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 The trend started with Google
releasing their toolbar for Internet Explorer. It changed
the way we searched by making the search engine available
from inside the browser with no need for the user to go to
the particular website.
And now, Yahoo!, Microsoft, AOL… Every big corporation
running a search engine has their own toolbar. So much so
that if I turn all the toolbars installed on my particular
browser, there would be little space left for browsing
space!
So, how do you as a web publisher (or a content provider)
reach out to your clientele? Get them to install a search
toolbar that is custom made to suit your website. I found
some companies selling tools to make customized toolbars,
but the one I am discussing today provides the service for
free and integrates custom search results for YOUR SITE.
Effective Brand
has a complete web-based toolbar generator. Moreover, they
host the toolbar for you on their website with a custom
page dedicated to it. The initial toolbar generator is a
4-step procedure where user gets to pick up a logo, a
search string, custom buttons, and basic toolbar details.
And the system generates the toolbar and the custom page.
What is the best thing about this toolbar generator? The
ability to make changes without worrying about client end
version. Whenever a user opens the browser, the toolbar is
updated with the latest settings and updates from the
server. Thus, one time installation is required on the
client side. And with "recommended site" results
integrated in the toolbar, it acts more as a search
companion and not just like a static toolbar hogging
valuable browser window space.
Another nice feature of this toolbar maker is an optional
RSS aggregator. You can specify the RSS feed link and
update interval. And that feed is updated on the toolbar
with links to the latest posts! Another great way to
market your site. Another implementation of this RSS
aggregator is news alert using which you can deliver
messages to the clients using the toolbar from the
Effective Brand Backend.
The toolbar offer great flexibility with custom buttons
and ability to move individual components of the toolbar
at desired locations. The toolbar I created for BlogSearchEngine
can be accessed from here. Some other sites using the
toolbar are mentioned on the Recent
Toolbar Page.
Custom IE Toolbars from Effective Brand
So, what is the catch?
Well, the toolbar is Internet Explorer only. And the
company places some promotional links on the toolbar
menus. Other than that, it is a good deal considering it
costs nothing and can enhance your site's search traffic,
brand your site on the browser of your users, and bring
users back again and again.
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