UK Site Builder Ltd

New Laws for the use of cookies

Simon Powers — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:18:11 +0000

New Laws for the use of cookies and other technologies that store on-line user information

On May 26th 2011, new rules governing the use of cookies by websites comes into force in Europe.

Rather than the “Opt out” option for website visitors, websites will need to specifically gain the consent of their visitor and they must “Opt In” to be able to store cookies on their computer or other devices.This is expected to be difficult to manage and enforcement will more than likely be done subtly and with encouragement rather than with the threat of fines and penalties.

What does the new law say?

The new requirement is essentially that cookies can only be placed on machines where the user or subscriber has given their consent.

6 (1) Subject to paragraph (4), a person shall not store or gain access to information stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user unless the requirements of paragraph (2) are met.

(2) The requirements are that the subscriber or user of that terminal equipment–
(a) is provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purposes of the storage of, or access to, that information; and
(b) has given his or her consent.
(3) Where an electronic communications network is used by the same person to store or access information in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user on more than one occasion, it is sufficient for the purposes of this regulation that the requirements of paragraph (2) are met in respect of the initial use.
“(3A) For the purposes of paragraph (2), consent may be signified by a subscriber who amends or sets controls on the internet browser which the subscriber uses or by using another application or programme to
signify consent.
(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the technical storage of, or access to, information–
(a) for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network; or
(b) where such storage or access is strictly necessary for the provision of an information society service requested by the subscriber or user.

More information on the new changes can be found here.

Information on Cookies, what they are and what they do can be found here.

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Google Merchant XML Feed Generator Updated

Simon Powers — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:45:54 +0000

We have finally got around to updating our Google Merchant XML Feed Generator.

The tool used to be on our old website and allowed users to generate an XML feed for what was formerly know as Google Base.

Google changed the name of Google Base to what is now known as Google Merchant.

In addition, Google have also update the attributes to which should be included for each product to assist Joe Public in finding exactly what they want. we have therefore updated the tool to include these extra recommended attributes.

Our tool, which can be found by clicking on the button below, enables site owners who don’t use dynamic sites to store their products, to create an XML feed which can be uploaded to their Google Merchant account.

The feed is stored on our server and can be edited/revised at a later date.

What’s more, it is totally free to use.

Google Merchant XML Feed Generator

In addition to the free generator above, we also offer several services for site owners, whereby we can install various Google related scripts to auto-generate an XML data feed and upload it periodically to Google, to view comparison prices in the Google Shopping section, to generate an XML sitemap and many other Google related bespoke scripts.

View Our Bespoke Scripting Services

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Competition Time – Free E-Commerce Store

Simon Powers — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:56:12 +0000

We are currently running at competition over at Facebook for a free e-commerce package including set-up and hosting for 12 months.

A winner will be selected at random from the first 2000 ‘Likes’ on our Facebook page over at

UK Site Builder’s Facebook page

Basic Package Information

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Create a Facebook Secret Fan Page

Simon Powers — Thu, 12 May 2011 22:13:35 +0000

I think we have all seen these pages on Facebook at some point.

They are the pages you visit after clicking a link that a friend has posted. When you initially view the page, there is no info displayed until you ‘Like’ the page.

The aim of these pages is to get as many fans as possible and if the content is good, the number of fans will explode (viral marketing).

So, what use is it to you?

Using an e-commerce store as an example, you could set up one of these hidden fan only pages to offer special discount codes to fans periodically.

Everyone loves a bargain after all and it is so easy to become a fan, they just click the like button.

There are many other uses for these hidden fan pages. For instance you could be a magician or artist and could use it to show off some of your new material or work or secrets of the trade. The list is endless, but obviously it has got to be content that will entice people to want to see it and become a fan to do so.

Live Preview

How to create a Secret page

Pre-requisites

Your own website with PHP available
Either an SSL certificate or use of a shared SSL certificate on your website
A Facebook page i.e. a business page attached to your personal Facebook account

Creating the Facebook Page and Facebook App

1If you haven’t already done so, create a page for your Business or other entity.

To create a page, login to your Facebook account and at the very bottom there is should be a link to ‘Create a Page’.
Follow the instructions until you have set-up your page how you want it. i.e. adding pictures, contacts details, address etc

2Next, we need to create an app for our Fans Only section

Scroll to the bottom of your page and click on the ‘Developers’ link.
Then at the top of the next page, click on the ‘My Apps’ link.
Click on the ‘Set Up New App’ button at the top-right.

3On the Create Your Application screen, give your App a name and aggree to the terms and conditions.

Ideally you should name your App something similar to ‘Fans Only Bonus Page’ or something along those lines, as this will show as an application on the left of your page as a clickable link.

You will also be able to set this App as the landing page for your Businses/Entity page.

4Building the App – ‘About’ section – Your App Name will already be entered from the previous screen, so simply add a Description, i.e. what is going to be in this hidden section.

Upload an icon and a badge. The small icon will (as above) show on the left of your page against the link to the secret section.

5Building the App – ‘Facebook Integration’ section

Canvas Page: Enter a short page name here – i.e. ‘companyname-fan-section’
Canvas URL: Enter the full URL to the folder on your website that will contain your secret page – i.e. http://www.mysite.com/facebook/
Secure Canvas URL: Enter the full Secure URL to the folder on your website that will contain your secret page – i.e. https://www.mysite.com/facebook/
IFrame Size: Choose ‘Auto-Resize’
Page Tabs – Tab Name: ‘Fans Only Bonus Page’ or something along those lines
Tab URL: Enter the full URL to the file on your website that will be your secret page – i.e. http://www.mysite.com/facebook/index.php
Secure Tab URL: Enter the full Secure URL to the file on your website that will contain your secret page – i.e. https://www.mysite.com/facebook/index.php

6Click ‘Save Changes’ at the bottom and you should be forwarded to a summary page showing all the details you just enetered.

Click on ‘Application Profile Page’ on the right. Then on the left of the next page, click ‘Add To My Page’ and in the pop-up window, click the ‘Add to Page’ button next to your Business/Entity page.

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Creating the Fans Only page on your website

OK, so you now have Facebook set-up correctly to pull information from a page on your website.

Now you need to create the page and upload it to your website. It must be a PHP page becuase we are going to be using a conditional statement to detect whether a visitor has ‘Liked’ your Facebook page or not.

If they have ‘Liked’ it, they will see all the great hidden content.
If not, then they will see a notice asking them to ‘Like’ the page to see all the great hidden content.

Fire up your favourite web page editor, create a new file called index.php and enter the following:



Enter your hidden content here



Enter your instructions to the visitor to get them
to click the Like button to see your hidden content

The code above should be self explanatory, it checks for the existence of a Facebook session and a ‘Liked’ variable within that session and then uses a conditional statement based on the result.

Once the file is created and you have entered all your hidden content and instructions for the visitors who haven’t yet like your page, save it and upload it to your website.

To test to make sure it is working, visit your new Facebook page and click on your new App on the left. Try ‘Liking’ and ‘Unlinking’ the page to see the what is shown.

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Of course there are many ways of getting the content in to your new index.php page such as using it to pull content from a database.

View the section below titled ‘Adding a mini CMS with Photo Uploader’

Adding a mini CMS with Photo Uploader

Fans only section installation by UK Site Builder

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Disqus Integration with our Blog

Simon Powers — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:54:03 +0000

What is Disqus and How Does it Work?

What it does is add a more dynamic, interactive and user friendly comment system to the site.

Comments are now displayed as threads and people can interact across many social networking sites.

Visitors don’t need a Disqus profile to leave a comment. You can also be a guest commentator, or use Facebook Connect or your Twitter account to sign in and leave a comment.

Not only does it add real-time discussion with rich interactive features. It also promotes the site across the social web, allowing you to share discussions with your friends and followers.

You will be notified by email when people reply to your comments. Then all you need to do is send a reply email to leave another comment. This will save so much time for you with an emphasis on getting you involved in any of the upcoming topics and posts we will be posting on the site!

Facebook Integration with our Blog

Simon Powers — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:32:41 +0000

We have added Facebook Integration with our blog to cut down on double posting.

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websitebuiderfor plugin flash

New Site Goes Live

Simon Powers — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:08:50 +0000

Finally we have got around to updating and almost completing our own site.

It has only take about 5 years. Just goes to show how busy we have been looking after out clients.

Still a lot of content to be added especially concerning the Services we offer.

Please feel free to comment on the new site below, or just say Hi

Total Roof Control

Simon Powers — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:52:23 +0000

XHTML CMS Blog website using WordPress

Features

Bespoke custom theme for a roofing company
WordPress package with multiple add-ons
Fully updateable via Worpress back-end

Visit Site

Dizzy Lizzie Children’s Entertainer

Simon Powers — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 14:25:37 +0000

HTML5 custom single page site design

Features

Bespoke single page site design for a children’s entertainer
jQuery CarouFredSel image scroller
Ajax Contact Form
Updateable by client from a custom template via ftp

Visit Site

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Friends of Anne The Elephant

Simon Powers — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:46:05 +0000

XHTM CMS Blog website using WordPress

Features

Bespoke custom theme for a rescued circus elephant
WordPress package with multiple add-ons
Fully updateable via Worpress back-end

Visit Site

UK Site Builder Ltd

New Laws for the use of cookies

New Laws for the use of cookies and other technologies that store on-line user information

What does the new law say?

Incoming search terms:

Google Merchant XML Feed Generator Updated

Incoming search terms:

Competition Time – Free E-Commerce Store

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Create a Facebook Secret Fan Page

So, what use is it to you?

How to create a Secret page

Pre-requisites

Creating the Facebook Page and Facebook App

Creating the Fans Only page on your website

Adding a mini CMS with Photo Uploader

Features

Screenshots

Fans only section installation by UK Site Builder

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Disqus Integration with our Blog

Facebook Integration with our Blog

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New Site Goes Live

Total Roof Control

XHTML CMS Blog website using WordPress

Features

Dizzy Lizzie Children’s Entertainer

HTML5 custom single page site design

Features

Incoming search terms:

Friends of Anne The Elephant

XHTM CMS Blog website using WordPress

Features