Cookie Scripts

• Cookie Redirect - Sends visitors to different pages depending on the value stored in the cookie.
• ID Tracker - Allows you to save a visitor's referral ID in a cookie ID on their computer.
• Only Popup Once - This cookie script can determine if the visitor has been here before, and only open a new window on their first visit to the page.

How To Make Use Of A Cookie

There is a fine line between collecting information for user satisfaction and misuse of the same. While I outline for you the limits to which you can go while using cookies, this debate is beyond the scope of this article.

• You can collect personal details such as names and emails, but financial details such as credit card numbers are a no-no.
• You can redirect visitors to different pages based on previous visits or personal preferences, but it's best to hide this feature for first time visitors.
• Do not use cookies to display messages or ask questions.
• If you have popups on your pages, it's most effective to use a cookie on repeat visitors to give them a different popup each time.

Privacy Issues

While the use of cookies is now universally accepted, how far you can go has to be clearly defined and stated on your site in the form of a privacy statement. See example - 420 Girls Privacy Statement .

Summary - Using the information provided by your surfers in the form of a cookie is an exercise in trust. Break that trust or cross a line and you are digging a deep hole for yourself. On the other hand - it can lead to enhanced visitor satisfaction, rise in conversion ratios, more effective data analysis and lower costs. So, go ahead and dip you fingers into the cookie jar.

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