Have you ever wondered why your mobile app seems invisible while competitors dominate the charts? To stay ahead of the game, it's crucial to conduct a comprehensive competitor analysis. In this guide, we'll walk you through an 8-step process to help you identify strengths, weaknesses, and monetization gaps in the competitive landscape.

The Four Factors That Matter

Before diving into the analysis, it's essential to understand the four key factors that influence your app's success:

  1. Market Environment: Identify the category or niche your app belongs to and stay up-to-date with trending topics.
  2. User Behavior: Analyze who downloads your competitors' apps, what features keep them engaged, and where users tend to drop off.
  3. App Store Rules & Algorithms: Stay informed about changes in store policies, rankings, and search algorithms to optimize your app's visibility.
  4. Ads & UA Landscape: Monitor competitor ad strategies, including search ads, brand campaigns, and cross-promotions.

The 8-Step Competitor Analysis Process

Step 1: Get the Market Straight

Before analyzing competitors, gain a deep understanding of your market. This includes:

  • Identifying top subcategories
  • Tracking category growth trends
  • Understanding reachable users (e.g., demographics, interests)
  • Analyzing free vs. paid apps and game vs. utility splits

Step 2: Build Your Competitor List

Gather relevant competitors by:

  • Examining category history and consistent growers
  • Scanning top charts for dominant apps
  • Reviewing "Similar Apps" sections on top apps
  • Pulling the top 100 apps in your category to see the full landscape

Step 3: Prioritize Key Competitors

Focus on market leaders, direct rivals, emerging threats, and distant competitors. Assign a focus score based on influence, relevance, and growth.

Step 4: Analyze Competitors' App Store Optimization & Rankings

Analyze competitor app store optimization (ASO) strategies by:

  • Reviewing keywords, metadata, and creatives
  • Examining promotions and featured sections
  • Tracking ads and update trends

Step 5: Identify Strengths, Weaknesses, and Monetization Gaps

Find areas where competitors excel or struggle. This includes:

  • Analyzing reviews and ratings to identify common complaints and loved features
  • Testing onboarding flows and identifying confusing elements
  • Comparing monetization models (e.g., subscription, ads, freemium)
  • Identifying trends and underserved markets

Step 6: Monitor Downloads, Revenue, and Growth Trends

Track real performance metrics:

  • Downloads and growth trends by country
  • Estimated revenue peaks and seasonal effects
  • Record updates, in-app events, and promotions over time

Step 7: Maintain Continuous Competitor Monitoring

Monitor competitors regularly to stay ahead of the game. This includes tracking keyword updates, metadata changes, new features, visuals, and marketing campaigns.

Step 8: Turn Insights Into Action

Data is only useful if applied. Use your insights to:

  • Identify key players in the space
  • Determine effective strategies
  • Exploit monetization gaps
  • Develop a roadmap for ASO, marketing, and product tweaks

Core Metrics for Actionable Mobile App Insights

To make your competitor analysis actionable, track these core metrics:

  • ASO: Keyword rankings, app metadata, and creative updates
  • Competitor growth trends and market share by country
  • Monetization strategies and revenue peaks
  • Update trends and in-app event frequency