Do you have a website? Have you ever wondered where those little logos on web browsers come from? Would you like to add one to your website? That’s what we’re going to show you this month.
Wikipedia’s definition is: A favicon (short for favorites icon), also known as a shortcut icon, website icon, URL icon, or bookmark icon is a 16×16 pixel square icon associated with a particular website or webpage. A web designer can create such an icon and install it into a website (or webpage) by several means, and most graphical web browsers will then make use of it. Browsers that provide favicon support typically display a page’s favicon in the browser’s address bar and next to the page’s name in a list of bookmarks. Browsers that support a tabbed document interface typically show a page’s favicon next to the page’s title on the tab.
Favicon are simple to add to your website. They can also help to brand your website on peoples’ favorites lists. Isn’t it easier when you are looking at your favorites list to find a picture/symbol than it is to read all the websites, it is for me. The brain becomes trained to look for that icon or logo. Using a favicon is a simple and inexpensive way of extending your logo or brand. And I think it adds a touch of professionalism to you website and business.
There are many places you on the web you can convert your logo into a favicon. You’ll want to save it as an .ico file, which seems to be the most versatile file and should work with most browsers out there. I used coolutils to convert my symbol to the .ico format. Chami.com has some tips on how to get it added to your website, there are lots out there, but if those don’t work for you check with your web host. Also keep in mind that the size is only 16×16 pixels, tiny, so if you have a complex logo the details may get lost. You may need to simplify the logo it so it looks good.
Let me know if you decide to add a favicon to your website or let me know if you already have one.
Grow, Grow, Grow!!!!
Dave Segatti, MAD Media, www.gomadmedia.com
