As I wrote about the rare possibility of shortcutting the strategic planning stage in a websites business, another idea for a planning shortcut came to mind.

What if you had a really simple business model that was based on targeting a competitor or following the steps to success of a market leader?

I certainly would not recommend this as a first project. You really need to build some experience and success following the right procedures before venturing “off-piste.”

Since I have that experience, I’m tempted to try it myself. One of my projects replaces and extends a well known marketing company that encourages newbies to build their own business sites. All their pages are clearly targeted to specific search phrases, though I’m worried that the site structure will prove to be poor.

I’ve got time to think about this, and assess the risks, because I’m far too busy on other new projects to start another new site. However, the demand for my Freeche traffic generating tools is building, so I may have no choice. On second thoughts, there is never any excuse for basing your web business on an inferior product.

Copying something successful has some attraction. As I focus on markets where there is lots of confusion, myths, and misinformation, I cannot think of a good example. If you’d like to challenge me to assess a site that you have in your sights, please raise it in the Websites Business Forum.