We all know how annoying our competitors can be, but maybe we can learn something from them. Our competition can sometimes be our greatest teachers. Here are 10 things that you can learn from your competitor about social media marketing. 

1. Website Development

When designing a new website it can be hard to create a site that is attractive, yet professional. This is prime example of when our competitors can be our best teacher. Take a look at your competitors website, notice which design elements work for them and imitate that on your site. It's totally alright and not cheating to draw inspiration from your competitors site. Just make whatever you place on your website is unique in its own way. 

2. Creating Relevant Content

Creating relevant content that appeals to your target audience is important, but it takes time to learn what "blogs" and what doesn't. You have to ask: What information resonates with my target audience? What is oversaturated and what needs tending to? Knowing what your competitors are talking about is a great way to get over the learning curve. Taking a note from your competitors book on blogs will save you time and potentials leads. 

3. Going Mobile

It seems like everyone is always on their phones downloading the latest apps. You may feel that you need to be the next hottest app on the market. Yes mobile apps can allow your customers faster and easier access to your products or services, but you can take your time getting there. Looking at your competitors will help you structure a time line for when its best to expand your business to the mobile world. 

4. Interacting with Customers

Interacting with customers is important for the growth of your business. Pay attention to how your competitors are interacting with clients, but also to how they are not. All you have to do is do everything they aren't doing. It's that simple. 

5. Email Marketing

Think email is dead? Think again. Email marketing is still one of the best resources for lead generation and can help to drive traffic to your website. If you want more people to know about your Twitter, email them. If you want more traffic to your site, email. It's important to notify potential clients of your products and services, email is the easiest and most effective way of doing so.

6. Tweeting

Notice what tweets your potential customers are responding to. Knowing what sparks interest in your target market is important to growing your social media following. Looking at your competitors tweets can help you to know what your customers want. Do your readers want your opinion or do they want the facts? Do they want more of the behind the scenes or do they just want to see the finished product?

7. Join the Conversation

You and your competitors are an authority, but which one of you knows it? Your customers are listening to what your competitors have to say, meanwhile your website is just collecting dust. But you can use that to your advantage! People are listening to your competitors, so join the conversation. Interact with your competitions customers on social media. Get into debates, generate ideas, comment on topics, and establish your authority! Your customers will eventually move over to your side.

8. Know Your Buyer

Build buyer personas. They tell you everything you need to know about the customers you're trying to reach. Pay attention to your competitors as to how they are targeting specific clients.

9. Easy Communication

Almost everyone now a days has social media. You can interact with the billions of people that are logged into the internet everyday. That's why it's important to get out and explore ways you can communicate with potential customers that your competitors are not reaching. Paying attention to how you interact with individuals on a personal level can help you to reevaluate the way you interact with your customers. 

10. Ask for Help

You’re not alone. There are companies that offer help for social media and trust me your competitors are using them. There is no shame in paying to be successful. Learning from a professional can be a great start. You can be sure your competitors did the same.

They say "keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Why? Because your enemies will challenge, push you, and force you to adapt, making you stronger and faster because of it. Eventually you’ll be able to beat them to the punch and become the industry leader you've always wanted to be.