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Time for a quick inquiry and answer session.

Inquiry: How is it that you improve your users' experiences of your site, AND at the same time come to understand how to improve your site (or comprehend how to enlarge sales)?

Answer: Use cookies

Cookies? Yes. Let me explain...

=> COOKIES EXPLAINED

A "cookie" is simply a little piece of text data which a web server stores temporarily with your web user's browser. (Note: cookies are *not* programs.) That indicates your user's browser remembers some specific data which the web server could later retrieve.

So cookies simply permit your website to store data on your user's computer for later use.

A basic example of a cookie in action could be found here - http://www.jsworkshop.com/js3e/list24-1.html

Another example is the "online shopping mall" that uses cookies to add items to a user's "shopping cart" as they browse.

==Aside==

Here are 2 instances of how my own websites use cookies (I utilize them to make sure a pop-up window loads at a set frequency):

- Pop-up ONCE ONLY http://www.shoptour.co.uk/webmaster.shtml

- Pop-up ONCE PER DAY http://www.anyonecansellonline.com/tips.shtml

For those interested, the cookie code is stored here http://anyonecansellonline.com/makecurrencyfiles/cookie1.js

==Aside==

=> WHY YOUR WEBSITE SHOULD USE COOKIES

Essentially, cookies permit you to improve a website user's experience of your site. I have listed a few cases to show how you may attain that:

Cookies may store user preferences. That indicates you may current customised data to your user, as per their own requirements. (That's how portal websites like MSN work.)

Cookies may pre-fill form fields for your user.

Cookies may automatically login users to your website

Cookies could afford user statistics and therefore assist you understand your users' needs. Cookies could supply website metrics like number of different users, typical number of page-views, %age of repeat users et cetera. And cookie-generated statistics are much more accurate than using log files.

(Do remember though, that individuals at times share computers; some browsers are set to reject cookies; and cookies could be erased.)

So not only are cookies an efficient way of monitoring data, they also assist individualalise your website users' experiences of your site.

And that's the point with cookies - how is it that *you* assist your website user?

No, it does not mean you could now invade your user's personal space! The use of cookies is often abused by website owners, yet that fundamentally leads to cookie-blocking software being set up and used; so do set your cookies cautiously, and include a personal space statement on your website explaining your use of cookies! (See below.)

=> USE THIS COOKIE RESOURCE

CookieCentral is an excellent resource dedicated to all things Cookie. The website's described as supplying "data of ceaseless cookies, HTTP cookies, cookies with JavaScript, magic cookies, [and] maintaining state with cookies and more."

Yet do not worry if that sounds also technical for you, CookieCentral actually is a good place to come to know about the pros and cons of using cookies.

From the cafterpt of cookies through cafterrns about personal space to JavaScript and CGI demo code - you will discover it all at CookieCentral.

http://www.cookiecentral.com/content.phtml?area=2&id=1

=> OR VISIT THESE SITES TO LEARN ABOUT COOKIES

Should you wish to understand more regarding how cookies work, then visit these websites:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/cookie1.htm

http://www.newbalancecatalog.com/General/cookies.htm

http://www.allaboutcookies.org/cookies/index.html

=> OR JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

As ever, the web is filled with free programs and scripts which permit you to use cookies. Whether you wish to use JavaScript, CGI/Perl, PHP or ASP - you may discover free resources that assist you set up cookies on your website.

JavaScript cookies - http://webdeveloper.earthweb.com/webjs/cookies/

CGI/Perl cookies - http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/Cookies/ (all one word)

PHP User Individualalization Enterprise with Cookies - http://www.devshed.com/Server_Side/PHP/Cookies/

ASP and cookies - http://www.w3schools.com/asp/asp_cookies.asp

=> PRIVACY WARNING!

More and more web users are becoming sensitive to their online secrecy. Rightly so. And that includes cookies, and how your website utilizes them. So do make sure that you understand the matters included, and set your personal space statement accordingly.

That article explains more...

http://www.websitepoint.com/article/p3p-cookies-ie6/1

=> READ MORE...

You may discover out a fantastic deal more about using cookies on your website from the following excellent resources. Merely do a search for "cookies" and off you go!

http://www.workz.com

http://www.iboost.com

http://www.websitepoint.com

--

Cookies may improve your users' experiences of your website, with individualalisation. Using cookies, your website might well run more efficiently also, and might supply you with accurate website statistics assisting you deliver only what your users are looking for.

Only use cookies carecompletely, in order that your users benefit!

(And persist to comprehend from the invaluable resources above, and below ;-) !)

Copyright 2003Steve Nash

About The Author

STEVE NASH is the writer of the ebook: "2Super-Tips To Construct, Promote And Income More From Your Site." Download your free copy then! http://www.wise-purchases.info/bonus.shtml

WANT MORE TIPS? Sign-up to his free monthly Construct-tips course here! http://www.wise-purchases.info/newsletter.