¶ … Block and Red Envelope market to customers by using a web site that is both user friendly and engagingly designed. Both sites feature large links pointing customers to their products and services in the center of their pages. These links are set apart from the rest of the site and proclaim commands like "start now" or "get started." Both sites feature a menu of options that allows consumers to browse their products or services, descriptions that attempt to promote their services, and a list of easily accessible links to important features of their company, such as customer support.

Although both sites are designed in order to engage the surfer's mind and eye, Red Envelope and H. And R. block's web sites promote themselves to very different market bases. For instance, H and R. block features a stark, professional design of greens and blacks accentuated with professional looking models in business attire. Red Envelope, on the other hand, seeks to convey the personal touch by showing customers a sampling of their most sentimental products, like new baby gifts and birthday gifts. Red Envelope's font and style are designed to make customers feel at home. Similarly, while Red Envelope focuses on the family by having links "for him," "for her," and "for baby," H. And R. block focuses on a more professional approach, linking clients to informative financial services articles. Although both sites make use of graphics and design, Red Envelope uses a great deal more photographs, enticing customers to purchase its products. These differences most likely exist because H. And R. block is attempting to entice professionals to use its services, while Red Envelope is seeking to touch the personal side of individuals with its products.

By studying these similarities and differences, one can quickly recognize the differences between product and service web sites. While the site marketing products is more straight forward and makes greater use of graphics, the web sites marketing services provide a great deal more information about their field and helpful articles intended to persuade potential customers that these services are really needed.

References and R. block. (n.d.) Retrieved July 9, 2008, from www.hrblock.com.

Red Envelop.com (n.d.) Retrieved July 9, 208, from www.redenvelope.com.