I just wanted to pass on a link to the latest AppSumo deal. It's a series of tutorials on SEO and how to save money on Adwords. I haven't checked it out myself, but I wanted to pass the link on as SEO is one of the things I get the most questions about. (Full disclosure: this is an affiliate referral link)
Google SEO: Action Video 4: Hacking Content Creation
Let me know what you think of it.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Usage-Based vs Feature-Based Billing
Ever since I started the WunderCounter, I've struggled with finding a pricing structure which is easy to understand and which is also fair to everyone who uses the site. One thing which I've tried to avoid, is making the billing anything like getting a cell phone plan. Any time I've dealt with mobile providers, I've always been confused about the different plans, how any one is better and what I'd actually be billed for at the end of the day. For this reason, the WunderCounter doesn't offer a lot of different plans. For the most part, I think it has been okay, but I'm not 100% happy with it.
The main problem is that there are too many differences between the different account types. They all have different features, different amounts of data returned in reports and data on file for different lengths of time (2 days, 1 week, 6 months etc). It's difficult for new users to get an idea of which plan is best for them. On the server side, it's a hassle to have to enforce an elaborate permissions system to make sure that person X cannot access report Y. I don't think it needs to be that way.
So, this is just a heads-up that I'm planning to move the WunderCounter from its current feature-based plan to a usage-based plan. The migration from your current account to the new account will be seamless. You will not see any downgrade in features. In every case it will mean you get the either the same features or additional features.
This will also mean that you'll no longer be left wondering which reports you have access to, as it should be generally the same across the board for all accounts. There will still be a few differences between account types, but generally it will be based on usage. By usage, I mean how many hits/day your account will be able to track.
The idea is that if you're using the WunderCounter for a personal site which gets maybe 500 hits/day, you won't be forced to pay as much as someone who is getting 5,000 hits/day. You'll still have the option of a larger account which can track more data if you need it to, but you will be given the more affordable option as well, without trading off on available reports etc.
This means that if you use the WunderCounter more, you pay a bit more. If you use it less, you pay a bit less. Cool features get released to everyone at the same time and you can all give me your feedback at the same time.
This will also likely mean the end of free trial accounts. The free trials will be replaced by a more fully-featured free account which will have a very low usage limit. The idea is that you can now test out the free account for as long as you like before upgrading to a paid account. That removes the need for new users to have to evaluate the whole system over just 14 days and it also deals with the cheapskates who continually try to cancel free trials and sign up for a new trial period every 14 days. ;) (Cheapskates, I know who you are and, for the most part, I haven't tried to stop you, since you have been a source of amusement.)
There's a lot of history behind this decision and I've given it a lot of thought. I may lay it out in more detail if I get the time, but this is just a heads-up to let you know to expect some (very good) changes going forward. As always, let me know what you think.
The main problem is that there are too many differences between the different account types. They all have different features, different amounts of data returned in reports and data on file for different lengths of time (2 days, 1 week, 6 months etc). It's difficult for new users to get an idea of which plan is best for them. On the server side, it's a hassle to have to enforce an elaborate permissions system to make sure that person X cannot access report Y. I don't think it needs to be that way.
So, this is just a heads-up that I'm planning to move the WunderCounter from its current feature-based plan to a usage-based plan. The migration from your current account to the new account will be seamless. You will not see any downgrade in features. In every case it will mean you get the either the same features or additional features.
This will also mean that you'll no longer be left wondering which reports you have access to, as it should be generally the same across the board for all accounts. There will still be a few differences between account types, but generally it will be based on usage. By usage, I mean how many hits/day your account will be able to track.
The idea is that if you're using the WunderCounter for a personal site which gets maybe 500 hits/day, you won't be forced to pay as much as someone who is getting 5,000 hits/day. You'll still have the option of a larger account which can track more data if you need it to, but you will be given the more affordable option as well, without trading off on available reports etc.
This means that if you use the WunderCounter more, you pay a bit more. If you use it less, you pay a bit less. Cool features get released to everyone at the same time and you can all give me your feedback at the same time.
This will also likely mean the end of free trial accounts. The free trials will be replaced by a more fully-featured free account which will have a very low usage limit. The idea is that you can now test out the free account for as long as you like before upgrading to a paid account. That removes the need for new users to have to evaluate the whole system over just 14 days and it also deals with the cheapskates who continually try to cancel free trials and sign up for a new trial period every 14 days. ;) (Cheapskates, I know who you are and, for the most part, I haven't tried to stop you, since you have been a source of amusement.)
There's a lot of history behind this decision and I've given it a lot of thought. I may lay it out in more detail if I get the time, but this is just a heads-up to let you know to expect some (very good) changes going forward. As always, let me know what you think.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
How to Track Twitter Links via the WunderCounter
I recently had someone ask me just how to go about tracking Twitter links, so I thought I'd summarize the different ways. There are, essentially two ways to use the WunderCounter to track Twitter links. Firstly, you can integrate the WunderCounter with your software and secondly, you can create the links using a link generator in your WunderCounter account.
For more information on integrating the WunderCounter with software solutions, check out my posts on Automating your link tracking is easy with TweetDeck, Tweetie and Tweetings.
If you use different software which allows you to specify a custom URL shortener, please let me know, so that I can post an article on that software as well.
If you're unable to shorten links automatically with software or if, for example, you're posting directly from twitter.com, you can create links in just a couple of clicks. Once you have logged in to your WunderCounter account. Choose "Generate HTML" -> "URL Shortener". Enter the URL you want to link to on this page, click "get short URL" and your shortened URL will be presented to you. Just copy/paste this shortened link into your tweet and your tracking will begin.
For more information on integrating the WunderCounter with software solutions, check out my posts on Automating your link tracking is easy with TweetDeck, Tweetie and Tweetings.
If you use different software which allows you to specify a custom URL shortener, please let me know, so that I can post an article on that software as well.
If you're unable to shorten links automatically with software or if, for example, you're posting directly from twitter.com, you can create links in just a couple of clicks. Once you have logged in to your WunderCounter account. Choose "Generate HTML" -> "URL Shortener". Enter the URL you want to link to on this page, click "get short URL" and your shortened URL will be presented to you. Just copy/paste this shortened link into your tweet and your tracking will begin.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Use WunderCounter? Tell Your Friends!
You may or may not know that I don't run big ad campaigns to advertise the WunderCounter. I don't spend a lot of time promoting this site at all, actually. The reason for this is that if I have a choice between working on new features or maintaining the site and putting together some advertising, I'd rather be working on the site. So, I spend the time I have available trying to create a better experience for you, the user.
Over the past 10 years, a lot of the traffic to WunderCounter.com has come via word of mouth. This is very effective and it's really the best kind of advertising you can hope for.
So, I just wanted to take a moment to remind you that, if it's something you find useful, your friends may feel the same way. You can tweet about it, share it on Facebook, put a link on your Myspace page or recommend it on your favourite forum. The more new users the WunderCounter gets, the more time I can devote to improving the site rather than marketing it and I think that works out best for everyone. Thanks for continuing to tell your friends about the WunderCounter. All of your referrals are very much appreciated. :)
Over the past 10 years, a lot of the traffic to WunderCounter.com has come via word of mouth. This is very effective and it's really the best kind of advertising you can hope for.
So, I just wanted to take a moment to remind you that, if it's something you find useful, your friends may feel the same way. You can tweet about it, share it on Facebook, put a link on your Myspace page or recommend it on your favourite forum. The more new users the WunderCounter gets, the more time I can devote to improving the site rather than marketing it and I think that works out best for everyone. Thanks for continuing to tell your friends about the WunderCounter. All of your referrals are very much appreciated. :)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tracking Facebook Links is Easy with TweetDeck and WunderCounter
In an earlier post, I gave instructions on how to start tracking links you share via TweetDeck. As a follow-up to that post, I just want to reiterate that TweetDeck shares links on more than just Twitter.
In fact, TweetDeck is really good at sharing your links on Facebook. What's the point in sharing links if nobody clicks them? With TweetDeck and WunderCounter you can get a better idea of how many people actually care about the content you're sharing with them.
TweetDeck is flexible. It gives you the option of auto-shortening (ie tracking) your links automatically or only shortening the links which you specifically want to track.
TweetDeck is easy. When you're using TweetDeck, you don't need to log in to Facebook to post an update. You also don't need to log in to the WunderCounter to get a trackable URL. It all happens in the background -- seamlessly. You don't need to worry about the details. Just enter your status update, submit it and you're done. Then, check your WunderCounter account at your convenience to see what your link activity is.
TweetDeck is free. It runs on Mac, PC and Linux and is available for your phone in your favourite app store. Check it out and let me know what you think!
In fact, TweetDeck is really good at sharing your links on Facebook. What's the point in sharing links if nobody clicks them? With TweetDeck and WunderCounter you can get a better idea of how many people actually care about the content you're sharing with them.
TweetDeck is flexible. It gives you the option of auto-shortening (ie tracking) your links automatically or only shortening the links which you specifically want to track.
TweetDeck is easy. When you're using TweetDeck, you don't need to log in to Facebook to post an update. You also don't need to log in to the WunderCounter to get a trackable URL. It all happens in the background -- seamlessly. You don't need to worry about the details. Just enter your status update, submit it and you're done. Then, check your WunderCounter account at your convenience to see what your link activity is.
TweetDeck is free. It runs on Mac, PC and Linux and is available for your phone in your favourite app store. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Friday, September 10, 2010
WunderCounter Now With Twitter OAuth Integration
Twitter.com disabled Basic Authentication on Aug 31, 2010. This means that sites which integrate with Twitter may no longer do so using your Twitter username and password. As a result of this, I've updated the WunderCounter's Twitter integration to use OAuth, which Twitter has switched to fully now.
This means that when you enable the WunderCounter's Twitter features, like getting a daily summary of your stats via a Twitter DM (Direct Message) or getting a DM when certain IPs visit your site are still available to you, you do so without providing your Twitter password. Instead, you'll be forwarded to Twitter where you may give permission to the WunderCounter to access your account. This permission may be revoked by you at any point and, since you don't have to reveal your password, it's more of a "feel good" experience. :)
WunderCounter's Twitter OAuth is now live. You can get to it by selecting "Twitter" from the "Options" menu after logging in to your account.
This means that when you enable the WunderCounter's Twitter features, like getting a daily summary of your stats via a Twitter DM (Direct Message) or getting a DM when certain IPs visit your site are still available to you, you do so without providing your Twitter password. Instead, you'll be forwarded to Twitter where you may give permission to the WunderCounter to access your account. This permission may be revoked by you at any point and, since you don't have to reveal your password, it's more of a "feel good" experience. :)
WunderCounter's Twitter OAuth is now live. You can get to it by selecting "Twitter" from the "Options" menu after logging in to your account.
Monday, September 6, 2010
No Credit Card? No Problem.
If you don't have a credit card or if you prefer not to use credit cards as a payment method, it's never a problem with the WunderCounter. When you're on the billing page, scroll to the bottom and you'll find the "Cheque or Money Order" option.
To get to the billing page, choose "Billing/Payments", which is under the "Options" menu. You can choose the same billing periods as you normally would when paying by cheque/money order. All payments can be sent to the PO Box.
If you have sent a payment by mail, feel free to let me know via email that the payment has been sent so that I can confirm with you when it arrives.
To get to the billing page, choose "Billing/Payments", which is under the "Options" menu. You can choose the same billing periods as you normally would when paying by cheque/money order. All payments can be sent to the PO Box.
If you have sent a payment by mail, feel free to let me know via email that the payment has been sent so that I can confirm with you when it arrives.
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