Follow roof water first
Check whether the gutter overflows and where each downspout ends. If a downspout feeds the wet spot, trace the rest of the route before moving it. A longer extension can simply shift the puddle if the ground slopes back toward the house.
See downspout drainage for options when a surface extension crosses a walkway or empties onto another low spot.
Check whether the ground sends water back
Look at the low strip beside the foundation and the higher ground around it. If water enters from the yard or a driveway, the exterior fix may involve reshaping the path it follows or collecting surface water before it reaches the house.
Before adding fill, account for siding, door thresholds and any existing drainage openings. If a proposed outlet involves a shared swale or drainage easement, check the property plat and ask the responsible jurisdiction before changing it.
Compare exterior drainage options
Choose the next guide based on where the water comes from.