---
title: Indirect competition
description: Indirect competition refers to alternative solutions that meet the same underlying need but in a different way, helping B2B marketers expand their market understanding.
---

[B2B marketing glossary ](https://mixology-digital.com/glossary)

# [Indirect competition](https://mixology-digital.com/glossary/indirect-competition)

 Written by [Mixology Digital](https://mixology-digital.com/glossary/author/mixology-digital) | Nov 14, 2025 11:54:52 AM

Indirect competition refers to alternative solutions that meet the same underlying need but in a different way. For example, spreadsheets may compete indirectly with [CRM software](https://mixology-digital.com/glossary/crm).

Recognising indirect competitors helps B2B marketers expand their market understanding, anticipate objections, and position offerings more effectively.

Including indirect players in competitive analysis prevents tunnel vision, revealing new growth opportunities and messaging angles that differentiate beyond features alone.

[View full post](https://mixology-digital.com/glossary/indirect-competition)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Mixology Digital"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-11-17T14:11:38.545Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-11-14T11:54:52Z",
  "headline" : "Indirect competition",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 60,
    "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
    "width" : 60
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://mixology-digital.com/glossary/indirect-competition",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "B2B marketing glossary"
  }
}
```