# Discover and evaluate competitors

This guide helps sponsors find competitors that fit brand goals and budget.

## Step 1: Define your sponsorship objective

Before searching, be clear on:

* Brand awareness goal
* Audience you want to reach
* Timeframe (single event, half-season, full season)
* Budget range

## Step 2: Shortlist competitors

Prioritise competitors with:

* Complete, active profiles
* Regular updates and clear momentum
* Relevant motorsport category and audience fit
* Transparent sponsorship tiers or deliverables

## Step 3: Evaluate profile quality

Use this checklist:

* Profile tells a clear current-season story
* Race schedule and results are current
* Sponsorship packages are specific
* Communication appears reliable and professional

## Step 4: Validate partnership fit

Check:

* Brand safety and alignment
* Geographic and audience relevance
* Realistic deliverables for your campaign needs

## Step 5: Start a structured conversation

When contacting a competitor, include:

* Budget band
* Desired deliverables
* Timing and decision window
* Expected reporting cadence

## Troubleshooting

### I have many profiles but no clear shortlist

* Narrow by geography, series, and update consistency
* Exclude profiles with incomplete offers

### Competitor value is unclear

* Request a concise scope proposal
* Ask for measurable deliverables and timings

## FAQ

### Should we choose based on follower count alone?

No. Consistency, relevance, and delivery quality are often stronger indicators of partnership outcomes.

### How many competitors should we shortlist?

Start with 5 to 10, then reduce to 2 to 3 for detailed conversation.

## Next steps

* [Run sponsorship deals and campaigns](/for-sponsors/deals-and-campaigns.md)
* [How funding works](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works.md)


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