I use it myself to direct new people around my website. Click here and you'll see for yourself: http://www.secretwebriches.com

In my opinion there is nothing worse than being bombarded by pop-up windows every time you visit your favorite site. What's great about this script is it only comes up once, first time a person visits your website, except with Netscape in some cases.

Keep it real!

To get most out of this technique you could position them strategically around your website, not on every page of course, but just here and there. Maybe each time performing a different function so you don't appear to be over using it.

Pop up windows are not just limited to appearing when a visitor arrives for first time, you can get them to appear behind webpage and even when someone leaves. Just imagine possibilities!

Have a look at this one: http://www.ngtools.com/fmain.php?D=webriches&A=c2

The Java script for first pop up window is at autoresponder e-mail address below, send a blank e-mail and you'll get it sent to you in seconds. Then all you do is follow some simple instructions

popupjava_swr@getresponse.com

The most important thing is to use your creativity. What kind of a twist could you add with them that will increase your subscriptions and sales?

While it is a good idea to have your links on side of page, you should avoid use of frames, which divides page into two logical pieces that can be independently manipulated. At current time, sites constructed with frames are not search engine friendly, although this could change.

Links should be clear as to where they will take you. It is crucial that titles of links, not only make sense, but actually take someone to that information. Each site should have links that are unique, and it is not a good idea to have information in target, that is not specified in link.

If you have someone design site for you, remember that their expertise is in web site design, and most likely they will know little, if anything, about what you are doing. They can construct site and make it look good, but copy and information flow is your responsibility. You should always take a break from copy writing, and if at all possible, have someone else proof your work for grammar. Also you have to be careful of words that pass spell check, but are actually an error. Don't confuse words like "there" and "their".

Once you have basic framework finished, it is now time to test it. Try to corral as many people as possible to review it. Is it clear and an effective presentation? You should probably avoid friends unless you are sure they will give you an honest evaluation.

The first impression your web site makes is crucial to success. If people have to "jump through hoops" to find out about your offer, or if it doesn't portray a professional image, odds are they won't buy.