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TicTap Contextual Ads is a free technology that shows Adsense-styled Amazon product ads in your web pages.
Are you a WordPress user? Then head this way to get the WordPress Plugin for TicTap Contextual Ads. Non-WordPress users should follow the instructions below.
In order to use TicTap Contextual Ads, please paste the following code into your web page.
You only need to configure the tca_run() function which runs the TCA service.
The function declation is tca_run(aff, maxResults, userdef_str, useTitle, useDesc, useKeywords, amazon_locale, image_width, enhanceLinks).
The search string that TCA actually uses is the combination of useKeywords, userdef_str, useTitle and useDesc, depending on what you set. Our tests show that too many keywords lower the relevance of products returned.
TCA uses the following classes and id:
The picture on the right illustrates the CSS styles below.
Here is some CSS that you can use straight away.
In order not to violate Adsense's TOS, you should set useTitle, useDesc and useKeywords to 'false' in tca_run(). Use userdef_str only, and you should be fine. Having said that, you should still read their TOS :)
Currently, TCA works with only one block of ads.
Sure. People insert Amazon products links in their web pages right? Normally, you would have to click on them to enter Amazon's site to view product information. With enhanced links, you can get the product information and reviews by hovering your mouse over those links. Look, here's an enhanced Amazon link for the Apple Ipod.
Yes. In tca_run(), set useTitle, useDesc and useKeywords to 'false', userdef_str to '' (empty string), and enhanceLinks to 'true'.
First, check that your web page's character encoding is UTF-8. Then make sure you've set the Amazon domain correctly. For example, if you want products in German, use 'de' for amazon_locale.
It's possible too many words were used and this resulted in no products found or products with low relevance. Set some of them to 'false' and try again.
Yes. Use this format for your userdef_str: (ISBN1 OR ISBN2 OR ASIN1). The brackets and upper-cased 'OR' are necessary. But if you use this option, you must set useTitle, useDesc and useKeywords to 'false', and you cannot add other text to userdef_str.
Yikes, don't panic! This happened because you were using Amazon's super long URL. We shortened it as it is easier to work with. Rest assure that we did not hijack your Associate ID, change the product or the underlying HTML code. It works like before.
Just let us know! We'll try to be as helpful as possible, and your requests might even make it into the stock version of TCA.
We insert our Associate ID into the 4th product of each block of ads, and the 2nd and 4th items under Similar Products. Other than this, you get to keep all of your referral income. Oh, and your Associate ID is never replaced with ours if you decide to enhance your links.
No, something odd always happens! But you don't need to use Amazon's Preview Beta if you enhance your links with TCA. It has all of Amazon's Preview Beta features, and more.
Here are some folks who are using TicTap Contextual Ads.
If you'd like to be added to the roll call, please let us know.
Feeling adventurous? Then head down to our TicTap Contextual Ads Labs and try out the latest enhancements to TCA. Remember to tell us if you see something you like or dislike; Damon and I love to get feedback.
As the code is experimental, we suggest that you don't use it on a production website.
Questions? Feedback? Bugs? Please contact us (Damon and Alex).
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