In late 2008 Netcraft placed the number of websites at just over 182 million, stating that it was growing  every day. If the trend continued as they suggest, we are looking at easily over 200 million websites that exist today. Of those websites, how many do you guess are great sites? The sites that make you stop and admire them, sites that you want to use because they are easy and effective on top of beautiful? Probably not very many. While there are many ‘good’ sites out there, a great site is hard to find.

Good sites are the ones you see every day. They work, you can find your way around, the writing is clear and the design looks put together. But there is nothing about these sites that makes you say wow. You don’t stop and look at the site to admire its use of colors and textures, the way the navigation is seamless with the way you think. You use it, but you don’t feel part of it. You use it because it is there, but rarely find reasons to go back to the site unless you have to.

Great sites on the other hand, you feel excited, welcomed and involved. The beauty of the site is felt, rather than seen. When you ‘use’ the site, it just feels natural. Everything is where you would expect it, from the navigation to the smaller links.  A great site doesn’t need flash (although some great sites have flash) and a great site doesn’t need a $250k price tag (although some will have to have it). A great website is a website that your consumers will want to visit and want to use again and again.

Good sites sites have these 4 elements:

1. Navigation.
2. Design.
3. Copy/content.
4. Contacts.

Great sites have these 4 main elements:

1. A navigation system that is innate to the user, where they could practically point out where things are without ever looking at the screen. The navigation is involved in the site, instead of just on the site.
2. A beautiful design that captures attention and makes you want to stay. You feel the design more than just see the design.
3. Content/Copy that enthralls you, you want to read more, discover more and be more involved. It teaches you  without pushing you. You learn from the site.
4. A contact system that makes you feel like they want you to call, email, tweet and facebook them. They are there, just for you.

Is your site good? Or is it great?