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 used to have to create all these features yourself, and it wasn't easy (or cheap). Now you can get your own search engine from Google, cool link pop-ups from Snap, and so much more...
Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress up a web page with someone else's cool programming code:
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.)
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.
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.)
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)
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.
Schedule and host conference calls for free, and they'll even record and transcribe them for a fee. www.freeconference.com
Add an interactive survey with instant results and valuable reporting and scoring features with an interactive survey.
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Win the Search Engine Game (SEO)
One of the best ways to drive traffic to your Web site is by making sure your Web site scores high when potential visitor search for you (or your topic or expertise). Achieving a high ranking in popular search engines, such as Google, is both an art and a science, and if you want to score high on a popular search term, the competition can be fierce.
To help you learn the ins and outs of this complex process, known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), here are a few Web sites that offer tips, tricks, and other guidance to winning the search engine game.
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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 .
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Download Professional Images for Less
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
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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