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Growth Marketer · Strategy Basics: Competitive Map

Stop Guessing: Use a Differentiation Grid to Focus Your Next Growth Move

Learn to build a competitive map that shows where you win and lose. Focus your next experiment on the highest-impact move.

Who This Helps

This is for growth marketers tired of random experiments. The Strategy Basics: Competitive Map course gives you a clear framework to stop guessing and start prioritizing. It turns market noise into a one-page strategy artifact.

Mini Case

Aisha, a growth lead, was stuck. Her team was running 10+ small tests a month, but channel metrics were flat. She built a Differentiation Grid for her top 5 competitors. In 3 days, she spotted one clear wedge: her onboarding was 40% faster. She doubled down there. The next experiment—a streamlined sign-up flow—drove a 15% lift in activation. No more spray-and-pray.

Do This Now (5 Steps)

  1. Grab your mission from the course: 'Build a clean comparison grid with evidence.'
  2. List your 3 most relevant competitors (not every logo!).
  3. Pick 4 key comparison areas (e.g., price, core feature, onboarding time, support).
  4. Score yourself and each competitor (use simple High/Medium/Low).
  5. Circle your one clear 'win' and one glaring 'loss' on the grid. Your next experiment tackles one of these.

Avoid These Traps

  • Don't compare yourself to 10+ companies. It dilutes your focus.
  • Don't use vague traits like 'better UX.' Use evidence: '7-day free trial vs. their 14-day.'
  • Don't try to fix all your 'losses' at once. Pick one.
  • Don't build the grid in a vacuum. Use real customer feedback.
  • Don't let it become a 10-page report. One page is the goal. Seriously, one page.
  • Don't ignore a 'loss' if it's in a area customers truly care about.
  • Don't assume your 'win' is permanent. Competitors move fast.
  • Don't skip this step and jump straight to tactics. Strategy first, then experiments.

Your Win by Friday

By this Friday, you'll have a completed Differentiation Grid. You'll know your one strongest wedge against competitors. You'll pitch one focused experiment to your team, backed by your grid, not a gut feeling. Channel metrics, meet your new best friend.