> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.pierview.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Identifying your competitors

> Workflow to find source gaps, build content, secure mentions, and measure

## Purpose

Use this playbook when a competitor appears more often than you for key prompts (e.g., on Perplexity). You'll identify *why* they win (sources, content) and build a plan to close the gap.

## Inputs

* **Competitor**: The brand that outranks you
* **Prompts**: 5–10 prompts where they lead (from Pierview scan)
* **Sources**: Pierview's source breakdown: which domains cite the competitor but not you

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find source gaps">
    Run a scan for your target prompts. In Pierview, compare your citations vs. the competitor's. List sources that cite them frequently but rarely (or never) cite you.

    **Output:** A ranked list of source gaps (e.g., TechCrunch, G2, Capterra).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build content">
    Create or update content that fills the gap:

    * If it's a directory → optimize your listing, get more reviews
    * If it's editorial → create a citeable asset (data, expert take) you can pitch
    * If it's your site → create a "Best X" or comparison page (see [Best X playbook](/playbooks/best-x-page-citations))

    **Output:** Content brief + 1–2 assets ready for distribution.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Secure mentions">
    * Submit to directories, pitch editors, contribute to roundups
    * Use your proof asset (study, comparison, data) as the hook
    * Follow up; persistence pays for PR

    **Output:** Outreach plan + sent pitches.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Measure">
    Rescan in 2–4 weeks. Compare:

    * Visibility (your share vs. competitor)
    * Citations (new sources citing you)
    * Sentiment (any change in tone)

    **Output:** Measurement checklist, before/after metrics.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Outputs summary

* Content brief
* Outreach plan
* Measurement checklist