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Nicer underlining

Mar 11

Hello, thanks for visiting - I hope that you will find useful information. but also leave a comment if you have any comments on the subject.

The regularly disturb me quite ugly and not great Typographically underlining that are normally found on the web. Specifically, it bothers me that the descenders of the characters are crossed out and the whole thing looks very crowded this. For this reason, I went over to the actually intended for this purpose and common days CSS text-decoration: underline; to boycott. I think it's much nicer than the underlining command to implement border-bottom.

For typographic point of view this is still not the optimal solution, since not meet the descenders and underlining. Therefore, one could frame a pixel still further put down. Depending on the font, font size and line spacing, but that can swallow up too much space. Therefore, I use this on Siete no distance.

The three variants in comparison:

? Code View HTML 
  text-decoration: underline;
 border-bottom: 1px solid;
 border-bottom: 1px solid; padding-bottom: 1px;

Typography

... Not so nice

Typography

... Perfect in this presentation, at small point sizes, but also touching descenders and underlining.

Typography

... For small Schriftgröen favorite playing grounds, the best choice

Although this time it's just a little but this little note from my point of view and so I start calling immediately for "beautiful underlines". Besides, there are still many more typographic sins on the Web, but to another time.

No Comments

Posted in Graphics & Design

Google Analytics Filter make life easier!

Mar 04

Filters in Google Analytics are a very handy and powerful tool at the same time. This makes it possible to manipulate the statistics data, extract, or even integrate. For this reason I have compiled some practical examples to explain the operation of the filter in Google Analytics.

Basically filters in the Filter Manager, which is linked on the Google Analytics Overview page under the site profiles are created. The following examples must be assigned to each site at the end of a profile, only the data of the corresponding profile manipulation.

Requests from its own IP addresses to exclude
This is the classic of the filter, the self-induced traffic is hereby excluded.

Filter Type: Exclude all traffic from an IP address
IP address: 193.0.0.0

Google Analytics - IP ausfiltern

More information will include an explanation on how to exclude IP ranges I've explained in this article:
Google Analytics filter out its own IP (Part 2)

Full referrer Show

The referrer is not fully represented in Google Analytics. This filter is a workaround for the entire Referring URL impersonate user-defined segment.

Filter Type: Custom Filter -> Advanced
Field A -> Extract A: Reference (.*)
Field B -> Extract B: leave blank
In output -> Constructor: User Defined $ A1 segment
Field A Required: Yes
Field B Required: No
Override Output Field: Yes
Case Sensitive: No

Google Analytics - Filter für vollständige Referrer

Then we get the statistics in which one Google Analytics within the referrer statistics page, the dimension of the Referrerauflistung on "Custom Value" surrounded.

Shorten url

If all the pages can be tracked in the same subdirectory of the urls shown for clarity can be shortened. The example below assumes that all pages of this blog in / blog / lie. About the directory name of the filter is removed.

Filter Type: Custom filter -> Find and Replace
Filter Field: Request URI
Search string: grafixx.at / blog /
Replacement string: /
Case Sensitive: No

Google Analytics Filter: Url verkürzen

SEO rankings tracking

This filter is more complex, but also more powerful than the previous one. Here, the referrer URL is processed like regular expression. If there is an access via Google, Google Analytics will be spent within the location of the entry in the Google search results.

Filter Type: Custom Filter -> Advanced
Field A -> Extract A: link (? \ | &) Q =([^&]*)
Field B -> Extract B: Reference (? \ | &) Start =([^&]*)
In output -> Constructor: User Defined segment $ A2 (Page: $ B2)
Field A Required: Yes
Field B Required: No
Override Output Field: Yes
Case Sensitive: No

Google Analytics Filter: Seo Tracking

Then we get the statistics in which one Google Analytics on the inside of keyword statistics page, the dimension of the keyword list to "Custom Value" surrounded. In this Satistik is no page is specified, the first page, is also 10 for page 2, page 20 for 3, etc.

Urls convert to lowercase

A relatively simple filter but the clarity is greatly increased. With this filter, all lowercase urls and thus not only listed once.

Filter Type: Custom Filter -> Advanced
Filter Field: Request URI

Google Analytics Filter: Urls klein schreiben

Traffic from Social Media platforms track

With this filter requests from social networking platforms (in this example: Facebook, Twitter and Xing) are summarized in Statstik campaigns under the term social media.

Filter Type: Custom Filter -> Advanced
Field A -> Extract A: Campaign Source facebook | twitter | xing
Field B -> Extract B: leave blank
Output To -> Constructor: Campaign media socialmedia
Field A Required: Yes
Field B Required: No
Override Output Field: Yes
Case Sensitive: No

Google Analytics Filter: Social Media Tracking

Then we get the statistics in which one Google Analytics within the Campaigns Statistics page, the dimension of the keyword list to "Medium" surrounded.

These were for the present, even a few hopefully helpful filter. This may or must of course be adapted to the exact needs of their website.

27 Comments

Posted in Web Analytics

Typography: Font Embedding on Websites

February 17

After the vexing issue of the limited font selection to websites could still be solved not complete, but at least it seems now some light at the end of the tunnel to give. After Safari was the first browser 3.1 supports a method for integrating writing on websites will now follow suit Firefox 3.1 or higher. Reason enough for current and future possibilities of closer integration of Scripture to illuminate.

Were currently "non-standard fonts" (eg generated via PHP) mostly as images or Flash as embedded files. These workarounds work, but are optimized for search engines but not yet from the performance viewpoint. To counteract this, there are three in the CSS style definition the nice "@ font-face". With this command it is possible to embed fonts directly on the site.

So, first, the writings or the desired font styles can be defined. Then, the defined font styles are used as usual in the stylesheet.
The whole thing might look like this:

? Code View HTML 
  @ Font-face {
 font-family: 'Fontin-Regular';
 src: url ('Fontin-Regular.otf') format ('open type');
 }

 h1 {
 font-family: 'Fontin-Bold', Georgia, serif;
 }

Basically, TrueType, OpenType, PostScript and OpenType TT fonts are supported. However, in addition to the relatively low browser support (IE lags behind wiedermal), the license will be considered legal side. It can namely not at all wide fonts are stored on the server. Therefore, it recommends the usage rights for the font to be used to question exactly. Therefore, currently offer especially the fonts are sold through the Open Font license.

Conclusion:
After the whole issue had received little attention at times, again seems to be some movement came to the topic. With the release of Firefox 3.1 Firefox will have the nose slightly ahead of Safari, because Firefox will support unlike ligatures. Although these two browsers also some details are worthy of improvement, so is the support for @ font-face but a good sign. By the way, other browser manufacturers will put pressure on and sooner or later it will hopefully also support in Internet Explorer.

Related Links:
W3C definition
Comparison Safari / Firefox
Typografie.info - Font embedding in web pages

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Posted in Graphics & Design

Optimization of registration processes

February 11

The design of registration sites is unfortunately very often given too little attention. It often happens that a lot of effort into making the design of a site is placed, yet sub-pages as Registrieungsseiten are unfortunately forgotten. It is precisely in such situations it happens that such pages are then placed according to Scheme programmers in 0815 from the existing graphical grid. Then just count the Registirerungsprozesse to the main pages of many sites - but eventually it goes to new customers - something that seems incomprehensible. Therefore you should take your time deliberately and consider the appropriate page in design and screen design.

In this article, I define registration pages as information pages, whose task it is necessary to provide information to visitors and persuade. The actual registration form is usually a separate page. At very short forms, such as: Newsletter registration but it can also make a lot of sense, both on one side to represent.

As a little inspiration now I list of potential items / contents of registration pages. Of course, not all the elements for any useful purpose, should ever serve any purpose after the registration, in part, different points will be more relevant than others.

  • Elevator Pitch

This is a brief summary of the possible meaning of the site / application, etc. for you to register. For example, Flickr is the "Show your photos. Look at the world. "

  • General Description

A general description of the product should be formulated as vivid and easily understood. Descriptions can be very good in this case provide support with icons. Below I've shown an example of TripIt. This site is the model implemented in my view.

  • List of services

Listing of services and functions to the Registering available to help, to convince the user to register themselves.

  • List of benefits for the user

the same applies here as with the point about the services. However, this should benefit the users of its registration has highlighted clearly will.

  • Call to action

Graphically with a prominent button is made available to the user as possible just to get to the registration form. I think it's even better if a small version of the form is integrated directly on the registration page. Thus, for example, the User name and email address queried directly. After completing this data, the user can then be directed to a detailed form with the rest of the fields. This procedure reduces the threshold for one to begin the registration process, on the other can form abortions are recorded statistically and by email sent at a later date will be a reminder. In this case, the delivery of emails will be accepted directly in the first step with the checkbox.

  • Testimonials / References

Testimonials and / or references, especially in commercial services are already the standard. Satisfied customers generate confidence and affects certainly positive.

  • Tour / Screenshots

Virtual product tours on offer for software products. Especially in this segment, it is often difficult for the user to have an idea of ​​what to expect. This can be counteracted with screenshots and virtual tours very well.

  • Display the necessary steps to completion

Following the motto "In 3 steps to your site", these steps can be listed directly on the registration page. This one takes the user right at the beginning of the fear of endless forms and complicated to use.

Examples:

Flickr Registrierungsseite

Flickr registration page

Tripit

TripIt

Linkedin Registrierungsseite

Linkedin registration page

Optimization Tips page form I have summarized in a previous post. This is available here: increase conversions through better forms .

2 Comments

Posted in Design & Usability

Community Building on the example of World of Warcraft

February 6

Currently I dedicate myself to the topic community building and try to identify some strategies on including World of Warcraft. The whole plan is to serve as food for thought for those who operate or even a community.

World of Warcraft is one of the most successful online games of all time. Current value of paying more than 11 million players worldwide speak clearly and figures make it clear that this game has to exert a special attraction to the gamers. The underlying is a great game (yes I was once addicted, but now am clean again: o)) and especially a phenomenal community concept. For this reason, I have tried to identify the most important aspects of this game and to clarify how does the manufacturer Blizzard aquirieren millions of players and keep them happy.

Active development - no fixed end goal
To create a logical point to a successful game for years is the constant evolution. Thus offers World of Warcraft (WoW) already from the beginning a lot of further development options for the virtual characters of each player. In addition, there are regular updates to incorporate new elements always in the game world. Thus, there is no ultimate goal fixes, there is always new goals for the players.

Social pressure build - Group Tasks
The greatest influence in the game has in my opinion, but the social component. In WoW there are many tasks that can only be addressed in the group. Partly for this reason, players are close together into so-called guilds. Within these guilds arise very often close social networks. It is routine practice to chat next to the games via the "Voice over IP" software (such as Teamspeak) with his teammates. This exchange is used primarily for the rapid exchange of tactical strategies during the game. Although it is in total playing time of more than 200 hours per player, it is inevitable that form is also more in-depth contacts. Seen in WoW is one of the largest social networks.
Carefully resulting tight bond with his guild is often developed within the group should not be underestimated social pressure. Thus, often agreed to meet deadlines which, for example 25 players online at a specific task to fulfill. These tasks can often only be met but if all players are online. Fall from a player, it can happen that 24 other players must wait. Therefore, many guilds are being devised a system of points awarded for the most reliable players. The player with the most points will receive the best rewards after a task has been fulfilled, etc. ... just go and then the players themselves in a cycle without that Blizzard needs to do something active.

In schlachtzügen können bis zu 25 (früher 40) Spieler zusammen spielen.

In raids can play up to 25 (formerly 40) players together.

Creation of virtual heroes
Finally, the community elects their virtual heroes. Thus, for example, particularly successful player guilds or in part world-wide known among hardcore gamers. Success on their own websites will be logged and recorded by other guilds. This heroism is further strengthened by own online rankings and statistics. The whole effect is similar to the model of sports stars in real life and also promotes the ambition of many players.

Conclusion
The three points are the World of Warcraft have been very successful enough. Of course there are many other aspects such as: the implementation of technically very good, the rich details of the virtual world, many seasonal events like Christmas, New Year's Eve fireworks, etc.. In addition, there are also many "average Joe player" who manage to play only occasionally and do not care which virtual models. These players are then addressed in most cases by the other aspects such as social contacts, etc..

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Posted in This & That

Shortage as a means to increase sales

February 1

Scarcity in the sense of reducing the available goods is a classic means to increase sales in home shopping. However, this strategy also online continues to increase. Industry giants such as Whoot! For example, set out fully and whole.

The basic principle is simple:

The lower the availability of any offer, the higher the pressure the potential customer is to strike as quickly as possible.

This scarcity can of course also be produced artificially. I want to point out some more or less aggressive approach with examples.

Whoot!
The basic principle is: Whoot offers daily a single product. This product is only available on this one day and the next day are some news. The crunch here is of limited duration and number of pieces, which probably drives the whole thing on the tip and for the majority of "traditional" shops is much too radical. But Whoot! let sit up repeatedly in the past with revenue growth and has now arrived in annual sales in the mid double-digit million dollar range.

Scrrenshot Woot!

Scrrenshot Woot!

Even if the example of Whoot! is a very extreme one sees that something can work basically. Why should something that is not integrated in a milder version in their own shop. Partially relevant features are often unnoticed already present in many shops.

Optimize ad inventory
A bearing indicator is one such good form and is already integrated in many shops. But usually only as a side note, in the style: "Only 3 left in stock." In such a case, it offers itself to a visual highlight the availability of information and in addition to combine with a warning. Thus, for example, availability of less than 5 units, the warning: "Caution: There are just more x items available. The sellout risk is: High. " At 5 - 10 units is the sellout risk funds and more than 10 pieces is no warning, but no exact number of units issued.
In addition, all products could, in a timely manner which threatens to sell in their own category, "only more limited available" or can be applied directly on the homepage.

Now, some will probably think that one but then the best stocks artificially low to keep the used to press for a quick decision. From my perspective, you can do that for individual products. Basically, I consider it more useful for high inventory levels do not indicate exact number. One should never sell for its customers, stupid. If any product is permanently available in a very small number of items is that the customer will notice, even in the best case and the stock level is no longer relevant ads attached. In the worst case, the customer's online shop can also classify as untrustworthy and never will be again.

Time-limited promotions
Another option are temporary actions. An example would be an action under the title "Product of the week". In such an action could be offered every week, a product from the existing range of products at very attractive conditions. This is a decision to put pressure on the customer, on the other hand, the customer is motivated to visit the site weekly to find out what bargains there. Of course, an action of this kind can also address data generation for the newsletter, etc. are used.

Conclusion:
Shortage of time or number of product availability is a very powerful tool, which in various versions - can positively affect the sales of many shops - from aggressive to conservative. However, applies also to remain here always serious, do not sell the user for Dumb and adapt the method to the target group.

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Posted in eCommerce

Facebook applications are still relevant?

January 23

Facebook is on everyone's lips at the moment yes, however the 3rd party Facebook applications by some, while others still hyped almost predict the imminent death of this.

Facebook applications are basically a great thing and the idea was awesome back then. Meaningful and creative applications are also used nachwievor helpful. In the meantime, however, the open standard is increasingly becoming a hindrance. The fact that almost anyone can create an appropriate application, are making dozens of applications for many purposes, more or less the same thing available. This is precisely the danger. First, it is increasingly difficult new and unique applications to be developed. On the other hand, one must consider now a clear strategy for marketing the application to stand out from the multitude of applications. Because what the best application, if it benefits no one?

Another problem is the scattering by the user dar. many similar programs users are distributed. Currently I have found, for example, about 70 programs on the term "Travel". This means a user who is interested in traveling to maybe 2 - 3 Watch Travel applications and ultimately max. 2, probably only use one. Exactly this effect is in my view, a contradiction to the basic idea of ​​community, sharing information, etc. There are many different mini-dar. platforms created all united together, represent a great tool for users and operators would. Therefore, almost all applications tend for themselves to remain relatively small and thus insignificant.

Does that create a Facebook application make sense?
My opinion is that it may make sense. It should consider very carefully whether any but it may be personally useful for him.
To the following criteria should be given at least in part:

  • Innovative concept, USP
  • More value for the given user must be clear and
  • , Suchtkarakter muss gegeben sein Viral component: recommendation features that must be met Suchtkarakter
  • , Bonus für die ersten 100 Nutzer, etc.) Marketing concept to create (Apply on Facebook, entry in the application directory, bonus for the first 100 users, etc.)
  • Monetization approach, goal definition

Successful Applications

Burger King campaign on Facebook

This application was provided in early January for a major media coverage. Burger King awarded through this application, a voucher to everyone who has deleted 10 friends. Meanwhile, the application was stopped. It is rumored that data breaches have resulted. A few days ago I had already reported on the Burger King campaign .

Burger King on Facebook

Burgr King auf Facebook

Burgr King on Facebook

Travel thoughts

Choose an activity and a destination for a virtual tour to start. Of course it takes, with a few friends.
Travel thoughts on Facebook

Gedankenreise auf Facebook

Travel thoughts on Facebook


Conclusion:
It is always difficult to develop new concepts and related applications. If you manage this, however, it can be a great benefit to be generated from it. Burger King's has shown us. But, if you think you even created an application quickly because it is in the oh-so-innovative Facebook it shall be made, should rather stay away from it.

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Posted in eMarketing

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