{"id":19133,"date":"2022-08-01T07:22:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T11:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-alliance-virtual-office-blog.pantheonsite.io\/?p=19133"},"modified":"2025-04-25T06:10:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T10:10:44","slug":"direct-competitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/direct-competitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to Win New Markets? Understand Your Direct Competitors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#What-is-a-Direct-Competitor?--\"><strong>What is a direct competitor?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Why-Is-It-Important-to-Understand-Your-Competition?--\"><strong>Why is it important to understand your direct competition?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Can-You-Win-Markets-from-Direct-Competitors?-\"><strong>How to win new markets from your competition&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What are the main types of business competition?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A: <\/strong>In business, the types of competition are categorized into indirect and direct competition. Indirect competition seeks to solve the same problem for consumers with a different solution. Direct competition seeks to solve the same problem with the same solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Competition is the force that drives nearly everything in the marketplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Competition is what makes businesses and brands strive for innovation. It forces entrepreneurs to constantly adapt and evolve, bringing exciting new advancements to life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The competition also spurs marketing efforts and discoverability. Businesses have to invest in marketing to beat out other businesses offering the same products or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While all competition drives the market, direct competitors bring these issues into even greater clarity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Direct competitors compete head to head, forcing faster innovation and greater emphasis on growth. The close nature of this type of competition means businesses need to be as efficient as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But despite the great importance of direct competition in business operations, many business owners fail to thoroughly understand their direct competitors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While understandable, this mistake can cost you new opportunities and see your target demographic stolen away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These things don\u2019t have to happen though. Gaining a basic understanding of your direct competitors gives you the tools you need to grow into the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#What-is-a-Direct-Competitor?--\">What is a direct competitor?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Why-Is-It-Important-to-Understand-Your-Competition?--\">Why is it important to understand your direct competition?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#What-Market-Insights-Can-You-Gain-from-Direct-Competitors?--\">What market insights can you gain from your direct competitors?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Can-You-Win-Markets-from-Direct-Competitors?-\">How to win new markets from your direct competitors&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_01-section-why-a-basic-understanding-of-competition-fails.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_01-section-why-a-basic-understanding-of-competition-fails.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22460\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why a Basic Understanding of Competition Fails&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a basic level, everyone understands market competition. Businesses of all kinds compete for the attention and purchases of consumers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That broad simplification is true, but it misses the nuance needed to make the most of your competitor analysis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you may not think that matters much, understanding the competition is becoming more complex and important each day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s been a massive uptick in business formation in recent years. According to Pew Research Center, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2015\/10\/22\/three-in-ten-u-s-jobs-are-held-by-the-self-employed-and-the-workers-they-hire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 in 10 jobs in the US are now held by the self-employed and their workers<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means there are more businesses than ever fighting for the same sales. The consumer has an endless array of options.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re starting a new venture or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/mobile-business-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">looking to operate business online<\/a>, understanding the market you&#8217;re entering is critical to your success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses need to find the right approach if they want to stand out in that array and win sales.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you lack a detailed understanding of competitor categories, you can easily adopt practices that harm your chances of success. You might niche incorrectly or create new products that don\u2019t attract the customer base you\u2019re aiming for.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These things often happen when a business doesn\u2019t understand the types of competition they face.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They don\u2019t understand the differences and similarities between them and other businesses, leading to misguided marketing and product innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This in turn leads the market into their competitors\u2019 hands. They have strong branding and marketing that pierces through the sea of confusion and wins the customer over.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fortunately, there are easy, straightforward ways to categorize competition that allow you to adapt and prosper.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For market purposes, there are two main categories of competition: direct and indirect competitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_02-section-what-is-a-direct-competitor.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_02-section-what-is-a-direct-competitor.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22461\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-is-a-Direct-Competitor?--\">What is a Direct Competitor?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Direct competitors are businesses that aim to solve the same problem as your business, using the same solution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By definition, direct competitors target the same demographic as you. They also provide the same products or services as you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if you\u2019re a business that sells light fixtures, your direct competitors would be other businesses selling light fixtures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cissue\u201d at hand is darkness. Consumers need their homes illuminated so they can see.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You aim to solve that problem by providing light fixtures. Your competition seeks to solve that problem by providing light fixtures.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are competing for the same customers by trying to solve their problems with the same products. Thus, you are direct competitors in business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_03-section-what-is-an-indirect-competitor.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_03-section-what-is-an-indirect-competitor.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22463\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Indirect Competitor?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, indirect competitors are competitors that seek to solve the same problem for consumers using a different solution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going back to the example mentioned above, an indirect competitor might be a candle retailer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem at hand is still the same. Consumers need a way to bring light into their homes so they can see.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That being, your business is selling light fixtures whereas theirs is selling candles. These solutions aren\u2019t identical.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This matters significantly for a variety of reasons we\u2019ll explore later on. For now, it\u2019s just important to note that indirect competitors share the same market &#8212; not the same products or services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_04-section-why-is-it-important-to-understand-your-competition.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_04-section-why-is-it-important-to-understand-your-competition.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22464\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Why-Is-It-Important-to-Understand-Your-Competition?--\">Why Is It Important to Understand Your Competition?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding your competition is the key to growing your business.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Growth, by definition, involves making more profit. To do this, you need to make more sales.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means you either need your existing customers to buy more, you need to win over new customers, or a combination of both.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of those are possible without beating your competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many business owners forget this. They focus extensively on their connection with the customer in isolation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While that connection is a crucial part of running a successful business, it doesn\u2019t happen in a void. That connection is weighed against all the other connections the consumer has or could have with other businesses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding that context allows you to tailor your approach. You can capitalize on the areas where those connections are weak, positioning yourself as a better fit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, understanding your direct competitors vs indirect competitors keeps you from wasting money on ineffective marketing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your approach to winning markets from direct competitors often looks far different from winning them from indirect competitors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t understand the difference, you won\u2019t know how to create effective marketing campaigns. You\u2019ll focus on the wrong aspect of the customer relationship, and, as a result, fail to capture new sales.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One final reason it\u2019s crucial to understand your direct vs indirect competitors is that they provide valuable market insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/05\/18\/what-walmart-target-home-depot-and-lowes-tell-us-about-the-economy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A recent CNBC article<\/a> highlights this. Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart all provided reports on consumer activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These reports are relevant not just for those big brands, but for all retailers, as they indicate what consumers are buying and why.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These insights can be used to plan ahead and remain profitable, as other businesses can adjust their offerings and marketing angles to match these trends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_05-section-what-market-insights-can-you-gain-from-direct-competitors.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_05-section-what-market-insights-can-you-gain-from-direct-competitors.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22465\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-Market-Insights-Can-You-Gain-from-Direct-Competitors?--\">What Market Insights Can You Gain from Direct Competitors?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to analyzing your direct competitors, one of the most powerful insights you can gain is where your business stands in comparison to the broader market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This practice, known as benchmarking, serves as a way for you to measure your general success as a business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While comparison isn\u2019t everything, it\u2019s often more helpful than many small business owners believe. Comparing your business to the businesses selling the same products or services shows you how much potential you have for growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your direct industry competitors are all doing significantly better than you, you know you have the potential to expand significantly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their disproportionate success shouldn\u2019t be discouraging. Instead, you should see it as an indicator that there is a big market for what you\u2019re selling, a market you can capture with the right adjustments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, if you\u2019re doing significantly better than your direct competitors, you know your business is successfully catering to the needs of the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consumers are actively choosing you over other businesses selling the same thing. This feedback lets you know you should keep doing what you\u2019re doing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also means you might want to consider expanding your business\u2019s offerings. If you\u2019re already doing far better than your direct competitors, you may not have as much growth on the table as you\u2019d like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may have tapped the current market, meaning if you want to increase your sales, you might do so by expanding what your business offers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Direct competitor analysis can also provide insight into the future. As mentioned above, knowing what consumers are buying from competitors gives you insight into their wants and priorities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These insights are helpful both for your marketing efforts and for future product development.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_06-section-how-to-use-your-competitors-to-gain-market-insights.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_06-section-how-to-use-your-competitors-to-gain-market-insights.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22466\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Use Your Competitors to Gain Market Insights&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no one-size-fits-all answer to analyzing your direct competitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/theyec\/2021\/02\/01\/eight-ways-to-approach-monitoring-your-business-competition\/?sh=7c704c44ec7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A recent Forbes article<\/a> suggests taking the time to understand your industry as a first step.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because each industry has its own rate of change and innovation, you need to know how to balance the ROI of analyzing your direct competitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spending too long analyzing competitors when there are no new insights to be gained simply takes away from other things you could do to grow your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you understand the rate of change for your industry, the next step is to set up your analysis. Start by identifying the direct competitors you will collect data on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s typically a good idea to include businesses of various sizes. This will let you understand consumers in a wider range of categories and will give you a better sense of the market as a whole.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, look at the products and services your direct competitors are offering. Your main focus should be on the quality and features.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, analyze the way the competition is branding and marketing themselves. How are they positioning themselves to potential customers?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare your findings to the success of your competitors. While it may be difficult to find extremely detailed information on other businesses&#8217; profits, you can generally find enough information to indicate if they are growing, maintaining, or failing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For bigger businesses, you can look at their stock values and often find more detailed reports on their gains and losses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For smaller businesses, you can gain at least some degree of insight based on the scope of their marketing efforts, how busy their physical locations are, and how many people the organization has.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After you have this information, cross-analyze the success of the business with their products and services, their marketing and branding, and the prices they are charging.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This will tell you what consumers find appealing and what strategies aren\u2019t working. From there, you can adapt your own business to better serve the market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_07-section-can-you-use-direct-competitors-to-stay-relevant-to-consumers.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_07-section-can-you-use-direct-competitors-to-stay-relevant-to-consumers.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22467\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Use Direct Competitors to Stay Relevant to Consumers?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While expanding into new markets is always a positive in business, customer retention is equally important.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reaching new customers and making new sales won\u2019t help you grow if you\u2019re losing old customers at the same rate. You need to maintain your current customer base while also drawing in new customers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luckily, direct competitors can help you do this as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Analyzing your direct competitors gives you direct insight into what your current customers are turning down. This helps you understand what you\u2019re already doing right.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can then use that information to build on your strengths. This will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/customer-perceived-value-small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">keep your customers loyal and enthusiastic about your business<\/a>, even as you reach for new markets.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_08-section-how-to-use-your-competition-to-stay-relevant.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_08-section-how-to-use-your-competition-to-stay-relevant.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22468\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Use Your Competition to Stay Relevant&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using your direct competitors to stay relevant relies on the above-mentioned market insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing what your competitors are doing with their branding, production, and pricing, compared to your own business.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have a side-by-side comparison, make note of the most substantial differences. Are your products significantly cheaper? Is your branding specifically targeting a certain type of consumer?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These differences are likely what your existing customer base likes about your brand. To retain them, make sure you keep those features.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t add on to your business though. It just means you shouldn\u2019t outright substitute what\u2019s working.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, let\u2019s say your business has attracted a lot of its existing customer base by offering very affordable products.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may want to add a premium product to your lineup. You can absolutely do this without losing your existing market, you just need to do it <em>in addition to<\/em> the products you already offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_09-section-can-you-win-markets-from-direct-competitors.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_09-section-can-you-win-markets-from-direct-competitors.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22469\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Can-You-Win-Markets-from-Direct-Competitors?-\">Can You Win Markets from Direct Competitors?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So far we\u2019ve talked about how to grow using your direct competitors and how to retain your existing customers. But the big question on many business owners\u2019 minds is \u201ccan I take over my direct competitor\u2019s market?\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many cases, the answer is a resounding yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While customer loyalty can run deep, the reality is that many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/customer-perceived-value-small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">customers just want the products or services that best suit them<\/a>. They aren\u2019t die-hard fans of the businesses they buy from.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many will happily switch where they buy from if a business has a better price, better product, or better <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/esg-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESG compliance<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means that all you have to do is make your business more appealing and you\u2019ll win them over.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thankfully, your direct competitors\u2019 examples can show you precisely how to do this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_10-section-how-to-win-new-markets.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_10-section-how-to-win-new-markets.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22470\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Win New Markets&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/scbp_12-infographic-tips-to-enter-a-new-market.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/scbp_12-infographic-tips-to-enter-a-new-market.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/scbp_12-infographic-tips-to-enter-a-new-market.png 700w, https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/scbp_12-infographic-tips-to-enter-a-new-market-241x300.png 241w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #524f4f;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><strong>Analyze the Competition&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As always, the first step is to gather data. You need to know what your competition is doing and who is responding to it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gather information on the quality and features of their products and services. This will tell you what their consumers consider important when making a purchasing decision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there, look at how the business is branding and marketing itself. How are they positioning themselves to their potential customers?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The intersection between what they\u2019re selling and how they\u2019re selling it is clearly working for their existing customers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s where you come in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #524f4f;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><strong>Find The Weakness in Their Strategy&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just because something is working doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t be improved upon. What you want to figure out is where your direct competitors\u2019 strategy is vulnerable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This doesn\u2019t have to be a glaring flaw. It can be as simple as noticing they don\u2019t highlight their sales enough or that you offer the same quality at a slightly lower price.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key is to find something you can exploit to convince their audience you are a slightly better fit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It helps to remember that the fanatic fans of a business likely won\u2019t be swayed regardless of the material facts or branding strategy you highlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those customers won\u2019t budge, but they are a small minority in most cases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most other customers will happily make a switch if they perceive your business has something better. Since there isn\u2019t a significant emotional attachment, it doesn\u2019t need to be as big as you may think.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You just need to have something that can grab their attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leverage Your Novelty&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, once you know what you can use to position yourself as a better fit for the competition\u2019s customer base, use your novelty to pull them in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tailor your marketing to highlight how you\u2019re better than the competitor in the domain they care about.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since this will likely be their first impression of your business, this will create an immediate positive relationship between you and them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your novelty means the customer will associate your brand with what is most important to them when making a purchase, setting you up to pull them in and retain them long-term.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_11-section-summing-up-your-direct-competitors.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"61\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/scbp_11-section-summing-up-your-direct-competitors.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22471\" style=\"width:61px;height:61px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summing Up: Your Direct Competitors&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding your competition gives you insight into what consumers want and why they want it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest keys to understanding the market is differentiating between your direct competitors and indirect competitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Direct competitors offer the same solution to the same market, whereas indirect competitors offer a different but related solution to the same market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further Reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/local-small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Is Staying a Local Small Business Killing Your Profits?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/eco-friendly-small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Eco-friendly Small Business Ideas for the Environmentally-Conscious Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/small-business-branding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Secret to the Attention Economy is Small Business Branding<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/industry-leader-trap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Industry Leader Trap: Should You Ignore the Major Players?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By analyzing your direct competition, you can better retain your existing customer base while also winning over new markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep the aspects of your business that drew in your existing customers and improve on your competition\u2019s strategy. You\u2019ll maintain brand loyalty while you continue to expand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the best ways to reach new markets is to go virtual. Luckily, there are modern tools that make this easier than ever.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-offices-locations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">virtual office<\/a> from Alliance Virtual Offices gives you everything you need to register your business at a recognized office location while operating entirely online.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only does this save you money, but it also lets you reach markets across the world, all from the comfort of your home.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head over to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Alliance virtual offices<\/a> to discover how Alliance Virtual Offices can help you to win new customers while cutting expenses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding your market competition is the key to business growth. This article explains how to win new markets from your direct competitors.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":19567,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"subtitle":"","format":"standard","video":"","gallery":"","source_name":"","source_url":"","via_name":"","via_url":"","override":[{"template":"1","single_blog_custom":"","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"right-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"top","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_prev_next_post":"1","show_popup_post":"1","number_popup_post":"1"}],"image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","sponsored_post_name":"","sponsored_post_url":"","sponsored_post_logo":"","sponsored_post_desc":""},"jnews_primary_category":{"id":""},"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1890],"tags":[1149,1381,1379,1380],"class_list":["post-19133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-small-business","tag-broadcast","tag-competitors-in-business","tag-direct-competitors","tag-indirect-competitors"],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors.png",1531,375,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-300x73.png",300,73,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-768x188.png",768,188,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-1024x251.png",1024,251,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors.png",1531,375,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors.png",1531,375,false],"web-stories-poster-portrait":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors.png",640,157,false],"web-stories-publisher-logo":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors.png",96,24,false],"web-stories-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors.png",150,37,false],"jnews-360x180":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-360x180.png",360,180,true],"jnews-750x375":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-750x375.png",750,375,true],"jnews-1140x570":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-1140x375.png",1140,375,true],"jnews-120x86":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-120x86.png",120,86,true],"jnews-350x250":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-350x250.png",350,250,true],"jnews-750x536":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-750x375.png",750,375,true],"jnews-1140x815":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-1140x375.png",1140,375,true],"jnews-360x504":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-360x375.png",360,375,true],"jnews-75x75":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-75x75.png",75,75,true],"jnews-350x350":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-350x350.png",350,350,true],"jnews-featured-750":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-750x184.png",750,184,true],"jnews-featured-1140":["https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-1140x279.png",1140,279,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Understanding your market competition is the key to business growth. This article explains how to win new markets from your direct competitors.  <\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/category\/small-business\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Small Business<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Bradon Matthews","url":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/author\/bradon-matthewsalliancevirtualoffices-com\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Bradon Matthews","author_link":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/author\/bradon-matthewsalliancevirtualoffices-com\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/00-featured-want-to-win-new-markets-understand-your-direct-competitors-300x73.png","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/category\/small-business\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Small Business<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Small Business<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/category\/small-business\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Broadcast<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/category\/small-business\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">competitors in business<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/category\/small-business\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">direct competitors<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/category\/small-business\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">indirect competitors<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Broadcast<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">competitors in business<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">direct competitors<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">indirect competitors<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":"0","relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 4 years ago","modified":"Updated 1 year ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on August 1, 2022","modified":"Updated on April 25, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on August 1, 2022 7:22 am","modified":"Updated on April 25, 2025 6:10 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19133"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19133\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}