A big competitor going down in my niche. How to capitalize?

[mkbowers99]

So, I learned today that a big competitor in my niche is shutting down operations soon. This means that there will be a lot of displaced customers looking for the service. How can I capitalize on this? Would it be a good idea to target his brand KWs to get my site in the SERPs. Is it safe (legally) to do that? What other ways do you think I can take advantage of this opportunity.

 

[ficfroc]

Ask him to sell you his clients list. If he's going down he might want to save some dollars.

 

[dav89]

just new to IM so don't take my words much seriously... maybe you can act on its FB page or twitter or YouTube channel

 

[mkbowers99]

Yeah tried that and also tried to get him to sell the domain name. Its a tiny operation of a BIG company so I don't think they care...

 

[itsjinx]

PM me their website and I'll let you know

 

[bendutchman]

If it is a big company going down there is a pretty good chance that administrator/receivers have been brought in to sell of assets. They are the people you need to speak with.

 

[ZeroKool]

Stop trying to email him..just pick up the phone and speak to the guy. Keep it simple! & no don't target his company name..that will get you sued even if they are going out of business.

 

[mudbutt]

Stop trying to email him..just pick up the phone and speak to the guy. Keep it simple! & no don't target his company name..that will get you sued even if they are going out of business.

Why would you get sued for ranking for a competitors name?

 

[mkbowers99]

That is exactly my question. Would I get sued if I start using his brand name for my back links? People are going to be searching for his brand name and if my site is ranking number 2, they will obviously come to me. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Trepanated]

You should definitely call him. If he is closing operations he may be very open to any suggestions you have.

 

[ttmschine]

Put a news article on your website about XYZ company going bust and then try and get it ranking for XYZ company in Google - have some links to the products on your site that his clients would be interested in buying off you?

 

[sudorank]

Put a news article on your website about XYZ company going bust and then try and get it ranking for XYZ company in Google - have some links to the products on your site that his clients would be interested in buying off you?

Buy his website, nothing beats an authority website in your niche like two authority sites!

 

[cloakndagger2]

If he doesn't sell it he will probably let it drop.I wouldn't pm anyone any info,they could just cut to the chase,no offence to anyone but that's life.If it is a large company they will let the name drop.Once the company ceases trading they have no rights over the name,but it must cease trading first.If someone buys the company over they will get the rights.Targeting his company as a keyword is not illegal,I certainly wouldn't be using spammy links though because they would have a case against you.I would set a private network,this way you control the sites,if need be you can delete them,although as they are going down,nor very likely to have to do that.

Buying the website as is would naturally be the best choice,larger companies don't normally operate like that,they will not renew it though.