Facebook - http://qpleple.com/authenticate-users-with-their-facebook-account/
Google and Others - http://qpleple.com/how-to-make-people-login-into-your-website-with-their-google-account/
Showing posts with label needs followup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label needs followup. Show all posts
Saturday, April 26
Saturday, March 29
Interesting Javascript Libraries
Stumbling across some interesting stuff...
Heat Maps:
http://clicky.com/
Easy Installation of Auto Complete
http://www.brandspankingnew.net/specials/ajax_autosuggest/ajax_autosuggest_autocomplete.html
Gray Box/Light Box/In page popup
http://orangoo.com/labs/GreyBox/
http://www.lokeshdhakar.com/projects/lightbox2/
Auto Comment you JS code
http://smartcomments.github.io/
Megamenu - Drop Downs with options
http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/script2/jkmegamenu.shtml
Form Menu Hints
http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/script2/formfieldhints.shtml
Heat Maps:
http://clicky.com/
http://www.brandspankingnew.net/specials/ajax_autosuggest/ajax_autosuggest_autocomplete.html
Gray Box/Light Box/In page popup
http://orangoo.com/labs/GreyBox/
http://www.lokeshdhakar.com/projects/lightbox2/
Auto Comment you JS code
http://smartcomments.github.io/
Megamenu - Drop Downs with options
http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/script2/jkmegamenu.shtml
Form Menu Hints
http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/script2/formfieldhints.shtml
Wednesday, September 11
Evaluation of Trader
I was watching this thread over at HotStockMarket, thought I'd make some notes on how accurate this fella Binks was:
Some disclaimers: This is a paper trade, I did not actually make these trades. It is impossible for me to get in and out exactly when he is, therefore, anytime he made a post on the thread, I assume that I bought at the open price on the following day of the post. Obviously, this could lead to some major differences in profit.
8/27/13 - GGS - in at 2.70, At 2.64 on 9/5 = 2% loss
8/28/13 - AStx- in at 6.39 on 8/29, At 8.61 on 9/5 = 34% profit
8/29/13 - NVA - in at 3.22 on 9/3, At 3.23 on 9/5 = 1% profit
8/23/13 - AMRN - in at 6.10, At 7.36 on 9/5 = 20% profit
8/26/13 - MXWL- in at 9.47, At 9.00 on 9/5 = 5% loss
8/26/13 - STSI - in at 2.03, At 1.93 on 9/5 = 4.9% loss
8/26/13 - YRCW in at 17.50, At 17.65 on 9/5 = .8% gain
8/16/13 - AMRN in at 6.01, At 7.37 on 9/5 = 22% profit
8/19/13 - ASTX in at 5.25, At 8.64 on 9/5 = 64% profit
8/13/13 - RAD in at 3.60, At 3.53 on 9/5 = 1% loss
8/14/13 - PCO in at 2.00, At 1.88 on 9/5 = 6% loss
8/14/13 - AMRN in at 5.14, At 7.36 on 9/5 = 32% profit
7/8/13 - AMD in at 4.40, At 3.56 on 9/5 = 20% loss
7/18/13 - HPQ in at 26.33, At 22.52 on 9/5 = 15% loss
7/15/13 - GTAT = 35% profit
7/15/13 - ICA= 10% profit
7/15/13 - AGNC = 3% loss
7/15/13 - MAKO= 22% profit
7/11/13 - ITMN = 14% profit
7/11/13 - ECTE = 1% profit
Conclusion:
Some disclaimers: This is a paper trade, I did not actually make these trades. It is impossible for me to get in and out exactly when he is, therefore, anytime he made a post on the thread, I assume that I bought at the open price on the following day of the post. Obviously, this could lead to some major differences in profit.
8/27/13 - GGS - in at 2.70, At 2.64 on 9/5 = 2% loss
8/28/13 - AStx- in at 6.39 on 8/29, At 8.61 on 9/5 = 34% profit
8/29/13 - NVA - in at 3.22 on 9/3, At 3.23 on 9/5 = 1% profit
8/23/13 - AMRN - in at 6.10, At 7.36 on 9/5 = 20% profit
8/26/13 - MXWL- in at 9.47, At 9.00 on 9/5 = 5% loss
8/26/13 - STSI - in at 2.03, At 1.93 on 9/5 = 4.9% loss
8/26/13 - YRCW in at 17.50, At 17.65 on 9/5 = .8% gain
8/16/13 - AMRN in at 6.01, At 7.37 on 9/5 = 22% profit
8/19/13 - ASTX in at 5.25, At 8.64 on 9/5 = 64% profit
8/13/13 - RAD in at 3.60, At 3.53 on 9/5 = 1% loss
8/14/13 - PCO in at 2.00, At 1.88 on 9/5 = 6% loss
8/14/13 - AMRN in at 5.14, At 7.36 on 9/5 = 32% profit
7/8/13 - AMD in at 4.40, At 3.56 on 9/5 = 20% loss
7/18/13 - HPQ in at 26.33, At 22.52 on 9/5 = 15% loss
7/15/13 - GTAT = 35% profit
7/15/13 - ICA= 10% profit
7/15/13 - AGNC = 3% loss
7/15/13 - MAKO= 22% profit
7/11/13 - ITMN = 14% profit
7/11/13 - ECTE = 1% profit
Conclusion:
- 20 Picks over last 2 months
- Gainers: 11
- Losers: 8
- Profit: 196%
Saturday, February 12
Building a Pipeline of American Talent
I was sitting with some folks last week, after watching Wayne Hicks recieve recognition at the Microsoft Charlotte campus. We had a very interesting conversation which struck a cord with me. We were talking about the need to create a pipeline, a steady stream, of high quality minority talent. Specifically for companies looking to hire this talent.
Now, this idea is not all mine, so I certainly won't take credit for it, but I thought I'd discuss it a bit.
The realization was that, maybe, just maybe, the BDPA SITES program is allready setup to deliver just such a pipeline.
Think about it from a hiring companies perspective. They need to find top talent for junior level technical positions. Typically they would service this need by going to College Events and other well known HR practices.
But how do they find those really talented kids. The ones that have a 4.0 but also have real world experience. Those talented "Lebrauns", "Kobes" and "Shaqs" of the IT world.
I know that we (BDPA) know who those students are, I personally can tick off 4 in the last two years. It's those students who have gone through our Youth Technology Camp then gone on to our "High School Computer Academy" and then followed up on our collegiate program the "IT Showcase". It's students who have had in-depth conversations and mentorship by real working IT Professionals, year after year.
So when you find one of these students, you know you have found an individual who:
A reliable, flexible and productive employee is a very solid ROI (Return on Investment). One might even say it is the most import measure for an HR department. BDPA has the ability to offer those candidates on a platter.
As a hiring manager, you want to get your new higher to produce as soon as possible and you want your new hire to be flexible to the nuances of your business. BDPA students deliver on both fronts.
So what does BDPA ask in return, just a few things:
First: Cash. It costs to get the right equipment, to market to the right youths, to give the youths experiences that will prepare them for the work force. It simply takes money.
Second: Internships. You can only get experience by working. I've found that most of our students stand out as interns. Even when our high-school students are interning with college students. We encourage companies to setup high-school and college internships, both paid and unpaid, where our students can learn and contribute.
Third: On the job Advancement. Once on the job, evaluate theirperformance, advance them as needed. They will shine, but you must give them opportunity to do so. Doing so will allow them to find other good employees to join your company.
All in all, it was an interesting conversation. It definitely needs some polish. I'd like to put a deck together illustrating this concept in simpler (fewer) words.
But sometimes it's more important to simple capture the thought.
Please keep in mind, these are my personal thoughts and opinions and not necessarily the opinions of BDPA at a national level.
Thoughs? Comments?
The realization was that, maybe, just maybe, the BDPA SITES program is allready setup to deliver just such a pipeline.
Think about it from a hiring companies perspective. They need to find top talent for junior level technical positions. Typically they would service this need by going to College Events and other well known HR practices.
But how do they find those really talented kids. The ones that have a 4.0 but also have real world experience. Those talented "Lebrauns", "Kobes" and "Shaqs" of the IT world.
I know that we (BDPA) know who those students are, I personally can tick off 4 in the last two years. It's those students who have gone through our Youth Technology Camp then gone on to our "High School Computer Academy" and then followed up on our collegiate program the "IT Showcase". It's students who have had in-depth conversations and mentorship by real working IT Professionals, year after year.
So when you find one of these students, you know you have found an individual who:
- Excels at technology
- Understands technology
- Is able to develop and deliver real world solutions
- Is capable of functioning appropriately in a company environment
- Has excelled academically and professionally
A reliable, flexible and productive employee is a very solid ROI (Return on Investment). One might even say it is the most import measure for an HR department. BDPA has the ability to offer those candidates on a platter.
As a hiring manager, you want to get your new higher to produce as soon as possible and you want your new hire to be flexible to the nuances of your business. BDPA students deliver on both fronts.
So what does BDPA ask in return, just a few things:
First: Cash. It costs to get the right equipment, to market to the right youths, to give the youths experiences that will prepare them for the work force. It simply takes money.
Second: Internships. You can only get experience by working. I've found that most of our students stand out as interns. Even when our high-school students are interning with college students. We encourage companies to setup high-school and college internships, both paid and unpaid, where our students can learn and contribute.
Third: On the job Advancement. Once on the job, evaluate theirperformance, advance them as needed. They will shine, but you must give them opportunity to do so. Doing so will allow them to find other good employees to join your company.
All in all, it was an interesting conversation. It definitely needs some polish. I'd like to put a deck together illustrating this concept in simpler (fewer) words.
But sometimes it's more important to simple capture the thought.
Please keep in mind, these are my personal thoughts and opinions and not necessarily the opinions of BDPA at a national level.
Thoughs? Comments?
Friday, January 16
How to make Money with your Game (pbbg)
The eternal question, how to turn this thing into a money tree.
I've got a game coming out with lots of potential, here is my plan to make money from the game. If you have tried any of the following please let me know how it has worked out for you. (And of course if you have any other ideas please shoot them out.
Some of this are summarized from posting and conversations on other sites, so I certainly can not claim these as "mine".
Background: This is an RPG game, utility management game. Let's say a user gets 1 pt every 1 min. They buy stuff and attack other players with it.
Idea 1: User can purchase more action pts/turns/ticks.
The trick with this is that in order to maintain a balanced system, when one user buys pts. All users get points. IE: You are actually bying everyone in the game an extra 500 action points.
Alternativly, you could randomly give the purchaser and 10,20 or 30 other players the same amount of points.
Idea 2: Membership
Two types of Membership, a lifetime or a monthly. While monthly is more attractive to me, lifetime is more attractive to the player.
Membership gives you additional benefits that make the game easier to play. Maybe the ability to have a custom avatar or screen. You are allowed to buy items, units or equipment that functions in the same manner as a non-member item but it has a different image.
Idea 3: Special Items
Allow users to buy items/units/equipment that does special things or have special/higher stats. I go round and round about this one, as it has the potential to devastate the game balance. But everywhere that I read says that while the players grip about this feature, they will buy these items. This also seems to be the starting point where items in your game begin to have an external real world money value.
Idea 4: Earn Refuge
Most games give refuge to new players, they can't be attacked for 24 hours. A player could by refuge and not be attacked for a given number of hours. This has the potential to mess with game balance if a player is able to buy this for extended period of times.
I'd like to hear what your thoughts are about this...
I've got a game coming out with lots of potential, here is my plan to make money from the game. If you have tried any of the following please let me know how it has worked out for you. (And of course if you have any other ideas please shoot them out.
Some of this are summarized from posting and conversations on other sites, so I certainly can not claim these as "mine".
Background: This is an RPG game, utility management game. Let's say a user gets 1 pt every 1 min. They buy stuff and attack other players with it.
Idea 1: User can purchase more action pts/turns/ticks.
The trick with this is that in order to maintain a balanced system, when one user buys pts. All users get points. IE: You are actually bying everyone in the game an extra 500 action points.
Alternativly, you could randomly give the purchaser and 10,20 or 30 other players the same amount of points.
Idea 2: Membership
Two types of Membership, a lifetime or a monthly. While monthly is more attractive to me, lifetime is more attractive to the player.
Membership gives you additional benefits that make the game easier to play. Maybe the ability to have a custom avatar or screen. You are allowed to buy items, units or equipment that functions in the same manner as a non-member item but it has a different image.
Idea 3: Special Items
Allow users to buy items/units/equipment that does special things or have special/higher stats. I go round and round about this one, as it has the potential to devastate the game balance. But everywhere that I read says that while the players grip about this feature, they will buy these items. This also seems to be the starting point where items in your game begin to have an external real world money value.
Idea 4: Earn Refuge
Most games give refuge to new players, they can't be attacked for 24 hours. A player could by refuge and not be attacked for a given number of hours. This has the potential to mess with game balance if a player is able to buy this for extended period of times.
I'd like to hear what your thoughts are about this...
Wednesday, January 7
Make an iGoogle Gadget for Your Game in 5 Steps
So the other day to help promote my game, I decided to create an iGoogle gadget.
For those who might know, Google allows users to setup their own homepage with nice little gadgets that do all sorts of things. You can check that out here: http://www.google.com/ig
To build a gadget you must understand that it consists of two parts.
xml file - This is the base file and contains all the formatting and javascript of your gadget.
data file - This contains the data that is displayed by your gadget
The gadget I am building is for my new game www.rpgcardz.com , the gadget will display the top ranking folks.
Step 1:
Get the developer gadget, from here, (click the add now link). It will allow you to refresh and test your gadget without posting to google's gadget directory. This is important...without this you will have a very hard time...go get it.
Step 2:
Create the xml document. Notice this looks very similar to an HTML document. Do the following to the file:
Step 3:
Notice there is some javascript here which calls a remote location and takes the content there and shoves it into a div. You will need to point the code to the right location and create the data file (see Step 4).
We use a special google function called _IG_FetchContent(), which you pass a url to and it calls the function that you specify and passes back the contents:
The main body of the page consists of some simple HTML. (If you can't make sense of this, you probably should not be doing this stuff.)
That one anyone can use them.
So highscores.php looks like the following:
Step 5:
Test, Test, Test...
Go to your iGoogle page, in the developer gadget you just added type the location of your XML file.
Watch the magic.
Notes and More:
Google caches your gadgets, they refresh the cached copy at least once a day. Check your cached copy before releasing to the world.
Try going putting the url of your data file in your browser...if it crashes or errors you have problems.
Try putting the url of your xml file in your browser...if it crashes or errors you have problems.
You can create the same type of gadget without using ajax. (PHP can generate xml docs...or you can do print statements to write the xml file)
Odd things happen with cached data, that could be the source of all your headaches.
Firebug is your friend (firebug's a javascript debugger plugin for firefox)
For those who might know, Google allows users to setup their own homepage with nice little gadgets that do all sorts of things. You can check that out here: http://www.google.com/ig
To build a gadget you must understand that it consists of two parts.
xml file - This is the base file and contains all the formatting and javascript of your gadget.
data file - This contains the data that is displayed by your gadget
The gadget I am building is for my new game www.rpgcardz.com , the gadget will display the top ranking folks.
Step 1:
Get the developer gadget, from here, (click the add now link). It will allow you to refresh and test your gadget without posting to google's gadget directory. This is important...without this you will have a very hard time...go get it.
Step 2:
Create the xml document. Notice this looks very similar to an HTML document. Do the following to the file:
- Edit the Author, Title, URL and Screenshot information in lines 1 to 10
- Edit the css style elements between lines 16 and 22
Step 3:
Notice there is some javascript here which calls a remote location and takes the content there and shoves it into a div. You will need to point the code to the right location and create the data file (see Step 4).
We use a special google function called _IG_FetchContent(), which you pass a url to and it calls the function that you specify and passes back the contents:
var requestType = "highscores";
var timer = null;
function getHighScores()
{
requestType = "highscores";
url = 'http://www.yoursite.com/rpgcardz.com/feeds/highscores.php'
//send request using google API
_IG_FetchContent(url, responseHandler, { refreshInterval: (10) });
}
function responseHandler(response)
{
if (response == null || typeof(response) != "string")
{
$("mainDiv").innerHTML = "It appears that no one is online...";
return;
}
fullText =response;
if(requestType == "highscores")
{
//take contents and shove it into the mainDiv
var d = document.getElementById("mainDiv");
d.innerHTML = fullText;
//Refresh in 10 min
timer = setTimeout("getHighScores()", 600000);
}
}
//call the function when the gadget loads
//another google api function
_IG_RegisterOnloadHandler(getHighScores);
The main body of the page consists of some simple HTML. (If you can't make sense of this, you probably should not be doing this stuff.)
The data that actually get displayed is generated by a different page. I usually put this in a folder called feeds. For example: www.rpgCardz.com/feeds/highscores.php
<center>
<a href="http://www.battleforcesonline.com" target=blank
><img src="http://www.rpgCardz.com/iGoogle/logo.jpg" border=0></a>
<h1>Rankings</h1>
<div id="mainDiv" style=" background-color: #EEE; margin:0 auto;">
Loading...
</div>
</center>
Step 4:
That one anyone can use them.
So highscores.php looks like the following:
//connect to the database
include_once "../connect.php";
//
// Make sure the page is not cached
//
header( 'Expires: Sat, 26 Jul 1997 05:00:00 GMT' );
$sql = "select userID, username, score ";
$sql.= " from c_user ";
$sql.= " where isGuest = 'N' ";
$sql.= " order by score desc limit 10";
$q = executeQuery($sql);
?>
<table width=100%>
<tr>
<td class=label>Position</td>
<td class=label align=right>Score</td>
<td class=label>Player</td>
</tr>
</table>
Step 5:
Test, Test, Test...
Go to your iGoogle page, in the developer gadget you just added type the location of your XML file.
Watch the magic.
Notes and More:
Google caches your gadgets, they refresh the cached copy at least once a day. Check your cached copy before releasing to the world.
Try going putting the url of your data file in your browser...if it crashes or errors you have problems.
Try putting the url of your xml file in your browser...if it crashes or errors you have problems.
You can create the same type of gadget without using ajax. (PHP can generate xml docs...or you can do print statements to write the xml file)
Odd things happen with cached data, that could be the source of all your headaches.
Firebug is your friend (firebug's a javascript debugger plugin for firefox)
Tuesday, July 29
Future Books and Dreams
I'm interesting in writing and think that I have a lot to share. (Although my wife and brothers would tell you differently.) Here is a list of books I would like to write and why:
Programming for High School Kids
I currently volunteer time teaching kids in grades 9 - 12 how to build basic web pages in ASP and .Net. I've done that for about 4 years now. I really enjoy doing it and I learn a lot about my development processes each year that I teach. The kids that I teach walk into my class with no computer programming or web design skills and 8 months later they are able to build full scale web applications.
This is done through the BDPA organization with the HSCC program.
Game Building with PHP
A book about how to build web based php game. This would cover some of the newer techniques like AJAX and map display, movement and stats. I also have read a lot of interesting things on game modeling and building addictive games. I think writing this book would be a great learning experience for myself.
Pseudo Auto-biography
I've always wanted to write about my family and my past. I have pretty interesting background, I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters, a white mother, a black father who spent 20+ years in the military, is a vet and a Buddhist. I also was raised in a very religious environment which I broke out of when I got older. I never watched TV or listened to music till I turned about 16. Because of this I can read a 300+ page book in about 2 hours. I've a collection of over 1000 sci-fi books and can remember almost every chapter of all of them. All of this gives me, what I think is a unique view on race, religion, ethics and life in general.
Why I raised my Sons the way I didAnyway, just a few things that were on my mind. If you feel like it leave me a comment on which one I should start first.
I really want to write this one just for my boys. I have a 2 and 9 year old and I think that they would appreciate some insights on why and how I made the choices I am now making in regard to how they are raised. Again I think this book would be educational both for myself and for them, but the most interested reader of this book would be my wife. *grin* Love ya Babe!
Friday, March 14
Battle Forces Online: Bounce Rates and Visits
Battle Forces Online: Bounce Rates and Visits
Interesting .... Between Feb 15, 2008 and Mar 14, 2008.
Low Bounce Rates:
* freegames.au - 39 visits, 20% bounce rate
* internetgames.org - 1 visits (prev 7)
* onlinegamesinn.com - 10 visits (prev 19), 30% bounce rate
* pbbgblog - 42 visits, 40% bounce rate
* onrpg.com - 133 visits (prev 37), 27% bounce rate (prev 30%)
* forums.indiegamer.com - 13 visits (prev 97), 30% bounce rate (prev 62%)
Most Visits From
* onrpg.com - 133 visits (prev 37), 27% bounce rate (prev 30%)
* community.bbgamezone.com - 49 visits (prev 59), 35% bounce rate (prev 45%)
* forums.indiegamer.com - 13 visits (prev 97), 30% bounce rate (prev 62%)
* pbbgblog - 42 visits, 40% bounce rate
I know that this past month I have posted a lot of entries on pbbgblog.com....evidently they have been working. The bounce rate is a bit high but it seems worth while.
Mental Note: Check out onrpg.com, it may be worth while to post a few things over there as it seems, they have a great bounce rate for my visitors.
Interesting .... Between Feb 15, 2008 and Mar 14, 2008.
Low Bounce Rates:
* freegames.au - 39 visits, 20% bounce rate
* internetgames.org - 1 visits (prev 7)
* onlinegamesinn.com - 10 visits (prev 19), 30% bounce rate
* pbbgblog - 42 visits, 40% bounce rate
* onrpg.com - 133 visits (prev 37), 27% bounce rate (prev 30%)
* forums.indiegamer.com - 13 visits (prev 97), 30% bounce rate (prev 62%)
Most Visits From
* onrpg.com - 133 visits (prev 37), 27% bounce rate (prev 30%)
* community.bbgamezone.com - 49 visits (prev 59), 35% bounce rate (prev 45%)
* forums.indiegamer.com - 13 visits (prev 97), 30% bounce rate (prev 62%)
* pbbgblog - 42 visits, 40% bounce rate
I know that this past month I have posted a lot of entries on pbbgblog.com....evidently they have been working. The bounce rate is a bit high but it seems worth while.
Mental Note: Check out onrpg.com, it may be worth while to post a few things over there as it seems, they have a great bounce rate for my visitors.
Wednesday, February 13
Conversions...
Why won't they Play my Game?
I've been researching how to convert users for my browser based game Battle Forces Online. Well the first thing I had to do was to deiced what a "conversion" meant. After much labor and hard thought (30 to 40 seconds) I came to the brilliant conclusion that there are 3 different things I want from players.
Players
I want players to hit my landing page and start playing the game. I consider a user who creates an account and adds a Blade to the battle field. I consider these my players.
Voters
In order to generate more players, I need players to vote on one or more listing sites. This seems to drive more users then any other action that I can do. This is a sort of secondary conversion as this can not be done by a user, but can be done by a player (person with an account).
Buyers
The hardest sell. There is/will be an upgrade feature which will allow players to purchase items within the game. A conversion would be getting a player to buy this item.
In my next post, I will follow up with how I can make modifications to my landing page to facilitate these conversions.
So How can I optimize the Landing Page
Large Images
Large images placed in the center of the page that contrast with the background draw the eye. Currently I have a large image that spans 75% of the landing page, I am going to restrucutre this to have the "Play Now" button in the middle of the page.
Contact Information
Potential players are much more comfortable when they know they can contact the developer or support team for the game. Since this is the case, I will add a send message form where users can send me a message and I get it via email.
Screenshots
Potential players love screenshots as do reviewers. I have screenshots on the page so I will keep them, however I must remember to not let them overshadow the "Play Now" button.
Registering
Registration should be as simple and as accessible as possible. I think I will add both a login and a register form to the entrance page.
Headline
Users will read the first headline on your page 90% of the time...what is mine?
Tracking
In order to test these changes, I plan on creating a folder called "Landing", I will then figure out which of the landing pages convert the best.
KISS
Keep it as simple as possible, classy but simple.
Interesting Items to Follow Up With:
I've been researching how to convert users for my browser based game Battle Forces Online. Well the first thing I had to do was to deiced what a "conversion" meant. After much labor and hard thought (30 to 40 seconds) I came to the brilliant conclusion that there are 3 different things I want from players.
Players
I want players to hit my landing page and start playing the game. I consider a user who creates an account and adds a Blade to the battle field. I consider these my players.
Voters
In order to generate more players, I need players to vote on one or more listing sites. This seems to drive more users then any other action that I can do. This is a sort of secondary conversion as this can not be done by a user, but can be done by a player (person with an account).
Buyers
The hardest sell. There is/will be an upgrade feature which will allow players to purchase items within the game. A conversion would be getting a player to buy this item.
In my next post, I will follow up with how I can make modifications to my landing page to facilitate these conversions.
So How can I optimize the Landing Page
Large Images
Large images placed in the center of the page that contrast with the background draw the eye. Currently I have a large image that spans 75% of the landing page, I am going to restrucutre this to have the "Play Now" button in the middle of the page.
Contact Information
Potential players are much more comfortable when they know they can contact the developer or support team for the game. Since this is the case, I will add a send message form where users can send me a message and I get it via email.
Screenshots
Potential players love screenshots as do reviewers. I have screenshots on the page so I will keep them, however I must remember to not let them overshadow the "Play Now" button.
Registering
Registration should be as simple and as accessible as possible. I think I will add both a login and a register form to the entrance page.
Headline
Users will read the first headline on your page 90% of the time...what is mine?
Tracking
In order to test these changes, I plan on creating a folder called "Landing", I will then figure out which of the landing pages convert the best.
KISS
Keep it as simple as possible, classy but simple.
Interesting Items to Follow Up With:
- How to convert players to payers
Wednesday, November 21
Marketing A Browser Based Game
So as I roll this new game out, battleforcesonline.com. I wanted to advertise it and try to drive some users to the game. After some research and head scratching below is my plan. I'll write an update in a few days about how it's working.
Referral Program
The number one item that I put into place to help with marketing is the ability to refer a friend. If you refer a friend and that friend plays the game a bit, you can get a free unit (game piece). I'll be interested in seeing if this helps with word of mouth.
Forum Postings
I feel like such a heel. I've gone to about 10 different forums and posting a request for beta users for the game. I felt like a spammer. In my defense I tried to post only in those threads designated for new games or advertisements.
To be honest I don't expect a lot of traffic from these posts.
Gaming Directories
I've posted the game to a number of gaming directories, it will be interesting to see which ones will prove to send the most traffic.
Stats
I should point out that I am using Google Analytics for my stats tracking.
Referral Program
The number one item that I put into place to help with marketing is the ability to refer a friend. If you refer a friend and that friend plays the game a bit, you can get a free unit (game piece). I'll be interested in seeing if this helps with word of mouth.
Forum Postings
I feel like such a heel. I've gone to about 10 different forums and posting a request for beta users for the game. I felt like a spammer. In my defense I tried to post only in those threads designated for new games or advertisements.
To be honest I don't expect a lot of traffic from these posts.
Gaming Directories
I've posted the game to a number of gaming directories, it will be interesting to see which ones will prove to send the most traffic.
Stats
I should point out that I am using Google Analytics for my stats tracking.
