Resources from nSiteful
Frequently Asked Question

We recommend e-mailing your clients the URL (link) to Web page on which the map appears — rather than the graphical map file itself. (By the way, this advice applies to video files and other multimedia assets as well.)

Example:



Here's why we like this approach:

1) Ecology

Why send what could be a large attachment (30KB or larger) when an e-mail with a URL would be under 1KB in filesize?

2) Security Concerns

Given the current state of spam and computer viruses, many of us are justifiably reluctant to download unexpected e-mail attachments — even when they come from familiar e-mail addresses.

3) Accessibility

a) You can't be certain whether the image file you send will appear as a viewable picture or as a clickable attachment in your recipients' e-mail programs. If it shows up as an attachment, you could be asking for trouble. Graphics files can be associated with any number of computer programs, and that association varies from user to user. You have no way of knowing which program your clients' computers will launch when they click on that attachment. If you send the URL on the other hand, the client's Web browser will certainly "know" how to display and print it.

b) How many people do you know who have trouble finding files they saved to their hard disks? If you send the URL to your Web site instead, all they have to remember — next time they need the map — is your domain name!

4) Currency

If you e-mail the map to a client today, what happens if and when you move or the map is updated for any other reason? Answer: Either you have to send them a new map, or they might drive to the wrong place. A smart Web builder (we know one...) will make sure that the URL to the map never changes, even if the map does.

5) Marketing

We believe that Web-site owners ought to take advantage of EVERY opportunity to send clients and prospects to their Web sites. A client who prints your map from your Web site might then surf around the rest of your site and see something new there — something that sparks a thought about someone else who could benefit from your products or services.

6) Marketing for your Web Firm

If you send just the image file, your recipients won't ever see the credit at the bottom of your Web pages that tells them that nSiteful Web Builders built your fabulous Web site!