The first paragraph of this article provides a brief overview of the content. It discusses the importance of CGI scripts in enhancing the functionality of a website, particularly for e-commerce purposes. The article then delves into five specific CGI scripts that are crucial for any website aiming to conduct online business.
While HTML is a fundamental building block for any website, the real power lies in the backend processes that run in the background, making everything on your website function seamlessly. These processes are powered by CGI scripts. For those unfamiliar, CGI scripts are the backbone of interactive websites, automating your online business operations.
The first must-have CGI script is for forms. Forms are essential for various tasks, from gathering demographic information from your visitors to processing credit card orders. They can also be used to collect contact information, eliminating the need for visitors to use email. The versatility of forms allows you to retrieve requested information and include hidden fields for additional data like the visitor's originating website, IP address, and more. Some form scripts even allow for automated responses to the submitter, saving you time and effort.
The second script every website should utilize is a "recommend it" script. This tool allows your site visitors to recommend your site to their friends and contacts, bringing in additional traffic and potential customers. A popular example of this script is the Master Recommend script from William Bontrager, which is available for free at WillMaster.
Affiliate software is undoubtedly one of the best investments for any business with its own product or service. While not typically cheap, it's an effective method for increasing site traffic and boosting sales. Some affiliate scripts are so advanced that they can automate the process of sending out commission checks, saving you even more time.
Every website should be using automated follow-up mechanisms to capture email addresses of targeted prospects, send a series of sequential, timed messages to trigger return visits, and remind customers about additional products and services. These scripts are easy to maintain once installed on your site. A popular third-party tool for this purpose is GetResponse.
The final essential script is an error catcher. This tool can save you from losing visitors due to broken links or 404 error pages. Instead, it delivers a custom error page that encourages visitors to explore other parts of your site. A popular free script for this purpose is errorbot.cgi, available at Perl Archive.
These five CGI scripts can significantly enhance the functionality and user experience of your website. However, many people don't use them because they don't know how to install them. If you need help, you can usually get assistance from the programmer or from a site like CGI Guru, which offers script installation for a nominal fee. Despite the rise of new technologies like ASP, Cold Fusion, and PHP, CGI remains the oldest and most reliable. So why not get these five scripts running on your website and start powering your way to new profits?
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