posted on March 31, 2003 09:40:46 AM new
Can anyone tell me how to incorporate auction backgrounds using auctionwatch. Is it about html or "save background as"?????? Dont know how to do it??? Thanks to anyone who can help. Please explain it like I am a child. hee hee. Want to make sure I understand.
posted on March 31, 2003 09:47:18 AM new
Doing backgrounds is html. You have to upload your background to a server and insert the html code. But, my suggestion is: DON'T. Plain white backgrounds are much easier on the eyes and make your auction appear less cluttered. I use Front Page to create tables and then make the table headers different colors to coordinate with what I am selling. My auction background is always white, though. Another consideration (pointed out by another auctionw watch member) is that a large number of men are color blind. What will your auction appear like to them?
posted on March 31, 2003 01:58:11 PM new
parkeavenue,
Cheryl gave good advice. But I do choose to put a background in on some of my auctions, though when I deal with home decor and fabrics. I get more bids than some competitiors with the same items.
But many sellers who have "just learned" html don't understand that if they "can' do something to spruce up their auction doesn't necessarily mean they "should" do it. I hate to visit an auction with a busy background, lots of animations, and music. Plus they will have some Java script with an animation that follows your cursor all over the screen. Or the description will have letters so big you have to move 3 feet back from the monitor. Drives me crazy. Makes me want to leave immediately.
I do add entertainment to my auctions, but in links. Like an animated video message from my cat that one can click on.
Backgrounds CAN make one's auctions seem to have a professional image, but may not actually accomplish that if they are annoying or make it harder to read the auction. Some successful sellers in my categories use the same background on all their auctions so they are readily identifiable to repeat customers. Some work better than others.
It really takes just some basic html lessons to learn to use a background. Let us know if you have further questions.
posted on March 31, 2003 08:31:44 PM new
Hi Parkavenue. Some of the best tips on adding backgrounds to ads can be found in the ebay discussion boards under the photo/html category. Scan this last month's posts for this topic and head for Bob's Tips and Wiz sections and others that these 2 recommend. Look for the Longhorn Steer icon with the "Bob's Tips" underneath--they have multiple free pages of instructions for background color and tiled image html formulas. Some are very simple to use, and you can just follow the directions and cut and paste their stuff (they tell you how right there).
I decided to use their "table" method, it took me all of 3 minutes to change my listing, and I am really pleased with the result I got that I applied that only to my description portion of the ad. There are also others with good total background html instructions to tile in with imagehosted images. Play around with it, try several of them out and see if you like it in your previews. You don't have to use it if it's not what you like when you see it.
Good luck, and have fun!
