There is a usage and feature limited Free Plan that you can use for life.
Which chat network should I choose? Jabber or Gtalk
If you don't already have Gtalk we recommend you use Jabber with iChat, Pidgin, Adium (many others). Otherwise you can link Olark to your Gtalk account. Most Mac users will want to choose Jabber unless the need access from within Gmail.
What is Jabber?
Jabber just a way computers can relay messages to each other. It's not a service like Gtalk, AIM, or Skype, you connect directly to us via a program like iChat, Pidgin, Meebo, Adium, or IM+
Using Olark
What happens when I am unavailable to answer chats?
You can set the chat box to do one of three things:
Disappear Completely (premium only)
Become a form that will send you messages to your email (premium only)
Inform users that you are offline
What happens when people click a link off site?
If you send them the link in the chat and they click the link to follow it, your chat will continue with them (floating in an iFrame over the linked page)
Currently logged in operators all receive a message
The first operator to respond successfully sends a message to the visitor
All other logged in operators are informed that the first operator has responded
All operators but the one who initially responded are blocked from sending messages to the visitor (unless the original operator logs out)
What are ChatLinks?
Chatlinks are simply a url you can distribute via email, Twitter, nearly anywhere that allows will pop up an Olark Chat box over a predefined website. Visitors who click this link can talk to you directly in your instant messenger.
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Troubleshooting
Chat Box
The chat box is not showing up on my site.
Make sure you have copied all of the Olark code exactly as written.
Ensure you have placed the code between the <body> and </body> tags
If you're using a content management system like Joomla or Drupal, make sure the system itself isn't modifying the code.(make sure it's set to accept Javascript code)
Double check to see if "invisible Olark" or "Hide when away" aren't checked in the customize tab.
The chat box says available even when I'm away.
Double check to make sure you aren't logged into a chat client from another location, like your iPhone. If any operator is connected the chat box will be in available mode.
Jabber (iChat, Pidgin, Meebo, BeeJive for iPhone and Blackberry, etc.)
My Olark chat box is showing up as unavailable or offline.
Make sure your status is set to "Available". Any status other than available will trigger offline mode.
I'm not receiving chats from the chat box.
Make sure your firewall isn't blocking port 5222
Google Talk
My Olark chat box is showing up as unavailable or offline.
Make sure your status is set to "Available". Any status other than available will trigger offline mode.
Ensure "helpdesk" is a buddy in your buddy list. If not, reconnect Olark to Gtalk (be sure to accept all the buddy requests afterward)
I'm not receiving some or all chats from the website.
You need all of the Olark visitor slots in your buddy list, including helpdesk. Try reconnect Olark to Gtalk (be sure to accept all the buddy requests afterward)
I keep getting "Unable to login with Gtalk: Failed Google Authentication"
Log in with your normal Gtalk username and password (not from Olark)
Installation Guide →