One thing that every Website is fighting for is the online consumer’s attention. Thanks to a very clever and free utility, there is a powerful way you can do this every time a visitor puts their mouse over any of your site’s links!

Preview with Pizzazz

Imagine what it would be like if your site visitors could see a “preview” of the destination of any link in your site —just by hovering their cursor over the link.  This capability would make your site much more interesting and engaging.  It would also make your important links (like featured listings) stand out that much more.

These previews are called SnapShots™ and this capability is provided at no cost by Snap.com.  There are currently a number of different types of snap-shots available that you may find valuable to include on your site:

Here are examples of how SnapShots™ could could be incorporated into the links on your site.  Just place your mouse cursor over any of the links below:

PreviewShots™ - shows what the Web page of the link looks like.  For example, a featured listing;

WikiShots™ - this is a dramatic way to provide real estate glossary information throughout your site.  For example, explaining the concept of foreclosure;

• PhotoShots™ - allows you to show a sequence of photos (of a listing, neighborhood, school, etc.) that is already uploaded to one of several supported photo repository Websites.  Here is an example;

• VideoShots™ - allows your visitors to instantly play any video you saved (perhaps a greeting or special video report) to one of several supported video sharing Websites.  Here is an example;

• AudioShots™ - allows your visitors to play any MP3 file that the link happens to be pointing to.  This is particularly useful for providing podcast-like information without your visitors having to go through the hassle of subscribing to your podcast.  Here is an example;

• ProductShots™ - allows you to provide information about particular books on Amazon.com that your visitors may find helpful.  Here is an example.

What is really cool is that these SnapShots™ allow your site to provide highly valuable and engaging contextual link information without your visitors leaving the page.

Enabling SnapShots™ On Your Site

Incorporating SnapShots™ for links on your site is very straightforward.  In involves adding a small snippet of Javascript code to the bottom of every page on your site that you want SnapShots enabled.  Here’s how to get that code:

1. Go to Shots Central – this is the part of Snap.com that will explain in detail the various types of SnapShots™ you can attach to your site links, then click the “Get Started Now” button;

2. Customize Your SnapShots – this is where you can choose a color scheme, add your logo, pick the default size of your SnapShot windows, their language and so on.  NOTE: you are given one of three ways to have SnapShots triggered by users on your site.  It is suggested that you choose the first option of a combination of links and SnapShot icon to trigger any SnapShot pop-up.  This way you can control which links are SnapShot enabled;

3. Enter Your Site and Contact Information – this enables SnapShots to start capturing previews for your site and create the special code necessary to enable them;

4. Load the Code – have your Webmaster enter the specific JavaScript code provided by SnapShot on each page of your site that you want it enabled.

SnapShots gives you a fair degree of flexibility as to how and when your site’s SnapShots work.  Have your Webmaster review the SnapShots Help/FAQ section for the details.

The most precious commodity on the Web is your visitor’s attention.  SnapShots is one way to easily attract and retain their attention at no cost —which should always get your attention!

NOTE: Mr. Internet®, RUSSER Communications, its staff and officers receive no compensation whatsoever from any third party vendors and make no recommendations as to the suitability of the products or services mentioned in this article. Always thoroughly investigate any product or service before trying or purchasing.

Mr. Internet® is the alter ego of Michael J. Russer, an internationally recognized Internet speaker, trainer, author, and strategic consultant to the real estate industry. He is dedicated to helping real estate professionals leverage their people skills into profit on the Internet. You will see his column on REALTOR® Magazine Online every month and in the magazine quarterly. Send your Internet questions to help@askmrinternet.com or you can visit his Website at http://www.russer.com

This article is reprinted in its entirety from the July 2007 issue of REALTOR® Magazine by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved other than mentioned above. Mr. Internet® is a registered trademark and IEC™ and Ask Mr. Internet! ™ are trademarks of RUSSER Communications.