Behold the Favicon!
Behold the favicon. In its natural environment the favicon is a predator. Small and loveable much like a cuddly bunny, the favicon is instantly cared for and adored by those who it comes into contact with, but it is not friendly. The favicon is out for itself. It does not care about you. It waits in deep grass for passersby with money to spend and then springs out, cuteness flying off it every which way. There is no escape…
Okay, so maybe the favicons are actually a peaceful bunch. Perhaps all they’re looking for is love, but I still think that their rising popularity merits them an article of some kind… so here it is. Favicons have exploded onto the online world and are gaining more popularity by the moment. What makes them so desirable is their ability to give a higher sense of credibility and professionalism to the companies that use them correctly. That and hey, they are pretty darned cute.
Before we get too deep into discussing the friends and foes of the favicon, let us define what exactly a favicon is, shall we?
Favicon, according to our friends at Wikipedia, is “short for 'favorites icon' and is also known as a page icon or an urlicon. The favicon is an icon associated with a particular website or webpage. A web designer can create such an icon, and many recent web browsers can then make use of them. Browsers that support favicons may display them in the browser's URL bar, next to the site's name in lists of internet bookmarks, and next to the page's title in a tabbed document interface.” (Thanks Wikipedia!)
Favicons are being used by all the large companies and corporations across the internet as part of their corporate branding. While not every internet browser supports them, it seems as though it will only be a matter of time before every site features a favicon of their own. So the bigger questions are: how do you get on board and should you get on board? Well…
Friends of Favicons Say:
“Everyone’s doing it – why aren’t you?”
“They’re fun and easy.”
“Favicons are a cheap and efficient tool to tack on to your branding campaign.”
Foes of Favicons Say:
“They don’t appear on all browsers yet.”
“I think paying for favicons is a waste.”
“Does it actually work?”
Well as I work for a design firm, I suppose I should whole heartedly give a “thumbs up” to the entire notion of favicons, however I don’t think it would be good to be a liar. My honest opinion is the following:
1) I think favicons are a great way to get your logo out there on your website in an un-assuming, but effective way.
2) They’re really not that expensive, most companies (including our own: http://www.logotree.com/) practically give them away with logo and/or website packages.
3) Why shouldn’t you get a favicon? Advertising is cutthroat. If everyone else has found a new method of displaying their brand, your business really should look into it. Better to jump on board than be left in the dust.
4) Remember how everyone tells you that people respond better to visual stimuli than words? Yeah, it applies here too.
5) It completes your website image. You already spent a lot of money having your website look perfect and rank well, this way you extend your branding into your user’s favorites lists and on their search engine bar. Stick in their minds! It’s the best way to endorse your brand.
I’d love to know your opinions on favicons, leave me a note. If you’re interested in knowing more about getting a favicon, check out http://www.logotree.com/ or give us a call toll free at 1.866.816.5646. We can give you quotes on prices or offer you free consultation on that or any other design option.
Okay, so maybe the favicons are actually a peaceful bunch. Perhaps all they’re looking for is love, but I still think that their rising popularity merits them an article of some kind… so here it is. Favicons have exploded onto the online world and are gaining more popularity by the moment. What makes them so desirable is their ability to give a higher sense of credibility and professionalism to the companies that use them correctly. That and hey, they are pretty darned cute.
Before we get too deep into discussing the friends and foes of the favicon, let us define what exactly a favicon is, shall we?
Favicon, according to our friends at Wikipedia, is “short for 'favorites icon' and is also known as a page icon or an urlicon. The favicon is an icon associated with a particular website or webpage. A web designer can create such an icon, and many recent web browsers can then make use of them. Browsers that support favicons may display them in the browser's URL bar, next to the site's name in lists of internet bookmarks, and next to the page's title in a tabbed document interface.” (Thanks Wikipedia!)
Favicons are being used by all the large companies and corporations across the internet as part of their corporate branding. While not every internet browser supports them, it seems as though it will only be a matter of time before every site features a favicon of their own. So the bigger questions are: how do you get on board and should you get on board? Well…
Friends of Favicons Say:
“Everyone’s doing it – why aren’t you?”
“They’re fun and easy.”
“Favicons are a cheap and efficient tool to tack on to your branding campaign.”
Foes of Favicons Say:
“They don’t appear on all browsers yet.”
“I think paying for favicons is a waste.”
“Does it actually work?”
Well as I work for a design firm, I suppose I should whole heartedly give a “thumbs up” to the entire notion of favicons, however I don’t think it would be good to be a liar. My honest opinion is the following:
1) I think favicons are a great way to get your logo out there on your website in an un-assuming, but effective way.
2) They’re really not that expensive, most companies (including our own: http://www.logotree.com/) practically give them away with logo and/or website packages.
3) Why shouldn’t you get a favicon? Advertising is cutthroat. If everyone else has found a new method of displaying their brand, your business really should look into it. Better to jump on board than be left in the dust.
4) Remember how everyone tells you that people respond better to visual stimuli than words? Yeah, it applies here too.
5) It completes your website image. You already spent a lot of money having your website look perfect and rank well, this way you extend your branding into your user’s favorites lists and on their search engine bar. Stick in their minds! It’s the best way to endorse your brand.
I’d love to know your opinions on favicons, leave me a note. If you’re interested in knowing more about getting a favicon, check out http://www.logotree.com/ or give us a call toll free at 1.866.816.5646. We can give you quotes on prices or offer you free consultation on that or any other design option.
The favicon discussion will continue... share your thoughts!
0 amazingly special comments:
Post a Comment