How to add a traffic counter or favicon, and even protect your email address from spammers

Sometimes the best way to add interactive features, like forms and traffic analyzers, to your Web site is to use a program or online service such as the ones featured here.

That's what all the Web 2.0 fuss was about -- being able to use cool widgets from all over the Web on your personal site (you save money and time with these services).

Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress up a web page with someone else's cool programming code:

 

• Who's visiting your site? Add a stat counter

Don't settle for the lame statistics you get from most web servers. You need to know who is visiting your site. Add your own stat counter and you'll get far more details about where visitors come from and even what they search for in Google to find you.

In this article, you'll find reviews and links to three Web traffic counters and stat services, including Google Analytics.

• Dress up the browser title bar with a Favicon

Add a graphic icon to the title of your site. This online tool converts any image into the ico image format so that it display in the title bar of Web browsers. You just download the ico version and add it to your site. (Click here to learn more about favicons and how to get one made for your site.)

• Protect your email address from spammers

Address munger adds a script that shields your email links from spammer bots and other unwanted email address scrapers. (Learn more about shielding your email addresses on your web site)

• Add eCommerce features to your Web site

From shopping carts to simple buy now buttons, it's easier than ever to sell online thanks to these services.

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  Highlight links with pop-ups using Snap.com

I use Snap to provide a preview when I link to other Web sites.

You can add Snap to the links on your site by visiting www.Snap.com.

• Set up free conference calls (a great way to talk during an online demonstration)

Schedule and host conference calls for free, and they'll even record and transcribe them for a fee. www.freeconference.com

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  Survey Your Visitors with SurveyMonkey

Add an interactive survey with instant results and valuable reporting and scoring features with an interactive survey

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  Organize an email newsletter

How do you design email newsletters? And more importantly, how do you manage all of those email sign ups and removal requests? These tools make it easy to create and manage online newsletters (read more for a list of the most popular email newsletter services, and the legal requirments for sending email newsletters.)

• Promote your site and build a Social Media Network

Build your network one tip and a time with Janine's Social Media and Web Tips newsletter.

• What are your favorite tools?

I'm always looking for other great programs and services to share with my friends and readers. Recommend your favorite sites by emailing .

 

Download Professional Images for Less

www.iStockPhoto.com

Professional photographs and graphics can transform a simple page design into a professional showcase. But high quality images can be pricey. For professional, royalty free images without the high price tag, visit iStockPhoto where you can buy (and sell) high quality photos and other images for $1 to $5 (depending on the resolution).

This searchable site makes it easy to find all kinds of photographs, illustrations, and even animated graphics and videos. Search for “Germain Shepard” and you’ll find nearly a thousand photos of those lovely beasts; search for “dogs” and you’ll find more than 16,000. You can even use general terms like “smile” or “raised hands” to find images to fit almost any design idea or Web site.
Even if you’re not a photographer or don’t have photos of your own business, services, or the vacation spot you traveled to recently, you can find professional images, at an affordable price, at iStockPhoto.

Share PowerPoint Presentations

www.SlideShare.net

Online training, teleconferences, and virtual seminars are increasingly popular thanks to services like SlideShare.net. To use this innovative service, just upload your presentation to the site and point your visitors to your special address where they can view your slides and use the simple controls at SlideShare to move forward and back through your presentation.
Combine SlideShare with a service like FreeConference and you’re ready to host a professional teleconference or online seminar – without spending a cent.

Can I use that Photo?

You'll find a handy guide to copyright and when photos and other content become public domain at http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm

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