For Small Businesses and Home Based Businesses

E-Commerce Business Plan -- Topics
1.	Introduction	4.	Competitive Analysis
2.	Product Analysis	5.	Financial Analysis
3.	Market Analysis	6.	Implementation Plan
.

Competitive Analysis

by Maggi Hall, E-Commerce Adviser staff (rev022708)

One of the biggest mistakes small business and home based business owners make is ignoring the competition. Online business owners tend to focus on designing their website and the mechanics of their business. However, no matter how great your e-commerce website is or your products and services are, competition is a threat.

The article Competitive Analysis for Online Businesses -- Part I provides a comprehensive "how to" guide to distinguish your website from the competition and to provide the information for effective search engine optimization, including:

Competition

• Identification of primary competitors by product and service features
• Strengths and weaknesses of competitors

Competitors' Websites

• Design and Technology
• Search Engine Keywords, Ranking, Promotions

Product Positioning

• Pricing
• Features

The bottom-line objective of this analysis is to build a website that beats the competition. This coupled with product quality, customer service and an effective marketing strategy is the key to online business success.

Related Articles

• Competitive Analysis for Online Businesses -- Part I

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