Some thoughts on a couple of product sites critiqued against your criteria. The following are the first 3 things to look on a product site:
Screenshots
Testimonials
Product Box
See example of a way to report your findings:
TODO: These examples are dated. They should be updated with current websites.
Figure: Figure Text
Total Access Analyzer
✅ 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 screenshots
SQL Compare
✅ 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
Rich Text Box
✅ 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
SSW Code Auditor
✅ 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