As 2010 is about to sign off, I decided to step back a little , introspect and analyse a few things from a client's point of view. The main concern which came to my mind was - What is it that exporters, manufacturers and suppliers really expect from a SEO campaign. I thought of it as a compelling reason to write because of the industry wide rising mismatch between a client's expectation and a SEO' deliverability . Below are the few points, which i could thought of, from a client's perspective, feel free to add yours in the comments.
Lower CPC and a Higher ROI
Getting a client ranked for his set of keywords organically, is getting tougher with each passing day. The next most exercised option is using adwords or other cpc campaigns . The problem area remains the constant struggle to set the price right and give a client, the best possible ROI . Easier said than done ! Industry insiders say - To combat high cost of advertising, marketers will have to double down on match type and negative keyword management, resort to campaign structure optimization to lower costs and increase conversion rates.
More Effective Usage of Social Media
A hush hush dictum among b2b portals is that - social media isn't for them. But, what they also agree to is - Social media is the future. Google is going social (full throttle with google.me), facebook is acquiring more serious users and Linkedin gives a great chance for informal business networking. What a B2B Client really want is -
- Result oriented Serious Networking
- Measurable ROI for SMO campaigns and
- A better product positioning/ branding.
Honest Reporting. Action Oriented Measurable Insights
Statistics hide more than they reveal. Clients don't just wish to see what is good, they also wants to know what is going wrong with their site. Clients needs to be told about their conversion rate, conversion path and the conversion funnel. As avinsh kaushik puts it - reports should reveal the - “Golden Insights” which in turn should lead to actionable data and course correction steps.
Genuine Queries/ Qualified sales
It's a gospel truth that - most of the clients really don't care about the visits, visitors or goals achieved. What they care about most is genuine queries or actual sales! The big question is - How many B2B Portals are able to generate qualified sales or genuine leads? The client isn't spending his hard earned money for just an increased set of visitors or a better keyword ranking. The client means business. SEO companies should have a long term focus and take individual ownership for generating more business opportunities for their clients.
The After Thought
B2B industry is unique and has its fair share of challenges, opportunities and many areas of concern. It is really up to the SEO companies to rise up to the occasion and start delivering as per their client's expectations or else they will get rolled over by their better competitors in this rapidly changing scenario.
PS: Attention Indian exporters suppliers or manufacturers, get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated 24/7 globally on the net. To know more , click on b2bportal
The second story which caught my attention was that the Indian government is all set to provide more incentives to some of the “not to strong” sectors including the handicrafts industry. Even though the handicraft sector did achieve its target, it still remains one of the most fragile sectors wherein the growth is not comprehensive or stable. Sources say, the measures will be announced in the mid of January.
An industry-wide performance analysis done by the Government of India has revealed that labour intensive sectors such as apparel and handicrafts, need additional measures for growth consolidation before they could become self sustainable in the long run.
All this drives across one point that the current Indian government is quite serious about the issues of small to mid level industries and is taking up aggressive measures to address their concerns.
As of now, the value of Indian handicraft exports is not very significant, however, it still remains one of the big source of employment. The US continues to remain the largest market for Indian handicraft exporters, followed by the UK. The US and EU together account for 70 per cent of the total handicrafts exports from India.
The Indian handicrafts exports were hit hard due to the global economic slowdown. Almost after 11 months of gloom, exports turned positive from September 2009. In all fairness, we can say that, by the end of 2010 the handicraft industry is poised for some serious growth and position itself as an important player in the world market.
At the start of this blog I also talked about an interesting phrase; here it is 'Hammocks to Switzerland, pottery to Greece'. This seems to be the new mantra adopted by Indian handicrafts exporters, which loosely means exporting Indian crafts to newer destinations.
There is something about the end of December that gives everyone a ray of hope that the next year may change their fortune for good. With all the measures that have been announced or are yet to be announced, handicrafts exporters expect better and more profitable 2011.
PS : handicrafts exporters get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7 . To know more , click on Indian handicrafts manufacturers
As reported earlier weakening Euro is now emerging as a chief cause of concern for the Indian leather exporters. It can cause a downward fall of the leather industry and holds the potential to reduce it's growth by 10% out of the projected figures. Repeated advisories were issued (to avoid long term contracts) and feelers were sent to the government to look into this, but unfortunately there wasn't any timely action taken.
One of the main reason for such a huge negative impact of Euro weakening is that almost 70% of Indian leather products are exported to Europe. No wonder, there are apprehensions that if corrective actions are not taken soon, this crisis will have long term impact on the currently thriving leather industry of India.
Media reports suggest that India's leather industry, which was already hit by the global economic slowdown, had experienced a downfall spree for about 18 months before showing a positive growth of 17.94 % in the current fiscal year.
The clouds of recession seems to have drifted from US to Europe and many major banks are wobbling in self created financial mess. Euro has lost its stability and a worst case scenario could be a repeat of wall street like meltdown.
As Indian economy is on the recovery mode, the government of India is thinking about withdrawing some of the stimulus packages provided during slowdown which could further complicate the problem for these exporters.
On the brighter side, some of the research reports indicate that despite the current challenges faced by leather industry it can still eye a 15% rise in export, somewhere around $3.8 billion in FY11. These reports further suggests that despite the gloomy prediction about the European market, leather industry should be able to maintain its double-digit growth in the upcoming months.
Though many exporters don't agree with the findings, analysts say that such a situation has given an opportunity to Indian exporters to venture outside safe harbours with a long term view.
They further substantiate their claim that high growth of the leather industry is possible due to the recovery in major export destinations (except Europe), price advantages provided by Indian exporters and buyers’ de-risk strategy of reducing dependence on China.
Even though currency fluctuation remains our exporter's achilles heels, we hope that the Indian leather exporters will be able to counter this challenge and emerge stronger from this.
PS : Leather accessories exporters get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7 . To know more , click on leather products exporters
Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao's visit to India has not been hailed as a success despite of the quantum of deals signed - 48 agreements worth over USD 16 billion. Had it been any other country the media would have gone into self congratulatory overdrive, highlighting India's increasing stature in the world trade, however this time the missing euphoria was quite noteworthy.
China is our biggest trade partner, yet it remains the most fickle minded one. Reports keeps on pouring every now then about the heated border disputes, china's usage of Pakistan to counter our increasing military economic stature, leaves this relationship cold & dry and doesn't allow it to grow beyond suspicion.
Many small traders have questioned the need of allowing Chinese companies to operate in India when they do not get similar gestures that easily. Chinese companies are notorious for flooding the markets with their dirt cheap products and slowly overtake it as their monopoly. One of the worst hit segment due to this heavy influx is our very own artificial jewelry industry. Many of the artificial jewelry exporters echo the sentiment that in the name of globalization, their domestic market is getting ruined and the government of India has remained a mute spectator so far.
India is one of the hottest market for all the manufacturers and suppliers across the globe due to their young spending power, which is open to experiment and has got handsome disposable income. Chinese companies are trying to en-cash this opportunity by offering their latest designs at never heard before prices. Indian artificial jewelry are certainly low on the technological front and their designs do not boast of that kind of variety which is offered by others. Many traders feel that due to Chinese invasion their right to exploit their domestic market first has been denied in the name of economic liberalization.
Industry insiders suggest that the objections of Indian artificial jewelry makers are valid and they are being denied the home advantage. On second thoughts, they also add that, they themselves are partly responsible for the current mess. Analysts further say that these manufactures have two options in front of them, either to moan in pain and keep complaining about government's policies or to understand the need of the time, break the shackles of the old mindset, try to acquire new technology and regain the lost market solely on their merit.
Despite of all the arguments and counterpoints , the big question remains - Would the Indian artificial jewelry manufactures really be able to stand up to the occasion and deliver? I guess only time would be able to answer it, however, what is crystal clear is - unless our artificial jewelry makers adapt to current changes rapidly, it would be tough for them to survive the Chinese onslaught!
PS: If you are an Indian Artificial jewelry exporter get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7 . To know more, click on Artificial Jewelry India.
Its the same time of the year wherein the yearly round ups make their way to the news headlines. Twitter, Facebook and Google have just released the top 10 trends observed on their site. While I was going through that, I just thought of compiling a list of top 7 trends observed in our very own jewelry segment, in 2010. The trends are as follows :
High Demand of Sterling Silver jewelry
As the gold prices soared to new heights, sterling silver made a remarkable comeback as one of the sought after fashion trend which went on to become stronger with each passing month. More and more jewelers and jewelry manufacturers are experimenting with sterling silver and have confirmed the strong continuity of this trend.
The bolder, The better - Mantra
It was not just the Bigg Boss which went to become bolder and successful, the jewelry designers too tried to encash the trend. From big cocktail rings to stack of big bangles, bold jewelry styles were flaunted in almost all the party circles. As more and more people are shedding their inhibitions and experimenting with new looks , bolder designs are here to stay.
Consolidation of Key pendants
In the early 2009, key pendants arrived with a bang and became unpredictably popular among the masses. In 2010, this trend got further consolidated and got a wider appeal. A noteworthy observation was the use of this pendant more in gold than any other traditional metal.
The Return of Dangling earrings
Dangling earrings made a grand comeback and were appreciated both by men and women alike. These types of earrings made a unique style statement and added a glamorous look to the overall persona of a women. This trend seems to have longer shelf life and is expected to remain favourite even in 2011.
Metallic Jewelry - Everyone's delight – During the downturn, as the price of other precious metals sky rocketed, punk jewelry got a renewed demand. Bronze, copper and brass became the new eye candies. One more reason for their popularity was their ability to be easily textured which made them a hip jewelry to wear. Jewellers, took creative freedom and gave their buyers a whole new set of designs to adorn their bodies.
Large cuff bracelets: The Gatecrashers – This was a surprise entry and was spotted in most of the upmarket fashion circles . This great accessory worked fine with almost any outfit. Any type of hammered metal like gold or bronze as a bracelet, seemed like a must have by the end of the year.
Nature-inspired Accessories: New Kids on the block – When the entire world has started singing the - Go Green anthem, how can the jewelry industry be left behind? Accessories like snake rings and cuffs, leaf designs, green, yellow and brown gemstones and natural stones were spotted in many high profile fashion segments.
Overall 2010, did not give any path breaking trend even then these trends helped the debt ridden jewellery industry to bounce back and make quick recovery. As they say, "Don't follow the trends, Start them!”, we hope that 2011 will throw new exciting fads with a longer shelf life.
PS: Sterling silver jewelry exporters , get your online catalogue today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated on the web, 24/7. To know more click on Silver Jewelry exporters
The Jute industry in India is going through turbulent times and is looking for long term solutions from the industry leaders.The jute sector in India occupies an important place in our economy as it provides direct employment to about lakhs of workers and supports the livelihood of around 4 million families.
As per the last statistics available, jute exports are to the tune of nearly 1000 crore INR. So far, the government support has remained perennial, as the Jute Sector has usually been included for special attention in its policy framework.
The jute industry has usually been on a roller-coaster ride and its growth seems uncontrolled and unregulated which often reverses the good steps taken. To shed some light on the woes of the jute manufacturers, lets begin with Bengal where in the jute mills are losing Rs 900-1000 per tonne on jute bags owing to a faulty calculation made by the Jute Commissioner's office. The mill owners have claimed that between July 2009 and August 2010, the industry has lost around Rs 42 crore.
As per the news report, the mill owners are being forced to buy low grade jute at high price and sell the manufactured jute bags to the government at low prices.
It is worth noting that 35-40 per cent of the total jute bags produced in the country is purchased by the government through different procurement agencies.The Food Ministry has so far refrained from taking any decisive stand saying that that the issue is solely under the domain of the Jute Commissioner (JC), considered to be the custodian of jute industry.
In another setback to the jute industry, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has turned down a proposal made by the Union Ministry of Textiles (MOT) to restrict about 450 odd sugar mills across the country from packing sugar in plastic bags replacing jute bags .
This is despite the recent decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) which had ruled out any dilution in the Jute Packaging Materials Act (JPMA) of 1987 that makes it mandatory for packaging of 100 per cent of food grains and sugar produced in India in jute bags.
Understandably, the jute manufactures are in deep anguish and intend to take the legal course as their sources of demand are diminishing with each passing day.
However, all is not lost for the jute exporters and suppliers as the centre is expected to finalise the much awaited ‘National Fibre Policy’ by the end of this year. That will remove the disparity in taxation and pricing of various fibres in the country.
Industry insiders say that, the proposed policy is expected to iron out the disparities in taxation structure and pricing with a comprehensive policy on exports and will help the Indian textile industry (including the jute industry) to recover its share in the global arena.
As one of the jute bags exporter sums up the whole scenario by saying that - “a lot has been said and a lot of assurances have been given, now its the time to see what exactly are they able to deliver and how soon...”
It certainly seems like a testing time, not just for the jute manufactures but also for our policy makers.
PS: Jute product exporters , get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated on the web 24/7. To know more click on jute products manufacturers
Jokes apart, The first big info war is on. Freedom of speech is fighting with government's veil of confidentiality.
No matter whose side you are on, that (the) matter of fact is you have been drawn into the first virtual world war. The hacktivists says, freedom of speech is a birthright and what they are doing is a peaceful protest – as putting down a site doesn't involve any bloodshed though the US Government begs to differ. Their counter point is the repercussion of these leaks endangers many lives and holds the potential to change the entire political atmosphere across the globe.
If you look at the anatomy of this warfare, the battle field is the internet hot properties - social media sites, blogs, articles, forums and the troops are individuals like you and me. If social media could help an underdog like Obama, win the US presidential elections, it holds the potential to alter the geographies by flaring up emotions at the ground level. Look at the common thread, social media holds the most important virtue - it can influence the perceptions, it can tell you the pulse of a common man, it can give you invaluable insights into what people think and feel about on all the possible topics.
Just step back for a while and decide for yourself, if internet is on the verge of becoming a dominating mainstream media, where no one can remain a mute spectator, everyone can participate, raise their voice and make themselves count.
Facebook has more than 500 million members, Linkedin claims to have 85 million members- all voicing out what they want, what are they interested in and what are they looking for. Companies can use this tonnes of free information to drive up their profits.
HOW? When in Rome, do what Romans do! When your customers are going online, you need to have your online presence too, when the business communication is becoming a bit casual, stop using age old business jargons, show a friendly human face to the end users, engage them, talk to them and create a goodwill for your company.
Buyers don't trust TV or radio commercials, (its a hyped up pitching of one's product), they don't rely on yellow pages, it just gives them a company's name and number, the net gives a buyer a non partial review, real time user's experience and helps them, make better judgement about their purchase.
What about the B2B segment? Indian exporters, manufacturers use b2b portals, online marketplaces to promote their products and services, apart from participating in trade shows. As the number of such users is increasing phenomenally, it further confirms the fact that b2b industry too is using the net to drive up its profits. Remember, if you are not on the net you are incurring losses by losing a big chunk of your potential customers.
PS: Attention Indian exporters supplier or manufacturer, get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7 . To know more , click on b2bportal
The difference between false memories and true ones is the same as for jewels : it is always the false ones that look the most real, the most brilliant. ~ Salvador DalÃ
Wikipedia defines costume jewelry as - “ Jewelry or ornamentation to complement a particular fashionable costume or garment. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit or new fashion style.” Over a period of time costume jewelry has been able to carve its own niche as a jewelry segment and now, is on the must have list of even the upmarket high class, who used to detest it earlier.
On the business front, costume jewelry manufacturers are located throughout the world, with a particular concentration in parts of China and India, where production of costume jewelry is a full fledged small scale industry.
Recent Threats
Retailers profited from consumer extravagance in the past, but were seen struggling, when they had to deal with more conservative buyers, in the midst of recession. Recession caused consumers to scale back on their heavy spendings and jewelry was one of the first casualty of this spend cut. Historically, too whenever the demand for jewelry has dwindled, it has signified the slowness in economy.
Present scenario
After the downturn, costume jewelry is experiencing a kind of resurgence that hasn't been seen for a long long time. Post recession, every market research firm has predicted a huge surge in demand and high sales. With personal finances back in order, new trends are being observed like a renewed demand for massive, dramatic and heavy metals along with antiques, vintage collection like - over-the-top rings, enormous hoops, chandelier earrings etc.
Opportunity
Now that the downturn has been reversed, It is entirely up to the jewelry manufacturers to maximise their profits under the current circumstances. Costume jewelry manufacturers earlier used to resort to the traditional wholesaler-retailer nexus to supply and distribute their products. Now with the arrival of web they have been exposed to plethora of opportunities which gives them ample alternate routes to sell & market their products worldwide.
Challenges
Though the sun is shining bright on the costume jewelry, there are still few dark clouds. There has been considerable controversy in the western countries over the lack of regulations in the manufacturing of such jewelry items. These issues range from human rights concerning the treatment of labour, to the use of technology in which potentially harmful chemicals become side products of production. So far the cliché has been that the developing countries are trying their best to address these issues.
Conclusion
Under the current scenario all the exporters and suppliers are going full throttle towards production and distribution and the costume jewelry industry is expected to bounce back quickly. Also, it would be highly interesting to see how Indian costume jewelry makers are able to meet the challenges and consolidate their position in the jewelry market.
PS : If you are a fashion jewelry exporters get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7 . To know more, click on costume jewelry exporters.
“A guy walks up to me and asks 'What's Punk?'. So I kick over a garbage can and say 'That's punk!'. Then he kicks over the garbage can and asks “That's Punk?', I say 'No, that's trend!'” -
Billie Joe Armstrong
News reports confirm that India's handicrafts industry is in a healthy state and is poised for further growth. As last heard, India's handicraft export grew by about 19 per cent (approx. over $154.16 million) in May, thanks to the increasing demand from the US market.
Another report confirms the surge and even predicted that buoyed by an increase in demand from the US and Europe, India's handicraft exports may even touch the Rs 10,000 crore mark in the current fiscal year.
Among such rosy predictions we decided to delve deep into the so called forecasts and do a reality check ourselves for the upcoming trends and challenges. Below is a sneak peek on what can Indian handicrafts exporters expect in the upcoming year.
Use of protectionist measures from the western economies
Loss of employment, crashing markets and dwindling economy will result in open advocacy of protectionist measures in the next few months. The concept of Globalization would be challenged by it own very founding fathers.
Aggressive Chinese intrusion
China is on the rise. Its manufacturing units are more than prepared to flood the market with their surplus product, in an attempt to change the rules of the way trade is conducted worldwide.
Demand for non controversial work conditions
Developed countries will use this as one of the weapon from their artillery to counter the industrial growth of developing economies. This holds the potential to create a major stand off among the world leaders specially at the G-20 meet ups. In addition to that, businesses will be encouraged (with more intensity) to use greener technologies and cleaner resources to manufacture their products.
Heavy usage of social media / online promotion
More and more companies will create their online presence. Usage of social media will gradually speed up and push companies to change the way they conduct their business over the net. SEO will find it more challenging to maintaining their clients reputation online.
Emergence of demand for indian goods specially from the new locations
So far the US and EU together account for 70 per cent of the country's handicraft export. However the slump in economy has challenged the power equations across the globe resulting in emergence of new locations with growing buying power. Make no mistake , new markets like Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe are the next exciting names to do business with.
Conclusion
Overall the picture looks somewhat balanced, reflecting upon the upcoming challenges and showing a ray of hope as well that a solid platform has been setup for Indian handicrafts exporters to take on the world stage. Hope 2011 prove to be an exciting year for the Indian handicrafts exporters and their sales surges to record levels.
PS : handicrafts exporters get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7 . To know more , click on handicrafts manufacturers
Silver, like any other commodity, has an intrinsic value, which is not arbitrary, but is dependent on its scarcity and the quantity of labour bestowed in procuring it - David Ricardo
Metals don't lie, at least not in the commodity market. Experts believe that silver will rise exponentially in the next few months. The rise in the price would remain a matter of intense debate both for the investors and the jewelry makers. A recent report released in UK observed that - " This year’s consumer demand has already reached its all-time high, which is 5% more than last year’s volume. In 2010, jewellers bought 10% more silver while the industry increased its consumption by 18% as compared to 2009."
Many forecasters believe that investing in silver may turn out to be more profitable than investing in gold, shares or government bonds. Since the beginning of 2010 the price on silver has gained 46% , delivering better ROI than other metals, including gold.
Sterling silver jewelry manufacturers are unanimous about the surge in demand and are keeping their fingers crossed in anticipation of higher profits. However, a small section of exporters also fear a backlash, in case the price reaches beyond the affordable limits.
Trade pundits acknowledges that Indian silver jewelry has become a hot property among the fashion lovers worldwide. Most people prefer to go with classic and modern designs which not only compliment their looks but also helps them make an original style statement. The young spenders usually prefer funky designs and styles specially in sterling silver necklaces, watches, silver bracelets and earrings.
Industry insiders also add that in 2011, there would be specific demand for silver chains and interlocking hoops. Though some experienced jewelry makers suggest, as has been the case in the past, ethnic influences would continue to remain strong.
Celebrities from all over the world can often be seen flaunting their sterling silver masterpieces giving a huge push to the already rising demand of silver jewelry. With the availability of new funky themes and unique designs, it has carved a niche of its own in a short span of time. It can be said with great conviction that, sterling silver jewelry has succeeded in setting up new benchmarks in the world of jewelry industry.
On the domestic front, most of the research reports and expert's opinion have painted a bright picture for Indian silver jewelry market. Indian silver jewelry exporters too are confident of better prospects next year. It would be of great interest to watch if their performance actually lives up to the expectation in 2011 .
PS: If you are a sterling silver jewelry exporters , get your online catalogue today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated on the web, 24/7. To know more click on Silver Jewelry suppliers.
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