Widgets 101
Widgets are the web a la carte. These movable mini-applications are used by consumers to craft custom experiences on their desktops, or on personal web pages. Examples of widgets include games, stock tickers, videos, audio players, quizzes and slideshows. These interactive components are swiftly becoming the de facto building block for the personalized web, with Newsweek proclaiming 2007 "The Year of the Widget."
Value of Syndication
The demand for personalized web content is growing exponentially. People want news, entertainment, and information delivered directly to them. By syndicating your content and services as widgets, you can harness the growing number of people using the personalized web. Using your existing content assets, you can extend your reach and engage new audiences, building a "virtual destination" outside of your domain. Like your current website, this virtual destination can be leveraged to generate new marketing and monetization opportunities. And the best part is users will build this virtual destination for you, with the widgets you provide!
Measurement Matters
Just as measurement is essential to optimizing and monetizing your existing web properties, measurement also is integral to the success of your widget syndication program. Unlike web pages, widgets can be moved to social networks, blogs, and desktops. This introduces a new dimension to the measurement equation. It is not just about views, but also where the widget is located and how users interact with content outside of your domain. Empowered by this new information, you can dramatically increase your understanding of user engagement, and communicate with your audience in a more targeted fashion.