Do you do a critique of competitor's websites?
Last updated by SSW.Rules.SharePointExtractor over 4 years ago.See historyHere are my thoughts on a couple of product sites critiqued against our criteria. The following are the first 3 things I look on a product site:
- Screenshots
 - Testimonials
 - Product Box
 
 The good points about the website:
- They have a user friendly left navigation bar allowing quick access to product specific information.
 - There is heaps of information to be read if you choose to.
 - I really like the "Convince Your Boss" section.
 - I think the "Quick Tour" is good with heaps of detailed information.
 
 The bad points about the website:
- Seems busy
 - Took a while to find the screen shots - should be more obvious.
 - A significant amount of reading is required to understand what the product will do for you.
 - No links to product support or knowledge base.
 - No screen shots.
 
 The good points about the website:
- Aesthetically pleasant with a simple easy to read layout.
 - Links are provided to more detailed information.
 - Access to evaluation copy and help files.
 
 The bad points about the website:
- Screen shots are given but what is the purpose of making them so small I have to click every single image.
 - When you open up the first page you should see a quick summary of what the product will do for you. Such as the key features and benefits.
 - No description of system requirements.
 - No description of how it works.
 
 The good points about the website:
- They have a user friendly tool bar allowing quick access to product specific information.
 - Testimonials standout.
 - Feature section is good - Where appropriate information has been summarised or put into a table.
 - Compact design all in one screen full with links for more detailed information and a good menu bar at the top.
 - Links are used frequently for access to more detailed information.
 - There is a screen shot with a really good online demo.
 - A lot of effort has been taken to make this site look aesthetically very pleasing.
 
 The bad points about the website:
- There are buttons in the top header which do nothing. I know now that is the intention but I think confusion should be avoided.
 - A lot of advertising clutter leaving web surfers confused as to where to go next.
 
 Good points:
- Outlines the problems that the program solves well
 - Good feature overview
 - Has box shot, giving the product some identity.
 - Has links to further information about related technologies (e.g. regular expressions).
 
 Bad points:
- Testimonial is meaningless
 - Screenshot doesn't illustrate purpose of application
 - Too much content on one page, with no easy way to get to a specific area. Much of the content doesn't need its own section, and could be condensed to simply enhance the feel of the site.
 - No clear links to product knowledge base until the bottom of the page
 - Section about FxCop could be put on a separate page, with a feature comparison table, which is then linked to with a navigation item. This content won't be of interest to many surfers. Those who do know FxCop will see the link and click through.
 - Report demo should be made clearer. People want to see this.