What is a Linking Banner, and How Do I Use It?
What is a Linking Banner, and How Do I Use It?
by Robin Vila'
One of the most common questions I am asked is just as this article is titled, "What is a Linking Banner, and How Do I Use It? Great question. A linking banner is a small graphic that is created with your Business Name and optional slogan, website or other information that you may use to advertise your site on the web. The graphic is hyperlinked to your site so when a viewer clicks on the graphic they will be directed to your website.
Here are the steps to use your linking banner in a nutshell:
1. When you receive your banner, save it to your hard drive in the folder where you are storing your website files.
2. Next, go to your admin panel and click on Images on the left side of your navigation.
3. Click on Show Images.
4. Click on Browse and locate the image on your hard drive, click Open and then Add.
5. If your banner uploaded properly, you should see the file name in the list of images. Find the image, then click on the name of the image.
6. Your banner should pop up in a browser window. Now your banner has a URL address. The address in the browser window is your Banner URL. It should look something similar to: http://www.boutiquemama.com/images/banner.jpg.
7. Now when you join toplists and exchange banners, you will be able to provide your Banner URL.
8. Some banner exchanges will ask for the actual banner, and in those cases, you will email the banner in an attachment or submit the banner for upload on the site you are exchanging with. The upload process on most sites is similar to the process as explained above, the difference being that you are uploading to their server instead of your own.
It is a good idea to join some toplists and exchange banners with other shop owners when starting your online business. It not only helps get the word out that your shop is open, but helps to optimize your search engine rankings. There are also many Work At Home Mom sites out there that will list your banner or link to your site for free or for a minimal fee. Just do a google search for WAHM Directories and see what you can find!
(P.S. You are always welcome to exchange banners with BoutiqueMama.com ;)
