Inbox Insider: Hotels.com takes advantage of Cinco de Mayo

admin    Web Marketing     Advantage, Cinco, Hotels.com, Inbox, Insider, Mayo, Takes

May is just around the corner, and marketers are taking advantage by launching e-mail campaigns promoting the month’s holidays. For one, Hotels.com has launched a push for Cinco de Mayo, featuring sales at Mexican hotels.

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Google Takes “Mobile First” Attitude Toward Product Development

admin    Web Marketing     Attitude, Development, First”, google, Product, Takes, Toward, “Mobile

We have been reporting over the past few months about Google’s aggressive push into the mobile space. It’s not like it’s a secret. Sometimes it’s so “in your face” that you wonder if the whole search engine thing is just keeping Google busy until they take over the mobile world that the future is shaping up to be.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt is out making the rounds talking to newspaper folks and now was talking to chief information officers according to MobileBeat.

Speaking at Atmosphere, Google’s conference for chief information officers, Schmidt said:

What’s really important right now is to get the mobile architecture right. Mobile will ultimately be the way you provision most of your services. The way I like to put it is the answer should always be mobile first. You should always put your best team and your best app on your mobile app.

There was no mention at all about Android in this report but that’s the obvious lynch pin for all of the mobile strategies that Google is putting together. The more they can create that has their distinct signature on it from a mobile perspective the more they distance themselves from their buddies in Cupertino; Apple.

And what would a talk from Google’s leader be without taking a direct swipe at their enemies to the north; Microsoft. Now, there is no direct mention of Microsoft but you’ll see it’s not too veiled as to who is in the cross hairs. Schmidt got a Googler assist on this one.

Schmidt also said the technology he is most excited about in this area is HTML5, the web language that is enabling more powerful web applications in your browser. This gets back to Google’s emphasis of web applications over client applications that you download or install — earlier in the afternoon Bradley Horowitz, vice president of product for Google Apps, declared that “client applications in many way are becoming extinct,” and Google also showed off Chrome OS, which takes this idea all the way with an operating system that’s all browser-based web apps and nothing downloaded to the client.

Schmidt tried to make Google appear human by admitting that they make mistakes. He also said that the company is not a search company but rather an information and enterprise software company. Not a search company? I doubt even Googlers believe that one entirely.

So expect more from Google on the mobile front as they continue to move toward their own clash of the titans in the mobile space. That’s going to be fun to watch.

View full post on Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim

Twitter Takes Center Stage

admin    Social Media Marketing     Center, Stage., Takes, Twitter

As you may have noticed by now, Twitter is taking center stage at this time. Loads of excitement and energy on this social media phenomenon. Twitter has been in the spotlight for the last 12 months or so but over the last 6 months this tool has really picked up some swift momentum and taken social media to whole new level. However, is this all just a fad? Is it only for the next few months until something else comes along?
Is it worth all the noise, pomp and ceremony? All indicators point in the direct of the noise being well warrantedSocial media is here to stay. Nothing is going to change that anymore. The wheels are in motion and no one can stop that now, nor does anyone wish to do so! Facebook, Myspace and Twitter have revolutionized the way people connect and interact and do business today. In February 2008, 4 million people updated their Facebook status daily. In Feb 2009, that number has risen to 15 million! A whopping growth of close to 400%! The mechanism of social media can only get better oiled, more efficient and effective from here on
On a business level; social media has made it possible for the ordinary average entrepreneur to connect with people from every country, every continent across the world in a manner that is unprecedented! And what an incredible time it is for marketers.

Big things are happening across the world in terms of business and marketing; and the smallest of entrepreneurs get to participate. The big companies like Dell are already utilizing social media as a solid part of their marketing efforts
But the fact that small businesses and online businesses can get a piece of this pie is really cause for great excitement. Finally it’s not only the big boys who get to bring in the big bucks! Now the playing field is beginning to level out and with some savvy marketing; entrepreneurs can hone their skills, really take charge of their business online and offline and raise their profit margins and overall profits
In the world of internet marketing not all is smooth. Of course there still are some plays which not everyone can partake as pointed out by one of my students today. The big boys promote the other big boys’ stuff. And they each promote the other’s stuff – especially the big ticket items, and sometimes you get that feeling of how small you are in this huge online marketing game
Don’t despair! That’s just the nature of the beast! Your turn will come. No one is born with marketing knowledge! Especially in a fast changing marketing environment these techniques and strategies have to be learned and mastered gradually. But the winning edge is sharpened knowing you can do this, you too can play in the big leagues soon
So yes, today you may not have all the skills to be an online guru like Mike Dillard or a Mike Filsaime BUT you do have what it takes to be ‘like Mike’ And don’t start comparing yourself with these guys, and get all down and out on yourselfThe key really is to become a better you – everyday, every week, every month and every year. If you beat your last 6 months average then you are playing the game. Getting better everyday is not as easy as it sounds however. Many lack the discipline to get better and blame others for their lack of success constantly. Many try for 2 or 3 months and expect to be a marketing whiz. When that doesn’t happen, they go back to their old habit of blaming and becoming all sour with the world!If you blame someone or others for your lack of success, the chances of people following your lead and joining you, is zero! No one wants to follow a cry baby. People want to follow those who know where they are going and who make things work!

So today, raise you chin up and strive for greatness. Don’t expect to become a marketing guru overnight but do expect to get better everyday and sharpen your skillsSocial media has take front and center stage because of the ease of communication and the ease of crossing land and sea with the strike of the keys on a keyboard. When used with discretion, proper etiquette and savvy marketing tactics – social media can really ignite into a raging fire in your business!So don’t hesitate to jump in and experiment. And a word of caution: your time is valuable, don’t just sit there and chatter for hours. And it is very easy to get caught up in all the tweeting. Allocate let’s say… 1 hour for social media time per day and that’s it. You should be working your marketing from several angles, each with time limitations for the day. This way you use your time with great efficiency and effectiveness. And as such, maximize your productivity and results.Time is of the essence, let’s giddy up…

Nadira Haniff

Creator, Coach & Inspirational Speaker

180DaysToGreatnessTM

Squad2009 Marketing BootcampTM

24HourExplosion.com

 

Website Marketing: Asda Takes On Tesco As The Digital Supermarket War Surges

admin    Website Marketing Companies     Asda, Digital, marketing, Supermarket, Surges, Takes, Tesco, website

Asda online is closing the gap on Tesco in an ongoing website promotion battle as the digital supermarket war surges. It has been more than a year since the eConsultancy blog compiled a list of ten things Asda could do to improve its online shopping service, such as improving images and generally making its site more user-friendly and easier to navigate. And the supermarket giant seems to have taken eConsultancy’s advice after almost doubling its share of online supermarket sales from just 17 per cent in October 2008 to more than 30 per cent in January 2010.Indeed, Tesco.com could lose its dominance of the online shopping sector to Asda within just six months if consumer trends continue, according one of the UK’s leading discount websites. In July 2009, Tesco enjoyed the majority share of online grocery shoppers, with 41 per cent of supermarket sales through Tesco.com compared to 27 per cent via Asda.co.uk, according to data collected by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk. However, sales figures throughout January 2010 reveal that Tesco is losing the lead to Asda, owned by American supermarket chain Wal-Mart, with a share of 36 per cent and 31 per cent respectively. The figures appear to be part of a trend for shopping online overall, with more than 70 per cent of people polled for New Media Age’s Online Shopping Survey 2010 saying they would be likely to shop for groceries online. Sainsbury’s was the third most popular online supermarket with a total 13 per cent of sales this month, while Ocado – which also sells Waitrose own-label goods – was in fourth place with nine per cent. In fifth place was Marks and Spencer with six per cent. Frozen food specialists Iceland, despite the fact it no longer offers online grocery ordering, was more popular online than Waitrose, with three per cent of sales compared to Waitrose’s two per cent. Retail expert Mark Pearson, managing director of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk said the success of Tesco and Asda was down to their “fantastic online offerings”, which made it easy for consumers to find and buy their groceries.However, he said he believed that Asda’s website marketing, which was constantly playing itself off against Tesco as the UK’s cheapest supermarket, was strengthening its brand. Press release – below

New York Times takes on Journal in business-to-business campaign

admin    Web Marketing     businesstobusiness, Campaign, Journal, Takes, Times, York

‘The New York Times’ launched a business-to-business campaign on March 15 to promote its reach among women, professionals and art enthusiasts in the New York market compared to the rival ‘Wall Street Journal.’

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To be or not to Be—what it Takes to Become a Successful SEO Writer?

admin    Website Marketing Resources     Become, Be—what, Successful, Takes, writer

I have spent many years in content writing, SEO writing and creating eBooks on a variety of subjects—that’s why I can say it affirmatively! SEO writing has become the need of the hour if you want to stay in business.

 

As a human being (with a mix of technical expertise as well as managerial skills), “To Be Or Not To Be” is the question that has always teased me in the past. Not just in the past …but even as of today! If we trace back the history then we will find that this famous line was first used by the legend William Shakespeare in Hamlet’s Act III. Since then it has been used by many writers…may be I am the first SEO writer who is using it! But, I have a reason for it. Please keep reading to understand why?

 

First thing first, so let’s see who can be termed as a true SEO writer. In the simplest words, as per best of my knowledge and conscience, an SEO writer can be anybody (like you and me) who knows what he is writing and why, and eventually does writing, either for self or for others! So that means they aren’t aliens (no pun intended, of course!).

 

In other words we can say that an SEO writer is the one who understands the importance of keywords/keyphrases and can write the entire content carefully and articulately woven around those keywords that best fit their business category. An SEO writer actually optimizes the entire site content using various search engine optimization strategies in an attempt to achieve a desirable ranking in search engines.

 

But, it can be easier said than done, as there is no quick fix or permanent solution to understand different search engine optimization strategies or techniques. Every search engine, by and large, has its own different techniques and complex algorithms. And, by the time you are conversant with some particular techniques or strategies, you will find that they have been changed very quickly. Moreover, there is no written guarantee about their results and virtually there is no fixed time period as well to get the results.

 

So, now a hundred dollar question comes, what exactly we should do for better search engine optimization? Now take a deep breath and relax, as you are going to explore a few secrets for better search engine optimization.

 

First of all, you need to bear in your mind that the role of an SEO writer in not just to satisfy the search engines but human visitors as well. So a good SEO writer is the one who knows how to please search engines as well as human visitors, and the one who firmly believes that there is no short cut to success. The entire content should be written in such as way that it uses all the search terms or keywords as natural as possible (remember, it shouldn’t be maximization but optimization). So that means, if you don’t know how to use those particular keywords or keyphrases optimally (to satisfy search engines as well as human visitors) you are “out-of-focus” immediately. The websites that use particular keywords or search terms over and over are sure to be penalized by both, search engines and visitors. Can you afford it?…I know no body can afford it for sure!

 

You need to master and hone your copywriting skills, as high-quality and unique content is real king. It should be clear, crispy, attention grabbing and unduplicated that is free from plagiarism. In the mad race of SEO content, always avoid content that is nothing but search engine Spam. However, if you don’t have the staff or budget to generate unique, original and never seen content every month, then try some professional copywriter and SEO expert. You can’t be Jack-of-all-trades, so for the tasks that you can’t do comfortably and skillfully, there is always potential that you could outsource them to providers who specialize in the specific areas. But always be wary about their capabilities and skills unless you have actually tried them.

 

So when it comes become an SEO writer, you will be required to write a lot of good quality content. I know that cannot be done quickly. It may take months, years or sometimes a lifetime to become a good copywriter. It needs good command over your language, passion for writing and a lot of imagination and creativity. To become a successful SEO writer, never fall for short cuts as they are for short periods only. If you want to become an icon in your field, you need to follow a few golden principles, such as:

 

Write to please your readers and show utmost respect for their time and efforts. Never do overstuffing with keywords, as overstuffing can’t make your pages rank higher. Think twice before writing even a single sentence. Never use jargons and technical words that may go over the heads of common visitors. Remember, being an expert SEO writer doesn’t necessarily mean that you totally get trapped in the SEO stuff and complex algorithms; instead write clear, crispy, concise and to the point. Otherwise, at the end of the day you will find that though you have generated traffic but not visitors who bring business to your website.

 

Last but not the least; remember “experiment” is the key here, but instead of putting others into fire, it is better to get your fingers burnt to experiment and put others into a safe place to help reach them where they want to be, safely and comfortably. So, if you want to become a true SEO writer, you need to experiment with your own stuff. You need to take the initiative to learn about the importance of various keywords (primary, secondary and tertiary), the required density and placement rules, the nature of the search engines. Get ready to do a thorough research to find the most suitable keywords based upon number of hits at various search engines when people look for particular information on various search engines. Some very good resources are the paid versions of Wordtracker, KeywordDiscovery or Overture.

 

As an SEO writer, you should learn, unlearn and then relearn different techniques with your own websites to gain practice and experience in search engine optimization. Read from others in the similar field, participate in discussions forums and blogs; and once you are familiar with these techniques then apply and test them on your own website. I think this is the best way to understand the search engines and different techniques, inside out.

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Apple Takes a Bite Out of the UK

admin    Misc     Apple, Bite, Takes

After the dust settled on Apple’s first venture in to the mobile phones market in the United States, Europe is preparing for its release across the Atlantic.

Many mobile phone networks have been in a bidding war to be allowed to sell the computing giant’s new product. O2 won this contract in the UK, following AT&T’s example in America. Apple is now in talks with mobile phone companies elsewhere in Europe.

Apple, whilst new to the mobile phones market, is drawing upon its many successes in other fields. The phone uses a scaled-down version of the “Safari” web browser found on Apple’s computers, as well as iPod MP3 player technology, bringing these and the standard phone functions together in a user-friendly interface.

Using a design that sits easily with other products by Apple, it is a highly stylized device, with its slimline look and large glass touch screen. And with a 3.5in viewing display it makes the iPhone even better suited for video playback than the current generation of iPods.

The main attraction consumers were drawn to after its initial announcement was the integration of the iPod functionality. That, coupled with the ability to view videos with the device held sideways for a more cinematic effect, has given a glimpse into what future iPods may look like.

However, the inclusion of an 8gb or 16gb storage capacity, as opposed to iPods with up to 80gb storage, seems to steer the device’s focus from being perceived as an iPod, rather than mobile phones with some iPod functionality.

The iPhone met with great response in the US both critically and by the rate they sold. Some users said there were some additional functions they wished were present, but in general response was good.

Pricing plans in the UK with O2 are not as expensive as some people may expect, with plans starting from £35 per month. However there are upfront costs for the handset itself, which comes in at £269.

Initially O2 is the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the UK, but with companies like T-Mobile securing other European territories there is a possibility that other mobile phone networks will be releasing their own iPhone schemes too in the future.

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Apple Ipods: Takes Music Forward

admin    Misc     Apple, Forward, Ipods, Music, Takes

iPod portable media players designed and marketed by Apple Inc. was launched in October 2001. The arrival of iPods was a result of digital hub strategy by the company. While dealing with various manufacturing of various electronic gadgets, the company found that the existing digital music players were “big and clunky or small and useless” which led them towards the production of iPods. It took more than a year to get the product developed and the launching took place with the catchy caption “1000 songs in your pocket.”

The name iPod was the idea of Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who was called by Apple to figure out how to introduce the new player to the public. The first public demonstration of the iPod kiosks took place in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005. Apple iPodwere developed in the way that they can play MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AC, AIFF, WAV, Audiable audio book and Apple Lossless audio file formats.

All iPods function as mass storage devices that can store data files. The main difference between MP3 players and iPods is that simply copying audio or video files to the drive with a typical file management application will not allow iPod to properly access them. It is a must for the user to use software that has been specifically designed to transfer media files to iPods, so that the files are playable and viewable.

There are different accessories that have been made for the Apple iPod. The market of iPod accessories are sometimes called as the iPod ecosystem. There are different accessories that can add extra features that other music players have, such as sound recorders, FM radio tuners, wired remote controls, and audio/visual cables for TV connections.

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Sony Takes on Apple as Mp3 Players Evolve Into Mp4

admin    Misc     Apple, Evolve, Into, Players, Sony, Takes

Apple stole a march on Sony in the portable music market when the iPod appeared as the hottest MP3 player available. With consumers now demanding more mobile entertainment, video music players could spell the end for MP3 players – and Sony looks like it means business with the launch of its new Walkman.

During the era when portable music came in a much more tangible form of cassettes and CDs, Sony practically carried the market with its Walkman concept. However, since the dawn of the iPod, Sony has since found itself no longer the leader of the portable audio player market. The latest offerings from Sony look as though they might be able to force iPod to wobble a little a bit on their perch as they seek to take back what had for so long been theirs – domination of the portable music market.

The NW-A 800 range extends the portable music player line up that Sony currently has. The design is still recognisable from the previous NW-A 1000 range, but it is now a lot slimmer, measuring only 1cm thick. Where its predecessor failed with Sony’s Connect Player music management software, the NW-A 800 models are supplied with SonicStage in the bid to rival Apple’s iTunes. By killing off Connect Player and resurrecting SonicStage – originally designed to be used with the ill fated NetMD players – Sony is effectively demonstrating how it intends to learn from its mistakes. The organisation is still persevering with the ATRAC audio format, maintaining Sony’s determination to assert its way on the world. The players themselves also support the more generic MP3, AAC and WMA formats, making it accessible to more users. Although the audio transfers are done with Sony’s own software, video transfers are made with a simple drag and drop, and the players support MPEG4 and AVC video formats. Another subtle difference exists between the old and new Walkman MP3 players, as the NW-A 800 comes with flash memory instead of a hard disk. As is the standard with portable video players, it will be possible to upload JPEG images to view too.

On paper, the Sony Walkman MP3 player appears to be able to compete with the Apple iPod; it looks good, it can play continuously for 30 hours (8 hours for video), it uses software that works as well as conventional methods and it is compatible with plenty of other popular file formats. Unfortunately, Sony may discover that this Walkman might not be able to compete with the iPod Video on price. Apple’s 30GB iPod Video can be found on the Internet at prices as low as £150, where as the NW-A808 8GB Walkman retails at best at £179.99. Although people with smaller music collections may well have more money spare, the compactness and guaranteed uninterrupted playback of the Walkman cannot possibly win over such a large saving per GB. The iPod’s inferior battery life may also play into the hands of Sony, as well as the extra file format compatibilities, but it is hard to imagine that there will be many people who are willing to pay over the odds for portable MP4 video players at this early stage of the market lifecycle. Clearly, Sony is betting a lot on the early adopters.

In terms of accessories, Apple has captured the imaginations of many other manufacturers, and there exist plenty of add-ons and spin-offs to keep the savviest happy. These range from portable speakers and skins to audio pets and body straps, and are all designed with the same quirky looking panache that is synonymous with the iPod. Sony have announced that there will also be plenty of accessories available for the new MP3 player, but it’s likely that there will not be the same adulation and take up from third party manufacturers that is afforded to Apple. With Sony’s design also aiming at a more sophisticated ‘cool’ look, it might also be harder for designers to create anything that can really compliment the player. Sony’s previous insistence on imposing its own formats and standards hasn’t always endeared itself to the general public, either, so this count against the take up for third party produced gizmos. But by incorporating the standard drag and drop method for playing MP4 and video files, this may take Sony into more popular light. Too help boost their presence, they have also launched a MySpace page to encourage a more approachable persona.

Cracking the MP3 player market is already difficult enough, with other brands like Creative and Samsung holding positions below Apple. Sony’s history in the portable player market has carried it well into the digital age, but now they find themselves playing catch up against considerably larger odds. Advocates of Sony’s innovation and build quality will be more than prepared to pay for this new MP3 player and that may be enough to ruffle Apple’s feathers. As credible an achievement as this would be, Sony are likely to be unsatisfied with this, and they will hope that the NW-A 800 range is a step to regaining the market leading position.

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Real Success With Internet Marketing Takes Time – it is not a Get Rich Quick Scheme

admin    Web Marketing     Internet, marketing, Quick, Real, Rich, Scheme, Success, Takes, Time

Let’s take a realistic perspective towards Internet marketing for a moment. Let’s consider whether or not Internet marketing really is all that the scams and rip-offs crack it up to be. Is it genuinely a way for making additional, if not unlimited money through the Internet? The short answer to this is “Yes”. Is it all that it is cracked up to be for the majority of people who give it a go? The short answer to this however, is “No”. Why? Because it takes time to become successful through Internet Marketing. Let me explain:
Approximately 5% of those giving Internet marketing a genuine try, actually make it to real success, that’s in the six figure range. This is similar to the old 90 – 10 rule. The majority of people, the ninety-percenters, are sufficiently comfortable in their own comfort zone and don’t feel uncomfortable enough to sincerely want to change their zone. Ten percent see an opportunity and go for it, really go for it and give it their best shot, because they sense there’s got to be something better out there than what their current comfort zone avails them.
But only five percent actually make it to the level of real success because peer pressure pulls back the other five to rejoin the ninety; now making it ninety-five percent. And the ninety-five percent pat each other on the back, reassuring themselves that the other five percent are surely poor misguided souls, right? Short answer to that, “Wrong!”
How did that elite 5% make it? They made it over time.
Internet Marketing is not a Get Rich Quick scheme, and even though you may wish it to your hearts desire for it to be just that, it isn’t. To prove this to yourself, it may take you blowing some of your hard-earned cash by joining and trying some of the scams and rip-offs out there on the Internet. But if that’s what it takes – well – let’s just say with all due respect, I tried to warn you.
Personally, I got stung twice, but only twice, on two very disappointing Internet Marketing programs, before it was a case of “Third Time Lucky”. Twice was enough for me and for my pocket too. I count myself extremely fortunate, because I could have made more blunders out there; the hype and the promises of overnight success I’ll admit are very enticing. But as luck would have it, and indeed it was luck, I accidentally stumbled across an article written by an already successful Internet Marketer and to this day, I have not looked back.
When considering Internet marketing as a way to make additional or even unlimited income, please make sure you do your due diligence FIRST. That means, do your research. Look into whether or not there is a lot of negative publicity regarding the program you are considering trying. Research can be easily done through Google. When I saw the article by the successful Internet Marketer, I conducted my own research on him and what I found looked positive and promising. This gentleman appeared to be real; he was contactable, which meant that a phone call would validate whether or not he even existed, and his articles had a resounding and resonating authority to them.
I felt like this person knew his stuff and had the authority to hopefully guide me in the right direction. Today, it is with gratitude and sincere thanks that I can tell you he indeed guides me in the right direction. He is my mentor.
It’s thanks to the two failed efforts at the beginning and to Lady Luck herself, that I even found him and the Internet Marketing business that’s placed me firmly on the Net to Success.

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