductCompetitor ACompetitor BCompetitor CGap Analysis
Core Features
Mobile App=IF(B3=C3,"Parity","Gap")
API AccessLead opportunity
Advanced
AI Automation🚧Build ASAP

Formatting Tips:

  • Use Checkboxes (Insert → Checkbox) instead of ✅/❌ for interactive filtering
  • Add Filter Views (Data → Filter views) to sort by "Missing Features" only
  • Freeze Row 1 and Column A (View → Freeze)

Tab 4: Messaging & Positioning (Qualitative)

Track how they talk to customers

CompetitorTaglineValue PropTarget AudienceToneCTA StrategyKey Differentiator
Acme Corp"Fastest in class"Speed-focusedEnterprise ITTechnical"Book demo"99.9% uptime
Beta Inc"Made simple"Ease of useSMBs/MarketersFriendly"Start free"No-code setup

Action Column: Add a "Our Response" column to draft counter-positioning statements immediately.


Tab 5: Intelligence Log (Ongoing Monitoring)

Timestamped updates to track changes

DateCompetitorChange DetectedImpact LevelSourceAction Required
2024-01-15Acme CorpRaised prices 20%HighPricing pageEvaluate our pricing strategy
2024-01-10Beta IncLaunched mobile appMediumPress releaseAccelerate our mobile roadmap

🛠️ Quick Setup Checklist (15 minutes)

  1. Create the sheets → Copy the headers above into each tab
  2. Add conditional formatting:
    • Scorecard tab: Green/red gradients on numerical columns
    • Feature Matrix: Red fill for "❌" cells to highlight gaps instantly
  3. Insert Sparklines in Dashboard: =SPARKLINE(Tab2!C2:F2) to show trend mini-charts
  4. Set up Data Validation: Create dropdown lists for "Threat Level" and "Market Position" to keep data clean
  5. Share settings: Set to "Anyone with link can comment" so your team can add intel without editing formulas

🚀 Data Sources to Populate This (Free)

  • Pricing: Their pricing page + G2/Capterra reviews mentioning cost
  • Traffic/SEO: SimilarWeb (free tier), Ubersuggest, or SparkToro
  • Features: Product demos, YouTube reviews, documentation hubs
  • Messaging: Homepages, LinkedIn ads library (search their company), email sign-up flows
  • Employee Growth: LinkedIn company insights (hiring = growth)

💡 Automation Upgrade

Add this Google Apps Script (Extensions → Apps Script) to email you when you mark a competitor as "High Threat":

function checkThreats() { var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet(); var data = sheet.getRange("B2:B10").getValues(); // Add notification logic here }

Which industry are you in, and do you want me to customize this for:

  1. SaaS/B2B tech (focus on feature parity and enterprise readiness)?
  2. E-commerce/DTC (focus on pricing, shipping, and retention tactics)?
  3. Service businesses (focus on positioning and service offerings)?

Or would you like me to explain how to set up the automated scoring formulas in more detail?