Widgets, Widgets, Widgets

A widget or web widget is a portable chunk of code that can be installed within any web page by an end user. They are also known as snippet or plug-ins. It could be said that the original widgets were the link counters and advertising banners present in the early web. Later, affiliate networks used them for distribution purposes.

Widgets add some content that is not static. Rich media, interactive widgets are now commonplace and used by bloggers, social networks, auction sites and owners of personal web sites. They are employed as a distribution method by ad networks such as the Google's AdSense capsule run along your Hub, by media sites such as Flickr, by video sites such as YouTube and by hundreds of other organizations. Widgets bring ‘live' content - advertisements, links, images - from a third party site without the web site owner having to update.

There are so many available FREE widgets that you can use to spice up, promote your site or to make money. Just to mention a few:

• Paypal shopping cart allows your customers to purchase multiple items or make donations with a single payment without leaving your website. It can be fully integrated in a few easy steps.

• The Blidget is a widget that contains your blog. Other people can place your blidget on their sites, increasing your exposure. It allows you to publish your blog inside any other website. Great promotional tool.

• Amazon List. Display your Amazon lists (wedding/baby registry, List Mania, wishlist). Optionally get paid through their Associates program.

• eBay Listings. Show your listings or favorite item searches on your blog or homepage. Includes eBay's Best Match technology. Optionally get paid through their Associates program.

There are tens of thousands available. From widgets to display Live Mortgage Rates to ones that turn your blog into a mobile site and earn you money. Browse at your heart content and grab those that suit your needs. A couple of the best sites that showcase widgets are:

1. Widgetbox is the world's largest widget marketplace, with over 33,000 widgets for Facebook, Blogger, TypePad, MySpace, Bebo, WordPress, etc. that can be dynamically embedded into blogs, social networks, auctions and homepages. FREE Registration.
2. Widgizit is the home to a growing collection of widgets designed to be highly customizable and provide something of value to your web site or blog. They are completely FREE. You can earn money through Associates' programs if people buy the items you display.

Use them wisely and you'll add incredible value to your website. Experiment and add the ones that work best for you.