Developers create a web mashup when they bring together content and functionality from two or more websites in a new and useful way. Certain websites make application programming interface (API) available for web programmers to use on other sites, thus making any number of web combinations possible.

Web mashup information tells us that a web mashup had the following three parts:

1. The content website that provides data or information;

2. A web mashup provider that offers its own API for you to create the code;

3. And the web browser on a visitor's computer that brings the content together by following the programming code.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out how to use a shopping web mashup to sell your product

Shopping mashups are one of the most popular forms of mashups. Find web mashup information and examples of how other websites use mashups to benefit your business.

I recommend: Add shopping search results to your site in a manner you control with the Shopping.com API. Add comparison shopping and user reviews to your site with the Yahoo! Shopping API. Consult a web mashup list at ProgrammableWeb.com to get ideas for how to use mashups on your own website or find out which are the most popular.

Put specialized search functions on your site with a web mashup

Allow visitors to search within your own website. You can put a local search option on your company site. A mashup can help your visitors find relevant blog posts.

I recommend: Add specialized search functions to your site with the Google AJAX Search API and Developer Tools. Integrate blog search and other similar functions with your website using the Technorati API.

Use a web mashup to give your visitors travel information

Consumers often use the Internet to search for travel-related information. Web visitors want sites that help them simplify the choices they need to make when planning travel, whether it is for business or pleasure. Drive traffic to your site by providing this type of information.

I recommend: Add travel search forms and widgets to your website with the Kayak.com API. Allow your visitors to compare hotel rates on your site with Hotels Combined.

Place news content on your site with a web mashup

Visitors to your site may enjoy a news ticker or updated list of news headlines specifically related to your industry.

I recommend: Put Digg search results on your website with the Digg API. Add customizable news content on your site with the Daylife API. Create social network functionality where users can discuss news topics using the NewsCloud API.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When setting up a web mashup, pay attention to the terms of use and copyright licenses of the website whose API you are using, to make sure you are not in violation of its intended use.