Create a Search Engine Toolbar for Your Web SiteThe trend started with Google releasing their toolbar for Internet Explorer. It changed way we searched by making search engine available from inside browser with no need for user to go to particular website.
And now, Yahoo!, Microsoft, AOL… Every big corporation running a search engine has their own toolbar. So much so that if I turn all toolbars installed on my particular browser, there would be little space left for browsing space!
So, how do you as a web publisher (or a content provider) reach out to your clientele? Get them to install a search toolbar that is custom made to suit your website. I found some companies selling tools to make customized toolbars, but one I am discussing today provides service for free and integrates custom search results for YOUR SITE.
Effective Brand has a complete web-based toolbar generator. Moreover, they host toolbar for you on their website with a custom page dedicated to it. The initial toolbar generator is a 4-step procedure where user gets to pick up a logo, a search string, custom buttons, and basic toolbar details. And system generates toolbar and custom page.
What is best thing about this toolbar generator? The ability to make changes without worrying about client end version. Whenever a user opens browser, toolbar is updated with latest settings and updates from server. Thus, one time installation is required on client side. And with "recommended site" results integrated in toolbar, it acts more as a search companion and not just like a static toolbar hogging valuable browser window space.