Beat Rivals at Their Game

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The Art of Strategic Competitor Bashing
Insights from Demand Curve

Competing isn’t just about outperforming—it’s about strategically calling out competitors where it counts. This bold tactic, when done right, can make your brand shine. Here’s how to master it.

Choose Your Battles Wisely

Before anything, ensure this is a fight you can win. Call out a competitor only where your product dominates. And don’t name-drop carelessly—get clever to avoid giving them free attention.

Subtle Jabs Work Wonders

A “wink-wink” nudge can say it all. Brands like Surreal have thrived by poking fun at incumbents without naming them directly, drawing customer attention to their strengths in the process.

Direct Hits with Impact

Sometimes, calling it as it is working too. Use clear X vs. Y comparisons in a way that showcases facts—just like Pepsi has challenged Coke, or Huel playfully mocked Athletic Greens.

Flip Their Branding Against Them

The most daring strategy? Turn their brand against them. Pepsi once used Coke’s sales dominance to highlight its underdog status. But tread carefully—this approach only works if it serves your narrative.

The Takeaway
Competitor bashing is a fine art. Make sure:

• It’s a fight you can win.
• You aren’t boosting their platform.

Used wisely, challenger brands can punch above their weight. But established giants must proceed cautiously—they risk lending their competition credibility.

The Discount Dilemma: When Less Means More
Insights from Chewonthis

Discounting is more than just slashing prices—it’s about strategy and timing. If done right, it can drive conversions and build brand loyalty. But if mishandled, it trains customers to only buy during sales. Here’s how smart brands like Obvi get it right.

Smart Discounting, Big Impact

Strategic discounts aren’t just about volume. They align with the cost of goods (COGS) and contribution margin goals. Obvi, for example, ties its discounts to boost purchase intent without wasting profits on customers who would’ve bought anyway.

The Right Time to Offer Discounts

This year, brands noticed spikes in spending during events like Prime Day, suggesting that consumers are now more patient, waiting for big sales. Well-timed discounts during known sale events can unlock massive conversion potential.

The Challenge of Agency Pricing

The traditional “% of media spend” agency model is falling out of favor. For brands stuck in the middle—neither tiny nor huge—this model creates a profit squeeze. Agencies chasing ad spend may not align with your bottom line, making it a risky bet.

Mastering Copy in 76 Minutes

David Perrell and Harry Dry’s copywriting masterclass offers key insights:

• Visualize the Words: Can you picture it? If so, it sticks.
• Be Unique and Provable: Every claim should feel fresh and verifiable.
• Simplify and Specify: The clearer the message, the better it resonates.

The Takeaway
Discounts work when they’re thoughtful, not reckless. Smart pricing strategies, agency alignment, and effective messaging make all the difference.

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