www.canistotasoftware.com

canistotasoftware · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 08:55 PM

Hi all,

Just made a few changes since my last site review request which didn't get any replies. Any constructive comments would be appreciated. http:/www.canistotasoftware.com

Thanks

Dcrux · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 06:28 AM

The site looks okay. The categories seem to make sense. Featured downloads are a nice touch.

That said, the site is up against some stiff competition. There isn't a point of differation which would lead a user back to the site or keep them, once they've found one of the other freeware sites. The descritpions seem like boilerplate, the visitor driven ratings system is as unique as a self-service pump at a gas station.

The site is very nondescript.

Many sites think a logo upper left and a color choice is a business identity. It is not. An identity comes from a customer identifiable uniqueness which is compelling.

canistotasoftware · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 08:09 AM

Thank you for your comments, you are correct in the fact that this category faces stiff competition. I believe that to be successful you need to have a wide selection and easy navigation with the ability for the vistor to find what they are looking for as quickly and as easily as possible which is what I have been working towards. While you are also correct that the descriptions are some what standard, they are site type specific for any site that uses the shareware PAD format and in fact from my research, my desciption page offers alot more information on a program than many of the other sites in this category.

I am working on adding a shareware forum section and reviewer comments similar to Amazon on top of the standard 1-5 reviewing section. As a site visitor, are these features that might make the site stand out somewhat from the competition? If not what do you look for when visiting a shareware site?

Dcrux · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 08:37 AM

Quote:

As a site visitor, are these features that might make the site stand out somewhat from the competition?

Nope. I'd look for every one of these features in a template for this kind of site, meaning this is bare minimum adequacy. Some site factors are called "hygenic," users will notice their absence but you get no credit for adding them. Motivational requirements fall under the category of desirability design. Suffice to say it's a big topic.

Quote:

If not what do you look for when visiting a shareware site?

A link to a comparable freeware site.

Aside from the "free market" and "capitalist" window dressing, there is scarce evidence for concluding anyone knows what that might mean in real terms. Competition ...what's that? Freeware sites don't count -- I sell shareware. Apples? I sell oranges. Few understand customers are buying fruit, many times comparing apples and oranges; as unfair as that may seem. Comparative advantage suggests there be something advantageous to compare. ...this is of critical importance for apples vendors when the oranges are free.

Me? I'd reinvent the relationship between shareware sites and developers. But that's just me.

canistotasoftware · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 10:05 AM

I realize this might be off topic but how would you re-invent the relationship between vendors and shareware sites? From my point of view, shareware vendors have a good thing going when it comes to most shareware sites. They get to list their product on possibly 100's of sites giving them tons of exposure for absolutely no cost. Basically they get 1000's of dollars worth of free advertising and unless they are part of a shareware affiliate network, they get 100% of any sales that come out of that exposure. Even when they list on small sites with little traffic, they are losing nothing other than the few minutes it takes to list their product.

True some of the larger sites, Cnet's download.com comes to mind, do charge to list on their site but with that fee you are getting huge exposure. Not a bad deal either way.

What do I get as a shareware site webmaster? If I do things right, I get a commission on any affiliated product sales and if and when I can build up some decent traffic I have the opportunity to receive some advertising revenue as well. Most likely not a "get rich" scenario but for the price of a domain name, hosting and some of my spare time I get some extra revenue and loads of experience that can be used in any future projects I might decide to get into. Sounds like a win-win relationship to me.