A troubling thought, isn’t it?
You’re trying to gather information for a software comparison article but can’t wrap your mind around the features and criteria that make a comparison piece worth the read.
And come to think of it, what makes your software evaluation any different from an AI scrambled copy?
After all, you’re still relying on Google to feed your knowledge bank—messing around review sites and social media platforms for heads up… same old, same old.
Readers have seen it all before. Nobody gives a crap. With regurgitated data, your comparison article might even turn out biased; why would anyone care?
Well, there is no one true answer here.
If you feel stuck gathering data for a software comparison piece or fazed out as soon as you try to structure your article, don’t get all worked up, you are not alone. And if this is any consolation, such are ordeals of the best.
All in all, it’s always one step at a time. You must take baby steps for the giant steps to follow. To that end, I wrote this software comparison guide to get you past the starting line. If you’re patient enough to stay tuned, you’d be a step away from the finish line at the end of this read.
What is Software comparison?
Software comparison is the art of taking two (or more) software brands and placing them on an ordinal scale—weighing features, attributes, and characteristics—to identify the best option for a specific audience.
Successful comparison articles are free of biased sales or marketing input.
These blogs help subscribers understand why they need to pick one software over another. It equips them with the data, evidence, and knowledge required to make an informed decision.
No sale-sy or persuasive pitch here. Just plain-old simple informative articles.
What is the Best Way to Compare Software?
The best way to compare software is by pairing two brands and going head to head (blow to blow) on features, reviews, and ratings. Such comparison pieces give readers an accurate description of what both software can and cannot do—the target audience they serve and the security/privacy risk attached to usage.
But odds are, not everyone wants a two-way (Notion vs. Coda) comparison. Some readers desire a concrete list of the top 10 or, possibly, top 20 software in a category. Below are some alternatives to explore:
- How Each Stack Up: highlight key features of multiple software against a standard set by the competition (or your client’s USP).
- A Detailed Rundown: how your client’s software and the competition stand in contrast to industry trends.
- Pros & Cons: exploring negatives and positives; benefits and drawbacks.
- Ultimate Guides: writing everything a reader needs to know about one, two, or more software.
- Competitor comparison: excluding your product and spotlighting how the competition is getting by.
- Checklist: compiling a list of features or criteria to serve as a standard for comparison.
How to Structure a Software Comparison Guide
There is no one-size-fits-all way to structure a software comparison page or article. Your format largely depends on the features or criteria you deem relevant to your readers.
However, to ensure your comparison piece dont come across as smoke and mirrors, explore existing comparison blogs in the niche that are worth their salt. Intuitively inspect their structure and formatting. Learn the ‘why, how, and what;
- Why did they place this feature above the other? (Strategy)
- How did their audience react? (Result-oriented tips)
- What steps can I take to make my structure better? (Action)
Honestly, behind every successful software comparison page, you’d find several enthusiastic writers and designers graciously sparing a minute to structurally dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
When to Use Software Product Comparison
Software comparison articles or pages serve as a round-the-clock salesman for your brand. Use software product comparison when you want to reach out to:
- Prospects comparing multiple software options
- Potential users yet to finalize their buying decision
- Skeptical subscribers
What’s noteworthy here is that, bareboned, software comparison articles/pages help you own your marketing narrative in an oversaturated market. A solid comparison article is a big flex for converting a jaded audience or giving the competition a run for their money.
How to Fill out a Software Comparison Template (Criteria to compare)
At this junction, it’s only natural I discuss what you need to include in a software comparison spreadsheet, all the factors you need to consider, and how to compile your rationale and document your research.
Average User Rating (Review sites)
We all rate the software we love. Sometimes by clicking five stars in the first ad pop-up. Other times, by using the software over and over again. So indeed, if you want to know if a software is any good to its target audience, start by analyzing its rating on a global scale.
For personalized info, visit paid and free software review sites like G2 Crowd, Capterra, Software Advice, Trustraduis, GetApp, Truly, WebRetailer, IT Central Station, Serchen, et al.
One big thing. For relatively new software, review sites wouldn’t move the needle. Tie loose ends by contacting support or getting in touch with as many existing customers as possible.
Software Pricing (Cost & Plans)
I’ve never seen any software user tag ‘pricing’ as an afterthought. Even fortune 500 companies clearly consider budget when searching for a SaaS productivity tool.
The thing is, cost is amongst the few software comparison touchpoints that can undermine or give intrinsic value to all the bells and whistles of a product.
Clearly state the available plans and pricing of each software you’re reviewing. And if, for any reason, you can’t find the price tag attached to specific software, be descriptive; explain what their plan or subscription entails. In all you do, don’t leave readers hanging.
Software deployment (Mobile & PC compatibility)
Some software works best on a PC. Some are optimized for phones. Others require a desktop and mobile deployment. It all depends on the target audience.
Now, while on-the-go user experience (mobile) is all the rage amongst Gen Zs, not all SaaS needs to be mobile. Software deployment as a comparison criterion only influences the status quo when mobile usage is paramount.
For the most part, it’s important you find out how each software compares in terms of deployment. But before including the facts and figures in your article, ensure your findings outrightly support the needs of ideal users.
Software Training (Ease of use & Learning curve)
On a personal note, if you are reviewing a B2C software built to serve individuals (Netflix and the like), you’d want to weigh ‘software training’ as a comparison criterion from an ease-of-use standpoint. Consider questions like:
- How foggy is the software interface?
- Is it intuitive and easy to learn?
- What’s its speed like in comparison with the competition? Etc.
However, you’d want to weigh the learning curve if you’re reviewing a B2B software built to serve businesses (HubSpot and the like). Consider questions like:
- How long will it take for users to understand the intricacies;
- Are major features hidden?
- Is the training material lengthy?
- What about the home page; the available features aren’t scattered all over, right?
In all, software training involves bearing out speed, accessibility, learning curve, and ease of use compared to the competition.
Support (Availability and responsiveness)
In software reviews, some attributes are must-haves, while others are nice-to-have. For example, software deployment isn’t always essential. And users don’t always fancy too many integrations.
But for every software, whether it’s for food delivery or project management, support tilts the wheel. And hey! Support doesn’t just imply 24/7 sales rep. Every channel, individual, or community propagating the software’s Gospel counts as support.
Examine each software support characteristic with a fine-tooth comb. Check the responsiveness of their social media channels. Are they always available? Do they have a forum? Any band of loyal fans? What about the in-app experience, any sideline pop-up for instant support?
Features (Integrations and usage)
A software is only as formidable as its features. What a software can do and the audience it serves depends on how well its features are built. In essence, you’d want the mic to be at its loudest when documenting or comparing features.
Understandably, there are over 30,000 software in multiple categories, so I won’t be able to list out the basic features you need to review when comparing software. Hopefully, in subsequent articles, I’d do justice to this much-needed information.
For now, know this: more features don’t always mean a software ranks one amongst its peers. I’ve seen a handful of developers focus on the garnishing at the expense of the meal—not all features count. First, analyze the audience it serves and how useful each feature is to an ideal subscriber before giving a verdict.
Target audience (Existing subscribers & potential users)
It’s 4:21 am, and I’m struggling to keep my eyes peeled as I craft this piece. While I hope this article would, in the long run, have a tangible effect on my SEO activities, it’s not entirely a selfish bargain.
In fact, every word I write is only as valuable as you—my reader—deem it. If, for any reason, you stop finding this piece useful at some point, close the tab and engage in something else.
The same goes for your audience. Your software comparison article is only as valuable as an ideal audience sees fit. Before you write a word, know your audience, not as a basic comparison criterion, but as someone willing to hear you out. Depending on the required tone of voice, you can view an ideal reader as a friend, co-worker, student, or family.
Another thing. Be descriptive about your audience. Instead of making generalized statements or assumptions, focus on a niche. For example, this guide won’t thrive in the hands of a copywriter or content writer in the travel or lifestyle industry; I explicitly designed it for SaaS writers.
Operating specifications (Size and Use)
Software varies in size and use. And sometimes, the fogginess users experience is no fault of the designers. Your desktop RAM or Phone memory plays a tricky role here.
So if you really feel like writing software reviews and comparison articles is your cup of tea, opt for a high-performance PC and mobile phone. Otherwise, you risk tarnishing the credibility of a highly researched review piece simply because your laptop couldn’t stand the heat.
Anyways, some of the attributes you’d want to take note of in terms of operating specifications include the size of the software, loading speed, compatibility with regular PCs and mobile phones, and terms of use—endeavor to jot down this information in a dedicated column of your spreadsheet.
Use Cases (who fits the bill?)
When comparing two software, take notes of points that highlight this fact: ‘Not every potential reader fits the bill of each software’s ideal customer profilee (ICP).‘ One software might be built to serve fortune 500 companies and the other SMEs.
Your audience wants to know which software will best serve their needs. And it’s your job to inform them.
But the thing is, most SaaS brands rarely define their audience to such predictable degrees. You’ll need to be intuitive with your research to know if a brand serves big or small enterprises by identifying the category where they are batting a thousand.
Philosophical standpoint (Play the history card)
If you’ve always seen software as all coding and programs (0 & 1), I hope you can spare me a minute to inform that narrative.
Indeed, software design and creation is more of a science than art. But the sales cycle, how users view it, and their emotional response to a software essentially boils down to what the software represents in a philosophical world. For a descriptive example, permit me to steal a page from the Notion vs. Coda debate.
Notion, at its inception, was a note-taking app. But over time, as the requirement became paramount, it evolved into a project management app. Coda has always been a project management app, offering more wiggle room for collaborative activities.
Now, from a philosophical standpoint (fundamental nature), Notion and Coda—while operating as project management software—go by different codes of conduct. Based on Notion’s history, its note-taking activities ride the wave; for Coda, integrations and collaborative activities run the gamut of project management.
So yes! In your spreadsheet, create space for a little bit of current affairs (history), it will help guide the philosophical narrative behind each software.
Community and Social Reviews (social media platforms & forums)
What better place is there to gather information about software than social media communities and forums?!
This is a no-brainer. There is Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, Linkedin, Pinterest, and a truckload of other social media channels at your disposal. You can join tech forums, subscribe to prominent software newsletters, and ask existing users for insights and ideas.
By and large, where feasible, take notes of outstanding comments. If, at any instance, you find a credible quote or analysis of the software you’re reviewing, include them in your comparison article and cite the source.
Red flag: you can’t take every word you find on social media platforms at face value. Lots of half-baked ideas run wild there. Before including any third-party information, for or against your client, in your SaaS review, run a journalistic background check on the source.
How to Use a Software Comparison Template
Now that you’ve all the information you need to accurately understand how each software compares, it’s time to get started with spreadsheet documentation. Here’s how:
- Open a spreadsheet.
- Register the criteria you’d like to compare in different columns
- Include the brands to explore
- Highlight the key features and other findings
- Analyze the data
On the sidelines. A quick Google search for the ‘best software comparison template’ will leave you with hundreds of downloadable excel sheets and a handful of brands offering automated comparison templates at a premium.
So if an excel or Google sheet feels bulky or ineffective, avoid getting fizzled out; you’ve got a truckload of alternatives.
The Last Dance
Indeed, when crafting a software comparison guide for readers you care about, the more information you can gather, the better. Though it’s not ethical or logical you include every research data in your article’s final draft.
From the get-go, document your research in a parent-child manner. Begin with the hardcore facts (features) and follow up with additional evidence (ease of use) before playing the emotional card (philosophical standpoint).
Peace out!✨
- Software Comparison: The Definitive Guide - 28/12/2023
- Factual Vs. Opinion-based Software Reviews: Which Converts Best? - 11/10/2023
- Is Writesonic Any Good for SaaS Content Writers? - 09/10/2023
Very nice post and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thank you 🙂
Yeah, sent an email but it didn’t go through. 😶 Hit me up at tobi@copytunerz.com.
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may just I want to counsel you some interesting issues or tips. Maybe you can write subsequent articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more issues approximately it!
Will do!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
😊🥰😊
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this web site is rattling user genial! .
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My website is in the very same niche as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks!
I have been browsing online greater than three hours nowadays, but I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s pretty value sufficient for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet will probably be a lot more useful than ever before. “It’s all right to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation.” by Dr. Rob Gilbert.
I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
I’ve read a few excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you place to create one of these great informative site.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally visit my website =). We will have a hyperlink trade arrangement between us!
Precisely what I was looking for, regards for posting.
I dugg some of you post as I cogitated they were handy handy
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your site in internet explorer, may test this… IE still is the marketplace chief and a big component to other people will omit your great writing due to this problem.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
Puravive is a weight management supplement formulated with a blend of eight exotic nutrients and plant-based ingredients aimed at promoting fat burning.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Well I really liked reading it. This post offered by you is very helpful for correct planning.
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright transparent concept
ProvaDent is an all-natural, safe-to-take advanced oral probiotic complex that supports great dental health.
I like this website very much so much great information.
dehiywSMUWfcrZnu
I like this blog so much, saved to my bookmarks.
Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!
Outstanding post, I think people should learn a lot from this weblog its really user genial.
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.
What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you’re not actually a lot more neatly-preferred than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly in relation to this subject, produced me for my part believe it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women are not interested unless it?¦s something to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. At all times take care of it up!
What is ProDentim? ProDentim is an innovative oral care supplement with a unique blend of ingredients designed to promote better oral and dental health
Keep up the excellent work, I read few articles on this internet site and I think that your blog is really interesting and has got bands of superb info .
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very great article.
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later. Cheers
I do not even know the way I stopped up right here, but I thought this post was great. I don’t recognise who you’re however definitely you’re going to a famous blogger should you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and include almost all significant infos. I would like to look extra posts like this.
I have been browsing on-line more than 3 hours nowadays, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It?¦s beautiful value sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the internet will likely be much more useful than ever before.
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” by Virginia Woolf.
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
Good write-up, I¦m normal visitor of one¦s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
I am glad that I found this site, exactly the right info that I was looking for! .
I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours nowadays, yet I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is lovely value sufficient for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the web can be much more helpful than ever before.
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂
Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused .. Any recommendations? Kudos!
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your website by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
You have brought up a very fantastic details, thanks for the post.
I see something really special in this website .
As soon as I noticed this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web log!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a great example of it.
I?¦ve recently started a web site, the information you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, appreciate it.
I like this web blog so much, saved to favorites. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” by Norman Cousins.
excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!
I was looking at some of your posts on this internet site and I believe this internet site is very instructive! Keep putting up.