Social Media + SEO + E-Mail Marketing is the short answer
Please don't use cold emails.

To identify direct competitors for a niche site like anatomy.app targeted at medical students, you can use a combination of online research methods. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Google Search:

Start with a simple Google search using relevant keywords like "anatomy learning apps," "medical student anatomy resources," or "anatomy study tools." Examine the search results to identify potential competitors.

Social Media and Forums:

Explore social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as relevant forums like studentdoctor.net or Reddit. Engage with discussions to gather information about other platforms or apps that medical students recommend or use.

Professional Associations and Websites:

Visit websites of medical student associations, educational institutions, and professional organizations related to anatomy education. They might list recommended resources or tools for students.

Keyword Research Tools:

Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify websites or apps that rank for relevant anatomy-related keywords. This can help you discover competitors who are actively targeting similar search terms.

Industry Reports and Directories:

Look for industry reports or directories related to medical education technology. These may highlight key players in the field and provide insights into emerging competitors.

Networking and Conferences:

Attend industry conferences, webinars, or networking events related to medical education. These events can provide opportunities to learn about new players in the market and connect with professionals in the field.

Survey Your Target Audience:

Consider creating a survey for your target audience (medical students) to gather insights into the resources they use for anatomy learning. This can reveal hidden gems or lesser-known competitors.

Patent and Trademark Databases:

Search patent and trademark databases to identify companies or individuals with intellectual property related to medical education technology. This can reveal competitors who might not be immediately obvious through regular searches.

Competitor Analysis Tools:

Use competitor analysis tools like SimilarWeb, Compete, or Alexa to get insights into the traffic, audience demographics, and performance of potential competitors.

While a strong understanding of user experience principles is crucial for a Product Designer, UX is a specialized field requiring in-depth expertise. So if you need a main idea from UX research, sure the product designer can help with that.