Matt Cutts (Google's anti webspam head) was recently asked - what would he include in his SEO strategy list for 2011? He replied creation of great content (bait) spread via social media. This wouldn't just help in getting quality natural back links , which could result in better rankings, this would also help in acquiring new visitors and customers. Experts think, the reason why this strategy would succeed is this - in the world of social media, even now, the creators of original and quality content are less and those who link or spread it further are more.
As per one of the latest research report " 23 percent of social users are “creators” and almost one in 10 are “megaphones.” who generate web content, surrounding brand info found on social sites, and they're likely to link to valuable resources."
The three pillars of social media marketing are facebook, twitter and linked in. Social media pundits say that, three of them should be used in a different manner, with different content, however, with the same goal in mind which is acquiring new customers and spreading the message to the right kind of targeted audience.
Another big question which is being discussed at length is : Has article marketing finally lost its sheen? Experts believe, Yes if it not done in the right way. This essentially means if the article isn't well researched, just a mashed up piece of rephrased words of an already written text, it wouldn't help a site and could instead harm it as well.
B2b marketers should write well researched original articles (length of the article would also matter), then (preferably ) upload it on to their site and spread it via social media sites.
B2B companies have often struggled to succeed with social media sites and so far have had less than desired results.
According to another survey report " both B2B and B2C brands are seeing success with social marketing. Linked In was especially useful for B2B companies in terms of driving leads, with 61 percent of B2B firms gaining new customers "
Many b2b marketers often wonder what should they use social media for? Experts say that social media should be use for
* Acquiring New customers
* Attracting relevant search traffic
* Improving ranking
* Creating positive buzz about your brand and your product
So that brings us as to another important question i.e. what exactly are the requisites for a successful social media campaign?
* Grabbing your brands names on all the major social media sites
* Setting up of impressive profile page, with interesting information
* Creation of original, exclusive, interesting and fresh content, delivered within the right frequency i.e. either daily or every two days or weekly
* Keep fuelling social conversion around your content
What b2b companies can do is, use slide share or you tube to upload power point presentation or videos about their products and services. Then, share those links on FB + fuel conversation though exciting contests or interaction. They can use twitter for promoting occasional and exclusive promotional offers or attractive deals.
One of the main reason why b2b companies social marketing campaigns fail is because there isn't enough engaging fresh content. Industry analysts point out that compelling content is the most basic requirement for a successful SMO campaign. On an average half of the journalists turn to social media to find leads or see the pulse of the masses.
Sooner or later the line between social and search marketing will get blurred. The idea behind making early inroads into the social media segment is simple - to be on top of the game before the serious battle lines are drawn. In short, social media is getting bigger with each passing day and one can ignore it only at its peril.
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.
Article first published as B2B Marketers and Social Media - The Catch 22 Situation on Technorati.
Even though, these days the hand tufted carpets are in great demand, the other types of carpets which have a huge market across the globe include Hand-knotted Woollen Carpets, Pure Silk Carpets, Handmade Woollen Dhurries, Chainstich Rugs and woollen carpets. Needless to say each carpet has its own unique features and distinct usability.
Most of the carpets produced are exported to western countries. The consumption of these carpets within India isn't that high mainly because of the high cost involved and less awareness about cost-effective marketing and promotion strategies. As per the latest figures available the carpet exports from India is worth over Rs. 2600 crores whereas the domestic market size is about Rs. 200 crores.
The industry took a beating in the mid of recession however has bounced back admirably. Even though the hand knotted and hand tufted carpets rule the market demand, many big home furnishing companies have invested in this sector, keeping the long term view in mind. Most of the big names of the home furnishing sector involved in the same are Nourison, V. Heinrich, Theo Keller, Wissenbach, Abeth, Roubeni, Feizy, Capel, Obittee, Kalaty, IKEA and more.
Many carpet suppliers say that India made carpets will eventually edge out other competitors in the times to come mainly due to availability of talented and artistic skillet, low production costs, ability to innovate and flexibility to offer designs as per the client's requirement. The only issues which could halter its growth could be poor infrastructure, child labour issues and fierce competition from China.
Overall most of the Industry experts unanimously say that in the immediate future, Indian carpet market will see rapid expansion primary due to its current retail boom and growing purchasing power of its middle class.
PS : Attention Carpet manufacturers, get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7.
Experts point out that the rolling is differentiated as per the temperature of the metal rolled. If the metal is rolled above its recrystallization temperature then it is known as hot rolling, else it is termed as cold rolling. Both the processes are used as per the specified requirement.
As of this article, we would like to focus on hot rolling mills. Industry experts further elaborate that once the metal grains deform while getting heated during the rolling process, they recrystallize and maintain a slightly flexible micro structure which prevents the metal from hardening. Usually most of the large pieces of metal like slab, billets etc. are used for such a process which are fed directly into a high temperature chamber, whereas in the case of smaller operations, the temperature is increased slowly and gradually.
Once the metal has been hot rolled then it is made available to be re-sized as per the product specification. As per the experts it is primarily used for producing sheet metal or simple cross sections, such as rail tracks etc.
As of now, hot rolling mills suppliers are satisfied with this years performance. They say that the demand has been consistently steady and is expected to increase by the year end. Just like other industry verticals, hot rolling mills manufacturers too witnessed a slowdown during the economic downturn, however with the passage of time the demand has resumed back to normal and the profits too have begun to rolled in.
Over the last few years, new and better technology is being incorporated for higher efficiency and productivity. Many hot rolling mills traders have realized that going for technically advanced machines call for substantial investment however the same can give one a better return on investment in the long run.
Hopefully, in the times to come, the India based hot rolling mills suppliers and manufacturers will make use of the latest state -of -art technology and be able to stand their ground in the midst of fierce international competition.
PS : If you are dealing in Hot rolling mills, get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7.
Due to the steep rise in the price of traditional metals like gold, silver etc. (also in diamond and pearls), beads as an alternative are gaining popularity throughout the world. The colourful, elegant and mesmerising beads add to the persona of an individual, usually appreciated by all and sundry. Beads come in varied sizes like from a few millimetre to a several centimetres. The material used while making a fashion beaded jewellery can b quite diverse like it can be glass, plastic, stone , bone, metal clay, resin, horn, ivory, metal, shell, pearl, coral, gemstones, polymer clay, synthetic minerals, wood, ceramic, fibre etc.
Earlier it used to be considered merely a home made jewellery item. However, as the interest at the mass level increased, corporates made an aggressive effort to cash upon the ongoing market sentiment. With the arrival of the corporates, came a certain level of professionalism and systematic functioning in the already existing though organised industry. Beaded fashion jewellery has now become popular segment and most of the exporters, suppliers and manufactures are confidently posting higher profits year after year.
India based beaded jewelry manufactures usually source their raw material either from the rural areas (or sea areas) or from countries like Africa etc. (keeping the cost factor in mind). With the passage of time, better technology is being used to make high quality beaded fashion jewellery, specially in bulk. Also, what is more interesting to see is the aggressive intent in the suppliers and exporters mindset, where in they are more than willing to experiment with the never before seen designs and patterns in accordance with the pulse of the market demand. Overall, the beaded fashion jewellery market promises a robust growth and a positive future.
PS : If you deal in Beaded Fashion Jewelry , get your online catalogue today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated on the web, 24/7.
One of the most interesting aspects of these reports is that this growth will be driven by Asian countries, China and India to be specific. No wonder, the India based industrial valves manufactures and exporters are thrilled in anticipation of better profits. Many traders are quite upbeat about the future prospects as the Euro has finally got stable removing the ambiguity around their profits margins, atleast for now.
In the midst of growing industrialization, the need for industrial valves has grown exponentially, primarily due to their wide usage in important industries like oil and gas, mining, power generation etc. Industry insider reveal that there are mainly five types of industrial valves - manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, solenoid and motor valves. The one which are highly popular among these are safety valves, pressure valves and pressure safety valves followed by basic valves, check valves and butterfly valves.
These valves have great usage and numerous applications in various sectors and their demand would only go upwards from here. As any visionary business man would do, many industrial valves manufacturers are thinking about expanding their business. The suppliers on the other hand are making strategies about how to tap emerging markets to maximise their over return on investment.
India based valves suppliers have a natural skepticism about the Chinese might and are trying to develop their own niche in order to hold on to their market. The next two years could prove to be very crucial for deciding who will emerge as the clear winner in this global transition.
PS: If you are an industrial valves suppliers, 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 industrial valves
Online portals specially the b2b ones have always remained beneficial for the exporters and manufacturers . There are numerous stories of those who have gained immensely, with their profits having sky rocketed after using the services of such portals.
History
A scarf is usually classified as a fashion accessory and is worn by all the age groups across the different social segments . It is an evergreen fashion trend which has dominated the society from time to time and has survived the test of time . A popular notion is that the "Fashion Scarves" exploded in the main stream fashion only during the Victorian era. However, historians cite various written references to suggest that the scarves have been in use, way before that period.
A New Trend
High quality, vintage fashion scarves (specially the ones worn by Hollywood style sirens like Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe etc. ) remain very much in demand. Such scarves get auctioned like anything and fetch very high prices. As a matter of fact the William and Kate scarf-related memorabilia, will soon be on the collectors items wish list. As far as the popular designs and motifs are concerned, the ones with animal prints, commemorative events and artistic impressions are a runaway hit. So far, only silk used to be the fabric of preference, however these days, cotton, linen and other synthetic fabrics too are being used quite commonly.
Indian Perspective
Globally Italian and French scarves have ruled the ladies fashionable scarf industry however with the passage of time Indian made scarves too are making their presence felt. The design and patterns used in Indian fashion scarves is gaining wide popularity specially in the US and the European market. All in all, experts agree that by the end of this calendar year, the Indian made fashion scarves manufacturers and suppliers are expected to generate a decent turnover.
PS: Attention, those who are dealing in Ladies clothing , get your online catalog today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated across the globe on the web 24/7.
Since ancient times, rug making has been a craft where in many techniques have been used for delivering that formidable, attractive yet comfortable finish.The two most common techniques used for rug making is braiding, hooking, needle punching and prodding. The rug hookers who are also referred to as fabric artists, have taken this trade to an all together different level and are helping India strengthen their position in the global market.
In India Panipat is the hub of carpets, rugs, bath mats etc. Most of the wholesale dealers, trade in bulk from there. One of the most popular product which is in great demand these days is - cotton rugs. More and more suppliers while understanding the pulse of the market, are trying to encash on the present sentiment and offer a wide range of cotton rugs to the buyers.
While purchasing rugs usually four things are kept in mind like colour, size, shape and price. As far as the colour is concerned it has to be in tune with the room's surroundings. The shape and size should also be perfect as in neither too big nor too small. Now, when we come to the price factor, one needs to explore the market as much as possible to know the right price. As rug making is a craft and only a specialist can know the true worth of a rug, it is always advisable to consult a rug specialist before making a final purchase.
The rugs industry insiders are banking on special government benefits or schemes like relaxation on taxes (on both stitched and non-stitched items) for the betterment of the industry. Many traders are also using online mediums like b2b portals, trade exhibitions etc to further attract the international buyers.
Many manufactures concede the fact that cotton rugs being the current rage are doing very well in the international circuit. Hopefully in the times to come other types of rugs will also be able make their mark in the world market.
PS : If you a Cotton Rugs Supplier, get your online catalogue today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated on the web, 24/7.
Aggressive efforts are on by the green peace activists to reduce the overall dependence on plastic. The companies which produce plastic pet bottles are under tremendous pressure to do their bit towards saving the environment. Some of the companies have taken a lead in the same by offering to recycle their products for other usages like in the auto industry for making automobile sheets etc.
Industry experts suggest that recycled plastic can be used in many other fields as well like oil, greenhouse gas emissions, energy, landfill space etc.
This helps businesses garner goodwill in the business and do their bit towards saving the planet from the evils of plastic.
Industry insiders say that we can not ignore plastic completely and the overall dependence can only be reduced gradually. More and more innovative ways are being thought of, to improve the quality of plastic produced or to make it somewhat bio-degradable.
According to the beverage marketing corporation, bottled water consumption has more than doubled over the last ten years and will continue to grow at an aggressive pace. Also, it is estimated that only about 12%-16% of plastic water bottles are recycled-which is less than other bottled drinks such as soda or beer. This essentially means that a staggering 88% of all the water bottles sold, end up as litter or stuffed into our landfills. This certainly doesn't augurs well for our environment .
Many environmentalists are now advocating the use of stringent laws to curb the use of plastic bottles, whereas some think that the laws alone cannot be the ultimate solution. They are of the opinion that we need to create enough public awareness which eventually would lead to a systematic phase out of plastic usage.
Nonetheless, the fact remains that plastic continues to be material of choice for most of the manufactures and suppliers due to its price and durability. It would be interesting to see what measures the plastic pet bottles manufactures adopt to counter the ongoing challenge. A fair solution would be to adopt a balanced approach which doesn't harm their business interests and protects our nature as well.
PS : If you deal in Plastic pet bottles , get your online catalogue today and make profits by tapping the business queries being generated on the web, 24/7.
Wall Street Journal(WSJ) reported that alibaba.com CEO has resigned after an internal investigation found that more than 2,300 sellers registered on their site committed fraud, sometimes with the help of Alibaba sales staff.
B2B portals especially those who offer a marketplace to the buyers and sellers have always been susceptible to such malpractices, however, for the first time the internal staff of such a reputed portal has ever been caught involved.
Reports says that the company insists that the CEOs were not involved though they resigned in the wake of moral responsibility however the rumours of a different nature are going around the corners amidst the storm.
As more and more buyers and sellers are using b2b marketplace as their preferred way to carry out their business, the possibility of a repeat of such an instance can't be ruled out. Industry analysts say as the number of transaction increases it becomes virtually impossible to track each and every of them, which leaves a certain room for error. However, what is pertinent for any company is that none of their employees should ever be involved in such a set-up, otherwise, their entire credibility goes for a toss.
B2B portal offer a wide array of services to the buyers and extra efforts are made to instil their confidence into dealing with the sellers listed. However, when the holy grail of trust is broken that's when things begin to go helter-skelter within the industry.
Analysts insist that the volume of the fraud occurred was insignificant, however, the counter action taken to rectify it was huge. Skeptics wonder if the CEOs resigned to show that company will go to any length to bring back the confidence of the buyers or if there was something more to it. Something we will never ever be able to know, something which hints towards the beginning of the end of the alibaba's bubble! Could it be another satyam in the making ...? The questions are endless with no answer in sight.
Understandably, most of the b2b portals are tight lipped about the sudden developments and are concerned about the next update. Only time will tell if we have heard the last in the ongoing fiasco, or if there are more skeletons which could stumble out the closet !
PS: If you are an Indian 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 online business catalogs
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
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 heart is the only broken instrument that works.” -- T. E. Kalem
India and China are competing hard for every possible inch in the battle of capturing the highest possible market share in the scientific instrument segment. China has many advantages at the moment though India could soon outpace them in this category. Below is a brief analysis:
Crouching Tiger ( India's Perspective)
The scientific instruments segment globally offers huge market potential to the Indian companies. With the steep rise in population and the occurrences of new diseases, the governments all over the globe have renewed their focus on the health sector like never before. In India, the health ministry has taken several initiatives to improve the overall medical conditions and its availability. All this has pushed the demand for scientific instruments manifolds.
Indian companies have many advantages in this sector including easy access and availability of the raw material. So far, Ludhiana (Punjab) has been the hub of scientific instruments manufacturing, other cities are also being incentivised to gear up towards this industry. Another advantage which Indian companies have is that they have a better image in the world market in terms of being more investor friendly and offering ease of regulations as compared to China.
Experts believe that after China the world is looking at India to be their main manufacturing hub and Indian scientific instrument manufacturers shouldn't loose this opportunity and seize it with both hands.
Hidden Dragon (Chinese scenario)
The scientific instrument market in China is growing at a rapid pace. Though, China has usually been criticised in the past for excessive mass production without giving much thought to the quality, even then, the Chinese companies have continued to make deep penetration into the world markets, in their bid to emerge as market leaders.
Industry insiders reveal that currently the Chinese companies have their hold in the low grade instrument segment and the high grade instrument segment is controlled by international majors like Agilent, Johnson & Johnson, Pan Pacific, Siemens, Bayer, Philips, Oxford, Omron Japan, Hitachi, Toshiba Deng Jun and others.
It appears as if the Chinese government isn't too amused with the current standing and is taking some bold steps to strengthen the domestic companies by drafting some policies which may eventually sound a death knell for the foreign companies. Though this change may benefit other low cost destinations like indian scientific instruments makers etc.
Experts, also point out that China will eventually have to open up its economy, before it could realize its dream of being acknowledged as a market leader and when it does that it will make the battle field more even. Nevertheless, as of now china poses a serious competition to other countries in the immediate future.
PS : scientific instruments 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 scientific instrument manufacturers
