If you want your startup to do well, there is no better way to do so than by researching your competition. This way you can avoid making the mistakes they have made.
You can find information on your competition by going through company articles and case studies. Some founders are more than willing to share their recipe for success, which will work for the betterment of your startup. But if you want to look for top marketing channels that your competitors opt for then Similarweb would be a great tool for you to sink your teeth into.
In conclusion, while doing marketing research you will need to think outside the box. Enough emphasis cannot be placed on the fact that you will need to be creative. Apart from the tools mentioned above, there are several other tools available online that will allow your startup to reach new heights, so do not be afraid to test them.