So what's new with GOOGLE (other than being a resource for economic indicators for Larry Summers, that is)?

GOOGLE VOICE

What's so special about GOOGLE VOICE? 

Google Voice is an incredibly flexible call system that anyone can use for free.  It can make phones ring in different places (acting as a call router), allow you to record calls, allow you to "listen in live" while a voice message is being left and much more.  What I wanted to concetrate on today though is specifically for WEBSITE and BLOG owners.

It's the Call Me NOW Button

What is the CALL ME NOW BUTTON?

Call me now is a way for your blog readers and website visitors to connect with you, at no charge to them (or you for that matter) from your website. 

So, How do I get this incredibly COOL and FREE tool?

First you have to have a GOOGLE VOICE Invite.  Those that have been around GOOGLE a while know that the original GOOGLE  email was done through INVITES and GOOGLEVOICE is no different.  So go to GOOGLE VOICE and SIGN up for an invite.  I don't know how long the wait period is, but if you don't do it now, it will be that much longer before you can get an invite and use these COOL, FREE tools!

GO TO GOOGLEVOICE INVITE NOW (opens in new window)

So, once your GOOGLEVOICE invite comes in, you have to sign up.

When your GoogleVoice invite comes in, you should have been thinking about a phone number you'd like to have.  Some folks have used a variation on SOLD or HOMES or other real estate terms, but put in your phrase and area code and see if you can get what you want.  I chose 281-380-KATY since I work and live in Katy Texas.

Once you have your number, you're ready to get the Call me Now button for your blog or website!

I've got GOOGLEVOICE and I want a CALL button, what now!?

So go to the main page an in the upper right corner, you'll see some links like this:

Click on Settings.

Then you're looking to click on CALL WIDGETS like this:

Click on Call Widgets and then click on ADD NEW CALL WIDGET.

Give it a name, a number to ring to and whether you want to listen in on voicemails or have it dial direct to the number you give it and you're ready.  Click on SAVE CHANGES.

When you go back to the main WIDGET PAGE, your code will be in the box...copy that code (everything in the box).

Then head to your ACTIVERAIN blog and hit MY HOME after logging in.

When you click on settings, you're looking for BLOG DESCRIPTION and you'll drop the code in there.  You can move it up or down depending on where you want the button to appear.  In other words, drop that code before or after some other button or widget that you're using if you want it above or below that widget.

Click the update button and you're done. 

When a website/blog visitor clicks on the button, they will get a box that will allow them to call you, from anywhere, toll free!

And that's it!

Google voice also does TONS of other things:

So get your GOOGLE VOICE INVITE and get some really COOL, Free Tools!