Is it possible to add inaccessible/hidden web page that is separate from the main website pages?

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Is it possible to add inaccessible/hidden web page that is separate from the main website pages?

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Jeannie

posts: 213

May 10, 2008 4:23 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi SuN Members,

I need your help. I have a small online business and I only accept PayPal. I would like to know:

Is it possible to add another page to my website that is "inaccessible or hidden" from the rest of my website pages?

The reason I ask is because one company wants their members to get a discounted rate for my product. So they want me to create another page that is only accessible for their members only.

So would this be possible?

Also, would google still show this hidden page if someone googles my website?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jeannie

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Webline

posts: 687

May 10, 2008 6:27 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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You could add a sub directory that is password protected, and then send the password to the intended users to access those pages, but there is the possibility that password could be passed around to people not intended to have it. This should keep search engines from indexing it also, along with a robots.txt file.

You have another option of creating a user/login system with database or flat file-stored user information, and set permissions for only registered users to see the page after logging in.

Also consider whether it is a short term or permanent set up, the number of people accessing the page, etc.

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M Hall
Website Critique Community
International Society of Curmudgeons

nhgnikole

posts: 2660

May 11, 2008 3:08 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I`m not even sure if you need that much.

Many people set up landing pages with specials that are not accessible to the public ... they just don`t link them from anywhere. So you don`t necessarily have to password protect, just keep Google out and don`t link it from anywhere on your site. Then you can give the direct URL to the people who need it. Or you can use checkout codes.

Jeannie

posts: 213

May 11, 2008 9:18 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Webline,

Thanks for your input! I was thinking your suggestion was one possibility. But I wasn`t sure I wanted to send a password out as I also agree with you that it could get passed around to people not intended to have it.

Hi Nhgnikole,

Thanks for your input too! A landing page sounds good. Would it be easy to do?

As for checkout codes, I really don`t like the idea of placing a discount code box. For potential customers, this might turn them off and I wouldn`t want them to say, "Hey, there`s a discount code? Maybe I should search online for it first before I pay full price" kind of a feeling.

Maybe another way I can give a discount is by asking the members to send me an email and then in return, I can email them my mail order form or I can also issue them a PayPal invoice. But I`m not sure if members would go for that. Would any of you mind that route?

More of your suggestions and advice is welcome! Thanks in advance!

Jeannie

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Loren

posts: 242

May 11, 2008 2:15 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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A password is probably the way to go. Setting up a password protected

directory is easy.

if you try to do this without a password and somebody links to it yoru

site could get picked up and indexed by the search engines...unless you

leave instructions in the Meta-tags not to index it.

Sounds confusing?

Just use the password.

vwebworld

posts: 1237

May 11, 2008 2:16 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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While you can create a separate page (not linked to other pages) for the company that wants their members to access special pricing, how do you know that the people accessing the page are "members" of the other site/company?

If that is not a concern, then a separate page is ok, but you certainly should monitor it to see (1) the amount of sales generated to see if the "discounted price" is worth it and (2) watch for unauthorized purchasers.

The discount code option is a common feature with most ecommerce programs. If you continue to grow your on line sales activity, it would be a good idea to use an ecommerce program rather than stick with PayPal`s buy now buttons.

With some ecommerce programs you can set up "group pricing" - where members of certain groups (you specify) receive a certain discount (which you also specify).

The other advantage of an ecommerce solution is a database of your customers is maintained.

So you`ll know who bought, how much and when AND you can communicate directly with your customers.

~Roland

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Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

Jeannie

posts: 213

May 11, 2008 2:42 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Loren,

Thanks for your input.

Hi Roland,

The company said they will only post my link in their password protected website. At least, that`s what they tell me.

Hmm..I`m still trying to see what`s the best way to go. But I appreciate both, Loren and your advice. Thanks!!

Jeannie

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Dmytro

posts: 11

May 11, 2008 4:46 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Jeannie, password protected page is only solution for Your case. Direct address for discount page could be leaked and You can`t control buyers. This password is NOT Your access password to server control. You can create separate users list and passwords.

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Dmytro Dvornichenko Teldora, LTD Website: http://teldora.com

nhgnikole

posts: 2660

May 11, 2008 6:41 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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What some of my clients do is basically set up landing pages for each campaign.

So, like ...

http://yourdomain.com/mothersday
http://yourdomain.com/juneseminar
http://yourdomain.com/certaingroup

etc

And then you can just use a robots deal to keep a crawler out of it.

Yes, someone might send it on through email ... but for the most part, just state that this is only for blah blah blah and most people will be good about it.

Your cost is going to depend on your site, which I haven`t looked at in a while. If you have a CMS and making new pages is easy, then it should be easy ... if you have a complicated design that would need to be replicated, the cost will be a bit more.

Jeannie

posts: 213

May 11, 2008 7:27 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Dmytro,

I understand that the direct address for the discount page could be leaked. But anyone that has a password can also easily share it with their friends and family too, no? So I think either way, the discount could be leaked. But thanks for taking the time to send me your thoughts! =)

Hey Nhgnikole,

Since you say that your clients have setup special landing pages, I think that`s the way to go for me as well. Thank you very much for your helpful advice! =)

Jeannie

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