How to Setup a Chat Website

A chat program allows visitors to communicate on a website.

A chat website enables website visitors to communicate with each other in real-time via a chat window. Visitors type their messages and these are posted to the chat "room" for everyone to see. Some chat websites also allow private chat rooms between two visitors. Programming a chat website from scratch is a complex endeavor. But you can set up a chat website by using pre-programmed chat software that you install and configure on your website. Many chat packages are available for free, while more demanding applications require a paid license.

Instructions

1. Install the Chatroll program on your website (see Resources). This software package supports a chat interface that offers many features for your website visitors. In addition to regular chat messages, Chatroll allows a central operator to also display a virtual desktop for purposes of sharing information or giving a presentation to the chat room's attendees. This allows visitors to learn more about a specific event or product, or to watch multimedia content in real-time, such as video. The Chatroll program is available at different price points depending on your needs and includes a free version for up to 10 participants.

2. Set up a chat website using the addonChat software (see Resources). This program offers a conventional chat room environment where visitors interact with each other through typed messages. A free version of the addonChat package is available, while paid license versions support additional features, such as the ability to create multiple simultaneous rooms while removing advertising from the chat window. All versions provide the addonChat window on your website using a simple HTML code snippet that you copy and paste into your site. The actual chat servers are not located on your site, which reduces bandwidth costs to you. Users can communicate with each other privately and customize their chat windows using a control panel.

3. Install the Volusion Live Chat software on your website (see Resources) if you need a chat interface for interacting with site visitors in real-time one-on-one. This program is ideal for business or service-related websites that must privately address visitor questions. It provides a chat environment where visitor questions are queued to an "operator" who answers them. A free version of Live Chat supports just one operator and up to five simultaneous chats. The paid version provides no restrictions to the number of operators or chat participants. Live Chat notifies both parties when the other chat participant is typing. It also lets visitors email you directly if you are not available in the chat room.

References

• Chatroll: Effective Live Events
• Chatroll: Choose the Plan that's Right for You
• addonChat: Features
• Volusion: Products

Resources

• Chatroll: Effective Live Events
• addonChat: Features
• Volusion: Products