Avatar News November 28, 2008

Christmas E-Cards – It's Less Than A Month To Christmas

Feel like doing something a little different for your corporate Christmas cards this year? Why not commission Avatar to design an electronic e-card and impress your clients with a contemporary and novel Christmas message?

Choose from static, flash or animated games-style cards, customised with your own Christmas message and company logo.

THIS MONTH'S OFFER : If you commission a Christmas card from us before 10th December, we'll give you a discount of $25+gst. (This offer is valid until 10th December 2008 only.)

Five Free Google Tools

Google is undoubtedly one of the world's leading brands and offers a superb variety of useful Web products that are absolutely free. Here's a rundown of five of our favourites:

1. Google Analytics
Ever wondered how people find your Web site, what search terms visitors are using and which search engines are directing traffic your way? Google Analytics is the answer to finding out about:

• Web site traffic sources
• Visitor statistics
• Conversion rates
• Top content on your site

The information gathered from Analytics will arm you with knowledge about what's working on your site and what's not. It's the best free Web stats analysis toll that we know of. Using Analytics, you'll be able to make informed site design improvements, drive targeted traffic and increase conversions rates.

2. Webmaster Central

For those interested in achieving better search engine rankings, Webmaster Central is a usefule Google tool for you. With tips, tools and guidelines to help Google find, index and rank your site, it's a handy tool for all new Web sites. Highlights of Webmaster Central include:

• Overview of errors and problems with page access or meta data
• Comprehensive statistics on top search queries, subscribers and indexing
• Link statistics and information
• Google friendly site map submission

3. Keyword Suggestion Tool

This is a excellent way to find search terms that Web surfers are using to find products and services that you offer. Simply type in your keyword or phrase and Google will generate related search terms that may be relevant for your Web site pages. Key features include:

• Advertiser competition statistics
• Average search volume statistics
• Related keywords
• Enter your URL to find related keywords

4. Google Maps API

Google Maps API lets you insert Google Maps into Web pages on your site with JavaScript. A Google Map is great to add to your location page or contact us page on your site so that clients and customers can find you easily. Highlights include:

• Google Maps API is available for any Web site that is free to consumers
• Ability to manipulate and add content to maps
• Ability to add a map to your blog

See an example of a Google Map on the Avatar Web site.

5. Google Custom Search

Custom Search Engine will allow you to use the power of Google to create a free search engine just for your Web site.

• Include a specific Web site, several sites or specific pages
• Prioritise or restrict search results to your specification
• Tailor the look of the search function to match your existing Web pages
• Include a search for your blog

Tidbits

Puppy love. A litter of kittens in China are now into their second life, as a thoughtful pooch adopts them after their mother dies. Seven more to go…

A precious margarita. A clever group of Mexican scientists have discovered a way to turn their national drink tequila into diamonds.

Hotel guests from hell. Some entertaining tales from the world's weirdest hotel guest complaints.

A ridiculous ride. A weird looking ‘double bike' that will have you turning heads as you turn the pedals. We're not expecting this dangerous (and absurd) looking invention to go mainstream.

The high road to Africa. A British engineer has designed a flying vehicle called the Skycar and is flying the propeller powered dune buggy from the UK to the Sahara.

Recovered species. One of the planet's smallest and rarest primates, thought to be extinct has been found in Indonesia, for the first time in 80 years.

This Month's Sites of Interest

Murray Withers

A brand new Web site for Christchurch law firm, Murray Withers and Associates was launched earlier this month. The attractive and contemporary new site features:

• Flash animation
• Clear calls to actions
• Attractive and modern design

AW Fraser

AW Fraser is a Christchurch based manufacturer and supplier of bronze and brass components, extrusions and alloys. Their new site, launched this month, features:

• A Joomla content management system
• Simple and stylish visual layout
• Clear navigation