Observe and Learn, Then Create

I’ve been asked, “Do you look at other people’s websites?  At their designs?”

The answer is, “Yes, I do.”  And so should you.

“Why?  Isn’t that cheating?”

“No, I call it learning.” And here are some important reasons why I say this.

It is important in any industry to understand trends, to know what is happening within the industry as well as in other industries.  To know what others, who are successful, are doing to achieve that success.

And the only way to know is to observe and to learn.

But this research should be a SUPPLEMENT, not the main source of  how you design, how you build your website, and how you operate your business.

Observation and research can never be a substitute for experience, personal knowledge, and the personal touch.

It can help you understand what type of designs are best sellers, how someone is marketing, or even in some cases, a starting point as you plan and implement your own designs, website, and even your blog.

But, it is NOT you.

It cannot replace your uniqueness or human touch.

And, if you want to be a responsible and authentic gift basket business owner, consider what you have or can do that makes you unique and different. Don’t just be a “me-too gift basket creator”

What can you do that will help your target market reach their goal or accomplish what they are trying to do?  How is your design helping someone impress their boss or client?  How is it expressing sympathy, compassion, congratulations, love or what other goal your customer may have?  Why is your design, your blog post and even your website better and different than what else is out there?  And, if you do look at other people’s websites, you are well aware that there is lots of competition out there.

An example in my own business, is that while observing other websites, I saw people using teddy bears to show compassion, sympathy, and even encouragement.  I also saw someone had created cookies with inspirational sayings on them..  There were gift boxes with cute or inspirational cards or labels that created a theme.  I put the three ideas together to create a line of gift boxes that included teddy bears and even a llama, cookies that were shrinkwrapped with inspirational labels on each cookie, and various themes.  I named the line “Unique Heartfelt Bear Hug Gifts.”

Observe what others are doing and use those ideas to generate something that is entirely new and different.

Why should people buy from you?

Anyone can put some products in a basket, wrap it, and add a bow.  Anyone can choose and lay products in a box and call it good.

But that’s not enough.

You need to add your personal stamp to it.

So, by all means, look at other websites – both within the industry and in similar ones.  Look at them carefully.  Research what the top sellers are doing and how they are doing it.

Then use that research as a learning tool to create the most creative, best selling design or website that is uniquely YOU!

For more information about starting and growing your business, check out Gift Basket Business INSIDER