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Nicer underlining

Mar 11

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

The regularly bother 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 effect urged by much. 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, the scope could still put on a pixel downwards. Depending on the font, font size and line spacing, but that can gobble up too much space. So I used on this distance Siete no.

The 3 variants in comparison:

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

Typography

Not so nice ...

Typography

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

Typography

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

It's this time but only a little but this little note from my perspective and I immediately start calling for "more beautiful underlines". Apart from this there are still many more typographic sins on the Web, but to another time.

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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, the filters can filter manager, who is linked on the Google Analytics Overview page under the site profiles are created. The following examples must be assigned to each at the end of a site profile, only the data of the corresponding profile manipulation.

Requests from their IP addresses to exclude
This is the classic of the filter, the self-inflicted 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 Google Analytics represented completely. This filter is a workaround for the entire Referring URL impersonate user-defined segment.

Filter Type: Custom Filter -> Advanced
Field A -> Extract A: link (*.)
Field B -> B extrahierern: leave blank
Output in -> 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.

Url shortening

If all the pages can be tracked in the same subdirectory of the urls shown for clarity will be reduced. The example below assumes that all pages of this blog in / blog / lie. Across the filter, the directory name 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 will be processed like regular expression. If there is an access via Google, is issued within Google Analytics, the position of the entry in the Google search results.

Filter Type: Custom Filter -> Advanced
Field A -> Extract A: Reference (\ | &?) Q = ([^ &] *)
Field B -> Extract B: Reference (? \ | &) Start = ([^ &] *)
Output in -> 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 specified is the first page, beyond 10 is page 2, page 20 for 3, etc.

URLs converted 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 the campaigns Statstik 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 Social Media
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 campaign stats page, the dimension of the keyword list to "Medium" surrounded.

They were even a few for now hopefully useful filter. This may or must of course be adapted to the exact needs of the respective 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 3.1 supports the first browser to integrate a method for writing websites will now follow suit Firefox from version 3.1. Reason enough, the current and future possibilities of integrating writing to shed light.

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 counter this, there are three definitions in the CSS Style the nice "@ font-face". With this command it is possible to embed fonts directly on the site.

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

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

 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 legal side are observed. It may not be fact at all large fonts are stored on the server. Therefore it is recommended that the rights to use the font to be used to question exactly. Therefore, currently offer especially fonts that are available through the Open Font license.

Conclusion:
Once the whole subject 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 and some details could be improved, so has the support of @ 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 the Internet Explorer.

Related Links:
W3C definition
Compared 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 pages is unfortunately very often far 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. Precisely in such situations, it happens that such pages are then placed by the programmer in 0815 Scheme to the existing graphical grid. Then just count the Registirerungsprozesse the most important pages of many sites - but it eventually goes to new customers - something that seems incomprehensible. Therefore, one should take themselves very aware of time and consider the appropriate page in design and screen design.

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

As a little inspiration, I now list of potential items / content from registration pages. Of course, not all the elements for any purpose useful to each 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 easy to understand. 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

List of services and functions to the Registering available to help the user to register to Confirm.

  • List of benefits for the user

the same applies here as with the point about the services. However, this should be the benefit to the user by the registration shall clearly highlighted.

  • Call to action

With a prominent graphic 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 built 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 with the registration process, on the other can form crashes are statistically recorded and sent via email to a later date, a reminder will be. In this case, the delivery of the emails will be accepted directly in the first step with the checkbox.

  • Testimonials / References

Testimonials and / or references are especially in commercial services already become standard. Satisfied customers provide confidence and affects certainly positive.

  • Tour / Screenshots

Virtual product tours on offer in 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 "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 to Form I summarized in a previous post. This is available here: increasing conversions through better forms .

2 Comments

Posted in Design & Usability

Community Building on the example of World of Warcraft

February 6

Currently I devote myself to the community on 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 fascination for the gamers. The underlying is a great game (yes I was once addicted, but now am clean again: o)) and mainly a phenomenal community concept. For this reason, I have tried to identify the most important aspects of this game and to show how does the manufacturer Blizzard millions of players to aquire and keep them happy.

Active development - no fixed end goal
To create a logical point to a successful game for years is the continuous development. Thus offers World of Warcraft (WoW) already from the beginning a lot of development opportunities 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 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 that players are working together to close the so-called guilds. Within these guilds arise very often close social networks. It is common practice to chat next to the games via the "Voice over IP" software (such as Teamspeak) to fellow gamers. 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 even more in-depth contacts. Seen in WoW is one of the largest social networks.
Just by resulting tight bond with his guild will often set up within the group not to be underestimated social pressure. Thus, often make appointments to meet, for example, where 25 players online at a specific task to fulfill. These tasks can often only be met but if players are online. Fall from a player, it can happen that 24 other players must wait. Therefore, many guilds are being devised a system to award points 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 battle trains 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 enhanced by on-line viewable charts and statistics. The whole model is similar to the effect of sports stars in real life and also promotes the ambition of many players.

Conclusion
The 3 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, rich details of the virtual world, many seasonal events like Christmas, New Year's Eve fireworks, etc.. In addition, there are also many "average players" who manage to play only occasionally, and those virtual models do not care. These players are then addressed in most cases by other aspects such as social contacts, etc..

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Posted in This & That

Shortage as a means to increase sales

February 1

Shortage in terms of reduction of 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! as fully set out and full.

The basic principle is simple:

The lower the availability of any offer, the higher the pressure during the strike's potential customers as quickly as possible.

This scarcity can also be produced artificially. I want to point out some more or less aggressive process number of 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 there something new. 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 too radical. But Whoot! could sit up in the past again and again with sales growth and has now reached the annual sales in the mid tens of millions of dollars range.

Scrrenshot Woot!

Scrrenshot Woot!

Although the example of Whoot! very extreme is seen that such a thing can work basically. Why should something that is not integrated in a milder version in its own shop. Some relevant features are often unnoticed already available in many shops.

Optimize ad inventory
A stock indicator is already such good form and is integrated in many shops. But usually only as a side note, in the style: "Only 3 left in stock." In such a case it is useful to emphasize the one hand the availability information visually and additionally to combine with a warning. Thus, for example, availability of less than 5 pieces, the warning: "Caution: There are only x more items available. The sellout risk is: High. " At 5 - 10 is the sell-risk funds and more than 10 pieces will be no warning, but no exact number issued.
In addition, all products could, which threatened a speedy sell-out in a separate category, "only more limited availability" or be applied directly to the home page.

Now, some will probably think that it is best but then the stock artificially low to keep the User to press for a quick decision. From my perspective, you can do it for individual products. Basically, I consider it more useful for high inventory levels do not specify exact numbers. One should never sell for the customer that is stupid. If any product is permanently available in a very small number, the notice will also be the customer and in the best case, the stock as 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 line on especially favorable terms. 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 are 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 here will always serious, do not sell the user for Dumb and adapt the method to the target group.

No Comments

Posted in eCommerce

Facebook applications are still relevant?

January 23

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

Facebook applications are always 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. Therein lies 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 to market the application to stand out from the multitude of applications. Because what the best application, if it benefits no one?

Another problem is the spread of the user dar. through many similar programs users are distributed. Currently I have found, for example, over 70 programs to the term "Travel". This means a user who is interested in traveling to maybe 2 - 3 View travel applications and ultimately max. 2, probably use only 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 to be even relatively small and thus to remain insignificant.

Does that create a Facebook application still make sense?
My opinion is that it may make sense. It should always think very carefully but if it can be personally meaningful to him.
For this purpose the following criteria should be given at least in part:

  • An innovative concept, USP
  • More value for the given user must be clear and
  • , Suchtkarakter muss gegeben sein Viral component: recommendation features Suchtkarakter must be given
  • , 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 gift certificate to all the 10 friends have deleted. 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 you take there with some 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 sometimes quickly created an application 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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