Do you do a critique of competitor's websites?
Last updated by SSW.Rules.SharePointExtractor almost 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.