How to Build a No-Code AI Agent for Competitive Research

Creating an AI-powered tool that analyzes competitors automatically—without coding—is easier than many realize. Here’s how to build one using no-code platforms like n8n, Perplexity AI, and OpenAI.

Key Features of the AI Agent

• Automated competitor research for any company (e.g., Nvidia, AMD).
• Dynamic reporting via email with insights on competitors’ latest news, hiring trends, and industry moves.
• No-code setup using tools like n8n for workflow automation.
• Real-time data scraping via Perplexity AI for accurate competitor lists and news.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set Up the Trigger

Start with a form submission (e.g., a simple web form) to collect:
– Company name (e.g., “Nvidia”)
– User’s email (where the report will be sent).

Tools like n8n allow triggers through forms, schedules, or chat apps (Slack/WhatsApp).

2. Build the AI Agent

The agent consists of three core components:

A. Chat Model (Reasoning Engine)

• Use OpenAI’s GPT-4 (or similar) for processing queries.
• Configure API credentials in n8n for integration.

B. Memory (Optional but Useful)

• Enable window buffer memory to retain conversation history if interactivity is needed.

C. Tools (For Data Fetching)

Two primary tools power this agent:
1. Competitor List Tool – Fetches rival companies via Perplexity AI.
2. Company Research Tool – Pulls recent news, hiring trends, and industry updates.

How to Connect Perplexity AI Manually (if no prebuilt tool exists):
– Grab the Perplexity API key.
– Use HTTP Request nodes in n8n to send/receive structured JSON data (example payload format provided in the tutorial).

3. Send the Report via Email

• Connect a Gmail node in n8n to auto-send findings.
• Format the output as HTML for readability.

Example Email Output:

“Competitor Report for Nvidia:”
– Competitors: AMD, Cerebras Systems, Intel.
– Recent News: AI chip advancements, H-1B visa hiring trends.
– Key Insights: Market positioning, tech developments.

Expandability

This framework can be extended for deeper analysis, such as:
– Tracking stock prices (via Yahoo Finance API).
– Scraping job postings from LinkedIn or Indeed.
– Analyzing earnings calls (using platforms like Seeking Alpha).

Why This Works for Teams

• Saves time: Automates days of manual research.
• Scalable: Runs weekly/monthly without manual input.
• Customizable: Add tools for financials, sentiment analysis, or social media tracking.

For a ready-to-use template or custom AI agent builds, visit CogentX.ai.

Build yours today—no coding required! 🚀

Tools Used:
– n8n (Workflow Automation)
– Perplexity AI (Data Research)
– OpenAI GPT-4 (Reasoning Engine)
– Gmail (Report Delivery)