Step 4 – Webmaster Tools
Traffic is starting to come in & your proud of what you have accomplished. Our topic deals with information on webmaster tools and where to obtain them. Popular tools can include ones that help you with tracking your traffic, url redirection, polls & guestbooks.
Let’s jump right to the vendors list and focus on tools that of course are free. Try out several of each tool type before settling for your first choice. This will enable you to discover a tool you might have overlooked which would appeal more to you.
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I have been using the free customizable tools offered by Bravenet since 1997. I may be wrong but I would say they have every type of free tool that exists. Here is a quick rundown. Guestbooks, hit counters, email forms, sitepal, polls, chatrooms & so much more. Make sure you have plenty of time to experiment.
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Statcounter tracks your traffic with a free yet reliable invisible web tracker, highly configurable hit counter and real-time detailed web stats. You insert a simple piece of code on your web page or blog and you will be able to analyse and monitor all the visitors to your website in real-time. Be absolutely sure to check out the “Recent Visitor Map” and click on one of your visitors to see state of the art tracking!
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I include this tool as it comes in handy for a variety of reasons. One is that it can be used to hide affiliate links or other links you don’t wish to display.
Imagine http://www.myaffiliatesite.com/main.php3?language=uspartnerid=445677 turned into http://tinyurl.com/ae56.
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An often overlooked tool, Paypal is the safer, easier way to accept payments for your goods and services from your visitors and sell individual items on your website. You will be able to accept payments/donations in any way your visitors prefer, including through credit cards & bank accounts without sharing financial information.
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