One of the key aspects of global marketing research is competitive analysis. Before entering any international market, businesses must understand who the existing players are and how they operate. Competitor research involves studying pricing models, market share, product positioning, and digital presence. This allows companies to benchmark themselves and uncover strategic gaps they can exploit. For example, a brand might find that while a region is dominated by high-end products, there's a lack of mid-range options—indicating an opportunity. Tools like SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, and PESTLE assessments are commonly used to evaluate competitors in a global context. It also helps in recognizing how local competitors leverage regional knowledge to attract customers. Moreover, understanding the advertising tone, distribution networks, and customer loyalty levels of competitors allows for more effective strategy formulation. This information ensures that a brand’s global entry is calculated and based on evidence rather than assumptions.