Easy Content

Although we want to make our site "sell" and that is its main function, we are not simply creating an on-line store.

The Practical DotCom Business model is based on creating a more 3-dimensional site, where visitors with a shared interest are drawn in, want to stay, want to return. Their enthusiasm and involvement are aids in overcoming some of the traditional barriers to purchasing on-line.

We also want the site to provide value that means directory editors - and the webmasters of other related sites - will be happy to include links to it, something they are less likely to do if it appears to be purely "commercial".

Although you will certainly be creating product related content - and you should feel free to create as much other relevant content as you want to build an attractive site - there are ways to add content to your site that is current, dynamic and relevant - and easy!

A quick warning. As with so many things in this guide - if it isn't relevant, don't do it. If you find a content source that you find wildly compelling and you really want to be involved with it - but it doesn't fit your site ...

... by all means create a new site with a new subject where it will slot in, but don't try to squeeze content into an inappropriate setting.

For our content in the demo site, we are going to return to Moreover. They have content feeds for hundreds of different subjects, and the integration is very straightforward.

Step By Step

Click on the link here to go to the webfeed wizard.

Define the News

The first thing you'll do is decide what kind of news you want. Either choose a preselected category from the menu, or if you don't find what you're looking for, just enter a keyword or two that you'd like to focus your news on and click "Preview".

Keyword examples: Golf, DVD, museums, ...

Layout and Design

Click on the "Change Layout" button at the bottom of the wizard. "Change Layout" allows you to shape the look and feel of the webfeed. Use the drop down menus to find your choice of font type, size, color and background options.

Preview the Results

Here's a preview of what you've just created. If you like it, you're ready to put the news on your site by clicking "Proceed".

If you want to change your colors or fonts:

Just go back by clicking "Change content or layout" and select new options from the pulldown menus.

If you want to change your content:

Just go back by clicking "Change ontent or layout" and either select a new category OR enter a new keyword. Hint: If you get no results from a keyword try fewer words, different phrasing, or check your spelling.

The Code is Ready!

Just enter your email address and they'll send your webfeed code right over. Then, just paste your code into your website, sit back, and let the headlines roll in!

In the demo site, the table cell the content sits in is 600 pixels wide (so if you are using this as a template, choose a headline width setting that is less than 600), and the colors should relate to those used in menus, headings and other key page elements on your site.

You can put this kind of content on every page - or you could create a page specifically for "News From Around the World" or whatever. Although it depends on the dynamics of your site, I would suggest:

• Put content feeds on the front page - but at the bottom of the page. When they arrive, we want people to think "wow - interesting site" but not to click off as soon as they get there. So expose your messages first.
• Don't put content feeds on product sales pages. Each link down a chain of pages that are product related should have less and less distractions - even if they are to other buying opportunities.