Website Design - Check Out Your Competition

Are you developing a new website for your business? Do you have a general idea of what you want your website to be, but you're kind of "fuzzy" on the details? Do you wonder what type of content your website should contain? Are you having a hard time thinking about layout and design features?

Do you already have a website, but you kind of threw it up quickly just to have a web presence, or maybe (as often happens) you developed the website when you were still very new to the Internet, but now you know more (or know better) and you're looking to make some changes? Do you have plenty of good content for your website, but find yourself at somewhat of a loss as to what to do with it?

Never fear. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

One thing that you first need to understand is that a good website is never "finished". It is continually undergoing changes to either correct past mistakes, fix current problems or develop solutions to make it better/more efficient/more profitable for the future.

If you're unsure or unclear about what you want to do with your website, look around. The simplest way to generate ideas for what you want your site to look like, provide and offer is to look at other sites; constantly.

Develop this habit: At any website you visit, just take a few brief moments to evaluate it. What is it about the site that attracted you in the first place? What things do you like about it? What about the site do you find that you dislike and why? What elements of the site could be incorporated into the website you have or that you're planning?

It is especially helpful to check out websites that you consider to be your strongest competition. Pick three or four that most closely relate to your site and review them in detail. Again, consider what it is about the site that you like. Be specific. Make notes. Do the same in reference to your dislikes. Consider every aspect of what's been developed and why you feel certain things work/don't work. Review their layout, color schemes, content, navigation, help desk, FAQ section, shopping cart, product delivery system, everything.

Once you have gathered a sufficient amount of information, return to and review your own website. Compare what you have or what you plan to develop in your website with all that you've seen. Consider what changes you could make to improve your website, then make the needed adjustments.

A word of caution: Never, ever "copy" someone else's website. Ever. Getting new or different ideas is one thing, theft and copyright infringement is quite something else.

Your website should always be a "work in progress". Be alert for, and open to, new ideas that can help you to better design or improve on what you have. Your business will certainly benefit, as will your clientèle.