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Hello, guys! Look: for example, if i make my own toolbar (with ), customize it for my site, register it somewhere it may bring an additional traffic to me! How do you think?

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Thread starter asked a common question from the pre‑extension era. Replies from and touched on usefulness and targeting; below are modern, practical considerations and a short checklist to decide whether to invest time in a toolbar-like solution today.

Classic IE toolbars are largely obsolete. For contemporary browsers the equivalent is a browser extension (Chrome/Edge/Firefox) or a small web app/widget. Building an extension today means using the WebExtensions model for cross‑browser compatibility; follow the browser vendor docs for manifest formats, required permissions, and distribution steps (see the Chrome and Mozilla developer guides linked below).

Security, privacy and store policies matter more than ever. Many legacy toolbars were labeled unwanted because they bundled adware or hid uninstall steps. To stay trustworthy: use minimal permissions, provide a clear privacy policy, implement opt‑in telemetry, make uninstall straightforward, sign and publish through official stores, and follow each store’s content/deceptive‑behavior rules.

Distribution, measurement and maintenance are ongoing costs. Relying on a one‑off build is risky — plan for updates (browser API changes like Manifest v3), user support, and simple analytics to measure installs, active users and referrals. Consider alternatives if reach is the goal: embeddable widgets, a PWA, or targeted email/social campaigns often give better ROI than a low‑adoption extension.

Quick checklist (short, actionable):

  • Define measurable goals (installs, DAU, referral traffic).
  • Build as a WebExtension for cross‑browser support.
  • Limit permissions; publish via official stores.
  • Publish a clear privacy policy and easy uninstall flow.
  • Budget for updates and user support.

Useful references: WebExtensions overview (MDN) and Chrome extensions docs and store policies.

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Member Avatar for Dani

I have thought about doing this in the past myself :) After reading your post, I did a google search for "create online toolbar" ... quite a few sites popped up all offering the same thing - to create your own IE toolbar.

Personally, I think this is a pretty good idea. However, it isn't good all on its own. First of all, you need to give people a reason why they should use YOUR toolbar instead of all the others out there - such as the google toolbar or Microsoft's new msn toolbar. Don't just provide a link to your homepage. Perhaps provide links to all the major sections of your site, etc. Something that would come in handy to your site's repeat visitors. Also, if you could at all avoid it, avoid using a program to create your IE toolbar that adds "created for free at " somewhere. That sorta makes your site look cheap and could even end up doing more harm than good.

Good luck!

Member Avatar for trifolic

Hello, guys! Look: for example, if i make my own toolbar (with ), customize it for my site, register it somewhere it may bring an additional traffic to me! How do you think?

It really depends on what you are going to tailor your toolbar for, and what site its going to be based on. Toolbars are a dime a dozen now, the only way they are effective is that you are in a "niche" market and you have those users. I'll give you an example..

What would make a 34 year old woman want your toolbar over Googles or Alexa's toolbar? Well she might be heavily into cooking and recipies.. So if you offer a toobar that links and scrolls the newest recipies daily you are more likly to get that user to switch toolbars, or just add another one..

Not a very good example but that should give you an idea..

Member Avatar for Dani

Definitely where I was headed with my suggestions, trifolic ;)

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