a problem with domains & websites

[julian]

Replication.

..a problem with just about any online business.

imho, the problem is you can have the best domain, website etc going but it can all be replicated to some degree in hours in most cases.

..everyone from your 86 y/o granny to your 21 something hot-shot uni graduate can compete with a online business in some way - look at most of us on this forum whacking out minisites, hundreds a week

the web has empowered people in a way now thaT anybody can take on the big boys with a joomla template, a domain and some spare time..

just a thought..

 

[rob]

How much for you to build me Ebay clone over this weekend, obviously with users / rev etc?

 

[ScottJ]

Ultimately the sites that break news will always get the link love, others that re-hash it will be destined to languish in the SERPS. So just like any business you need an angle that sets you apart from others.

 

[julian]

How much for you to build me Ebay clone over this weekend, obviously with users / rev etc?

thats an extreme example - im talking small to medium businesses...

nothing is safe..

 

[julian]

So just like any business you need an angle that sets you apart from others.

I disagree with this because I dont think you need an angle anymore - people just look at a business and think - I can do that, and if you have the money and resources. Take your pcs .co.uk, your basically taking on pc world (in a very small way at moment) but the intent is there..

 

[ScottJ]

I know what you are saying and agree to a point but it depends what your aim is, with a good generic you can rank for your name, so I can rank for 'PCs' or 'pcs' above PC World which I do already, but unless I set myself apart or become creative I won't get the links needed to take pc world on for a multitude of targeted terms like 'cheap computers' or 'desktop pcs'

But yes it's easy/relatively cheap to set-up and get a small piece of the action today unlike before.

 

[rob]

And compared to either buying or renting premises to setup business it is exceedingly cheap!

 

[retired_member34]

This is something I have struggled with in ecommerce over the last 5 years, what we are basically talking about is a very low barrier to entry.

Barriers to entry - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I first had a paid web service in 2003 that made very handsome profits, but of course if I could do it then so could many others, and they did rapidly, so before long the service was offered for free in many places.

So now I look for areas where the barrier to entry is restricted in some way, either by cost (keeps the bedroom boys out of play), regulation, etc.

Of course in some ways having the "best" domain raises the barrier for competitors, as they have to work harder to get the same search rankings (well, at least for as long as Google rewards exact match), or spend more to gain the same brand recognition.

 

[mat]

The difference is with the internet you can in a way hide behind your website. If you are savvy enough with websites and can replicate the look and feel of a mega business and what is just a bloke sat behind his laptop at home can look like a 50 strong established company.

Ofcourse as said its not just that easy and you still need to get the customers to your site in the first place, but im sure youll agree its a dam site easier than if you were to try and do the same on the highstreet!! :mrgreen:

 

[pumps]

The web today has created that and more. As for replicated websites, let's have faith in google to take them away. That is not always the case. I have seen some cases where the original site is sent to the prowl.