How to Conduct Smarter Competitor Analysis Using Notion (+ Free Template)
Competitor analysis doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
I know, it usually involves juggling ten different spreadsheets, a million scattered notes, and a vague feeling that you're missing something important. But what if I told you there’s a better way?
I built the Competitor Analysis Hub in Notion to streamline the process, cutting through the noise and focusing only on the insights that truly matter. Instead of drowning in data, you’ll have a clear, structured system to track competitors, uncover strategic opportunities, and refine your positioning—all in one place.
In this article, I’ll walk you through:
Why competitor research is crucial (and what most people get wrong)
How I designed the Competitor Analysis Hub (from messy ideas to a polished Notion template). You can download it for free.
How to use it to make smarter business decisions (without the spreadsheet-induced headaches)
Let's dive in.
Why competitor analysis matters (even if you think you know your market)
Competitor research isn’t about copying what others are doing—it’s about understanding the landscape, spotting gaps, and positioning yourself strategically. Here’s why it matters:
It helps you find opportunities. Where are your competitors shining and where are they dropping the ball? That’s your chance to stand out.
It clarifies your positioning. Understanding how others market themselves helps you refine your own unique value.
It stops you from falling behind. Keeping an eye on trends means fewer surprises.
It makes decision-making easier. When you have real data instead of assumptions, you make smarter, more confident choices.
The problem? Most people overcomplicate it. They track everything but never actually use the data. That’s where a minimalist, strategic approach (helped by a little Notion-powered system) makes all the difference.
The problem with traditional competitor research
Here’s what not to do:
Drown in spreadsheets with hundreds of tabs you never look at.
Save random links and notes with no structure.
Track too much information instead of focusing on what really matters.
If your competitor research system makes you feel overwhelmed before you even start, it’s time for a rethink.
That’s exactly why I built the Competitor Analysis Hub in Notion.
My design process: How I built the Competitor Analysis Hub
When designing Notion templates, I don’t just wake up one day and decide to throw some databases together. My process is much more intentional (and involves a lot of scribbling, sometimes on paper, before touching a keyboard).
Here’s how I approached it:
Step 1: Understanding what information to collect
Before building anything, I asked myself:
What key insights do I actually need?
How do I compare competitors side by side?
What’s the simplest way to organise everything without making it a mess?
Step 2: Sketching the structure (yes, on paper sometimes)
Before jumping into Notion, I mapped out the structure in Miro (sometimes even old-school pen and paper—yes, really). This helped me visualise:
How different databases would connect (competitor profiles, market share, SWOT analysis, etc.)
What filters and views would be most useful
How to make it easy to update over time
Step 3: Building the system in Notion
Once I had a clear plan, I built the core databases and relationships in Notion. The key was making it structured yet flexible, so it could adapt to different use cases.
Step 4: Making it minimalist, beautiful and shareable
Finally, I decluttered the views, added visual elements, and ensured it was simple to use. Because let’s be real—if it’s not aesthetically pleasing, I won’t want to use it.
What’s inside the Competitor Analysis Hub? (and why it works)
Instead of overwhelming you with too much information, this system keeps it focused, strategic, and easy to update. Here’s what you get:
Competitor overview – A clear view of all competitors, categorised as direct or indirect.
Market share tracker – Identify who the big players are and where you fit.
SWOT analysis – Uncover strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in one glance.
Marketing insights – Track which channels competitors are active on and how they engage their audience.
Notes and observations – Keep all insights in one place instead of scattered across multiple docs.
With this setup, competitor analysis becomes effortless—giving you the clarity to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How to use the Competitor Analysis Hub in 3 simple steps
Step 1: Add competitors to the database
Click a simple button and enter basic details: company name, industry, direct vs. indirect competitor.
Step 2: Track key insights and marketing strategies
Log their social media, pricing, unique selling points, and more.
Step 3: Analyse and take action
Use the SWOT framework to identify opportunities & threats.
Compare side-by-side insights to refine your strategy.
Why Notion is the perfect tool for competitive research
A quick rant: I don’t understand why people still do competitor research in static spreadsheets and docs when Notion makes it so much easier:
Customisable – Adapt it to your workflow.
Minimalist and distraction-free – No endless scrolling through messy spreadsheets.
Collaborative – Share insights with your team effortlessly.
One central hub – Keep everything in one place (no more lost notes).
If you’re still stuck in Google Docs and Sheets, this is your sign to make the switch.
Get the Competitor Analysis Hub + bonus tips
Want to simplify your competitor research and make better business decisions? Grab the Competitor Analysis Hub now.
Bonus: Subscribe to my newsletter for more Notion tips and strategies straight to your inbox!
Want a custom Notion system for your business?
If you need a tailored Notion setup for competitor research, content planning, or anything else, I can help. Whether you're a solopreneur or part of a team, I design systems that are efficient, easy to use, and built around your needs—so you can focus on growing your business, not wrestling with messy workflows.
