Remember also that you can, or should, view Websites owned by individuals slightly differently than Websites owned by a company. Any legitimate, reputable company, for instance, should offer at least some contact information, again, the more the better. However, it is not uncommon for Websites owned and managed by individuals to feature less contact information. Especially if it is owned by a home based business person; he or she might not be comfortable publishing their home street address or phone number on the Web, for instance.

In rare cases with certain types of replicating Websites (where many representatives have the same type of Website) the user may not have the option of providing more contact details. But, again, that’s rare. These days even most Websites aimed at individual users allow the user to add and update their contact information.

Even a P.O. Box is better than no address at all. Here aga

Even if you are looking at a Webpage that is owned by a company, often you will have to go no further in the evaluation process to rule out a particular Website or opportunity. Then, only if the Website passes your tests, do you go on to evaluate the company and opportunity.

Please realize, also, that this article does not really address the issues involved in evaluating the opportunity side of a company, or fully evaluating the company and opportunity combined. On the Homepage of ABCIncome.com appears a 13-point criteria developed out of two decades of experience with evaluating business opportunities. The version on the Homepage is only an overview, but a more complete version of what to look for will appear soon in the form of a new article.

One other point before we really get started, is that this article is not concerned with aesthetic issues. Granted, there are certain, “generally accepted Web design practices,” some of which will be talked about here. However, just because a Website uses a certain type of graphics, or perhaps a wild color scheme (or a boring one), doesn’t mean that it can’t offer good content or opportunities. There are just too many factors having to do with personal preference for these to be considered a major factor for the purpose of this article.

Ok, with that said, here are some of the things that you should be looking for when evaluating a Website or a company:

1. Is the MAIN Website directly accessible via a URL (Web address) that reasonably makes sense?
Some Websites, most notably those that are questionable, will occasionally set up even their main URL so that it isn’t very intuitive or accessible for the general public. For instance, normally a Website name might look something like this:

www.evaluateawebsite.com

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/index.htm

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/main.asp

On the other hand, if something isn’t quite right it might look something like this:

www.evaluateawebsite.com/prelaunch/

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/comingsoon/

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/invitationonly/

Let me immediately point out that simply because a URL ends with a name similar to one of the examples above that doesn’t mean that the Website isn’t legitimate. If, for instance, you are reading this article directly on the Website of ABCIncome.com instead of in my email newsletter, then it ends with a name that is tacked onto the main Web address of ABCIncome.com. It’s pretty standard practice in the industry to add forward slashes and additional directories, folders, and/or page names to the right of the main URL.

However, IF you cannot erase those extra characters to the right and directly access the Website with just the portion that ends in .com, or .net, or .biz, or .ws, etc., that may be cause for concern. Many Websites direct visitors to pages that aren’t the main Homepage. However, if you can’t get to the Website’s main Homepage, again, that may be cause for suspicion. Business Websites are all about marketing a product or service, so any normal Website owner would typically want to make sure that their Homepage is accessible to any and all visitors.

2. What kind of contact options are provided? Email, Contact Form, telephone number, etc.?
If there are no contact options, unless there is a VERY good reason, such as that the site is undergoing construction or maintenance, consider it to be a big RED Flag!

If the site offers a way for you to purchase something, but there are no contact options (until after purchase, you hope), then absolutely consider it a BIG RED Flag!

In general, the more contact options, the better. I would feel the most comfortable, for instance, dealing with Website where an email address or contact form, and a phone number, and a street address are provided. I would feel least comfortable with a Website where only an email address and nothing else is provided.

Remember also that you can, or should, view Websites owned by individuals slightly differently than Websites owned by a company. Any legitimate, reputable company, for instance, should offer at least some contact information, again, the more the better. However, it is not uncommon for Websites owned and managed by individuals to feature less contact information. Especially if it is owned by a home based business person; he or she might not be comfortable publishing their home street address or phone number on the Web, for instance.

In rare cases with certain types of replicating Websites (where many representatives have the same type of Website) the user may not have the option of providing more contact details. But, again, that’s rare. These days even most Websites aimed at individual users allow the user to add and update their contact information.

Even a P.O. Box is better than no address at all. Here aga

One other point before we really get started, is that this article is not concerned with aesthetic issues. Granted, there are certain, “generally accepted Web design practices,” some of which will be talked about here. However, just because a Website uses a certain type of graphics, or perhaps a wild color scheme (or a boring one), doesn’t mean that it can’t offer good content or opportunities. There are just too many factors having to do with personal preference for these to be considered a major factor for the purpose of this article.

Ok, with that said, here are some of the things that you should be looking for when evaluating a Website or a company:

1. Is the MAIN Website directly accessible via a URL (Web address) that reasonably makes sense?
Some Websites, most notably those that are questionable, will occasionally set up even their main URL so that it isn’t very intuitive or accessible for the general public. For instance, normally a Website name might look something like this:

www.evaluateawebsite.com

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/index.htm

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/main.asp

On the other hand, if something isn’t quite right it might look something like this:

www.evaluateawebsite.com/prelaunch/

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/comingsoon/

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/invitationonly/

Let me immediately point out that simply because a URL ends with a name similar to one of the examples above that doesn’t mean that the Website isn’t legitimate. If, for instance, you are reading this article directly on the Website of ABCIncome.com instead of in my email newsletter, then it ends with a name that is tacked onto the main Web address of ABCIncome.com. It’s pretty standard practice in the industry to add forward slashes and additional directories, folders, and/or page names to the right of the main URL.

However, IF you cannot erase those extra characters to the right and directly access the Website with just the portion that ends in .com, or .net, or .biz, or .ws, etc., that may be cause for concern. Many Websites direct visitors to pages that aren’t the main Homepage. However, if you can’t get to the Website’s main Homepage, again, that may be cause for suspicion. Business Websites are all about marketing a product or service, so any normal Website owner would typically want to make sure that their Homepage is accessible to any and all visitors.

2. What kind of contact options are provided? Email, Contact Form, telephone number, etc.?
If there are no contact options, unless there is a VERY good reason, such as that the site is undergoing construction or maintenance, consider it to be a big RED Flag!

If the site offers a way for you to purchase something, but there are no contact options (until after purchase, you hope), then absolutely consider it a BIG RED Flag!

In general, the more contact options, the better. I would feel the most comfortable, for instance, dealing with Website where an email address or contact form, and a phone number, and a street address are provided. I would feel least comfortable with a Website where only an email address and nothing else is provided.

Remember also that you can, or should, view Websites owned by individuals slightly differently than Websites owned by a company. Any legitimate, reputable company, for instance, should offer at least some contact information, again, the more the better. However, it is not uncommon for Websites owned and managed by individuals to feature less contact information. Especially if it is owned by a home based business person; he or she might not be comfortable publishing their home street address or phone number on the Web, for instance.

In rare cases with certain types of replicating Websites (where many representatives have the same type of Website) the user may not have the option of providing more contact details. But, again, that’s rare. These days even most Websites aimed at individual users allow the user to add and update their contact information.

Even a P.O. Box is better than no address at all. Here aga

www.evaluateawebsite.com

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/index.htm

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/main.asp

On the other hand, if something isn’t quite right it might look something like this:

www.evaluateawebsite.com/prelaunch/

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/comingsoon/

Or www.evaluateawebsite.com/invitationonly/

Let me immediately point out that simply because a URL ends with a name similar to one of the examples above that doesn’t mean that the Website isn’t legitimate. If, for instance, you are reading this article directly on the Website of ABCIncome.com instead of in my email newsletter, then it ends with a name that is tacked onto the main Web address of ABCIncome.com. It’s pretty standard practice in the industry to add forward slashes and additional directories, folders, and/or page names to the right of the main URL.

However, IF you cannot erase those extra characters to the right and directly access the Website with just the portion that ends in .com, or .net, or .biz, or .ws, etc., that may be cause for concern. Many Websites direct visitors to pages that aren’t the main Homepage. However, if you can’t get to the Website’s main Homepage, again, that may be cause for suspicion. Business Websites are all about marketing a product or service, so any normal Website owner would typically want to make sure that their Homepage is accessible to any and all visitors.

2. What kind of contact options are provided? Email, Contact Form, telephone number, etc.?
If there are no contact options, unless there is a VERY good reason, such as that the site is undergoing construction or maintenance, consider it to be a big RED Flag!

If the site offers a way for you to purchase something, but there are no contact options (until after purchase, you hope), then absolutely consider it a BIG RED Flag!

In general, the more contact options, the better. I would feel the most comfortable, for instance, dealing with Website where an email address or contact form, and a phone number, and a street address are provided. I would feel least comfortable with a Website where only an email address and nothing else is provided.

Remember also that you can, or should, view Websites owned by individuals slightly differently than Websites owned by a company. Any legitimate, reputable company, for instance, should offer at least some contact information, again, the more the better. However, it is not uncommon for Websites owned and managed by individuals to feature less contact information. Especially if it is owned by a home based business person; he or she might not be comfortable publishing their home street address or phone number on the Web, for instance.

In rare cases with certain types of replicating Websites (where many representatives have the same type of Website) the user may not have the option of providing more contact details. But, again, that’s rare. These days even most Websites aimed at individual users allow the user to add and update their contact information.

Even a P.O. Box is better than no address at all. Here aga

2. What kind of contact options are provided? Email, Contact Form, telephone number, etc.?
If there are no contact options, unless there is a VERY good reason, such as that the site is undergoing construction or maintenance, consider it to be a big RED Flag!

If the site offers a way for you to purchase something, but there are no contact options (until after purchase, you hope), then absolutely consider it a BIG RED Flag!

In general, the more contact options, the better. I would feel the most comfortable, for instance, dealing with Website where an email address or contact form, and a phone number, and a street address are provided. I would feel least comfortable with a Website where only an email address and nothing else is provided.

Remember also that you can, or should, view Websites owned by individuals slightly differently than Websites owned by a company. Any legitimate, reputable company, for instance, should offer at least some contact information, again, the more the better. However, it is not uncommon for Websites owned and managed by individuals to feature less contact information. Especially if it is owned by a home based business person; he or she might not be comfortable publishing their home street address or phone number on the Web, for instance.

In rare cases with certain types of replicating Websites (where many representatives have the same type of Website) the user may not have the option of providing more contact details. But, again, that’s rare. These days even most Websites aimed at individual users allow the user to add and update their contact information.

Even a P.O. Box is better than no address at all. Here aga

Remember also that you can, or should, view Websites owned by individuals slightly differently than Websites owned by a company. Any legitimate, reputable company, for instance, should offer at least some contact information, again, the more the better. However, it is not uncommon for Websites owned and managed by individuals to feature less contact information. Especially if it is owned by a home based business person; he or she might not be comfortable publishing their home street address or phone number on the Web, for instance.

In rare cases with certain types of replicating Websites (where many representatives have the same type of Website) the user may not have the option of providing more contact details. But, again, that’s rare. These days even most Websites aimed at individual users allow the user to add and update their contact information.

Even a P.O. Box is better than no address at all. Here again, whether dealing with a giant company or an individual, it is not uncommon for companies or individuals to use P.O. Boxes to more efficiently handle their mail.

True, some unscrupulous operators hide behind P.O. Boxes. However, they are a much smaller percentage in comparison to legitimate users. The main reason is that, especially after 9/11, in order to apply for and use a P.O. Box or address service the applicant has to provide various kinds of information, including a real street address, and proof of identity, etc.

Some Websites provide only an instant chat username as a means of contact. Here also, usually to be considered a red flag.

Because scam artists know that providing a means of contact considerably increases the credibility of a Website, one of the cleverest tactics to watch out for is a site that provides a “Live Chat” or “Live Support” or “Live Customer Service” option, etc., but it is never really staffed!

The above tactic is often combined with the additional tactic of the site claiming to be located in a part of the World that just happens not to be open for business during regular business hours in busy parts of the World such as the USA and Canada.

I saw that tactic employed by a scam Website claiming to be located in the UK. It offered, “Live Support,” but noted that they operated according to UK time, which, conveniently, meant that by the time that most people in the USA and Canada got out of work and visited their Website, it was too late to make contact due to it being after hours in the UK. In reality, the site’s “Live Support” option was never staffed, but most visitors never caught on due to the cleverness of the scheme.

3. After checking the items above I usually look for an “About Page.”
Here again a Website run by an individual might not have one. However, the best companies, whether large or small, will almost always have at least one page if not more devoted to information about the company. Sometimes information about the company’s management is provided as well.

These pages also go by names such as, “Company info.,” “Our Company,” or just, “Company,” etc.

The About page can often tell you a lot about a company, including how long they claim to have been in business. In general, the longer the better!

4. Does the Website feature any certifications, affiliations, or rankings, backed by reputable and unbiased 3rd party organizations such as The Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Dun & Bradstreet, TRUSTe, Alexa, DSA (Direct Selling Association), etc.?
Though none of the above organizations endorse or guarantee companies, membership in and/or certification by a respected 3rd party organization can go a long way toward giving you greater peace of mind that a company or individual is legitimate and trustworthy.

Something that people don’t commonly know about the Better Business Bureau is that they can establish a file and keep records on ANY company or individual whether they are a member or not. The difference is, however, that a company who is not a member has not agreed to the terms of the Better Business Bureau, cannot display their logos, and has no way to really showcase a good record if they have one.

However, even if a company is not listed with the BBB, IF they’ve been around for a while and you can verify that fact, at least the BBB may have on file any negative complaints that have been filed.

I must stress, however, this really applies only if the company that you are doing business with has been around for a considerable length of time, and you can verify it. That’s because a common tactic of scam artists is to start a new company, take people’s money, and then simply close their doors, start another new company, and repeat the process all over again. Thus, if they are not a BBB member, they may very well have taken advantage of many unsuspecting victims, but simply haven’t been around long enough for complaints to have reached the BBB yet. That’s why it is a requirement that when a business or individual applies for membership they must have been in business for at least 6 months to a year, and, further, the BBB goes as far back as 3