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<title>Latest Articles by johnarthur</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/</link>
<description>Articles at marketingsource.com Articles Library</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>How You Can Get More Leads Without Spending a Lot of Money</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/search-engine-optimization/how-you-can-get-more-leads-without-spending-a-lot-of-money.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/search-engine-optimization/how-you-can-get-more-leads-without-spending-a-lot-of-money.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:00:08 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Even if you are not consciously aware of it, the primary goal of your business website is to generate sales leads. A sales lead occurs when an interested party visits your website and undertakes a desired action; making a phone call, completing a form, purchasing a product etc.<br /><br />In this article we will try to help you launch a lead generation campaign without spending too much money. Target your campaign in two major locations: within your website and outside your website.<br /><br />Start with what you can do within your website<br /><br />Before you announce your business, make sure that your website has enough reasons for your leads to stay. Here are some examples that you can do to achieve this:<br /><br />  - Determine your customers and style your website accordingly. How can you present your website so customers are interested in your business? Use specific keywords in your site content so your website gets easily located whenever a potential lead does a local search.<br /><br />  - Make your contact information prominent across your website. By making your contact information clear, especially your physical address, your site visitors will consider you legitimate and will not be afraid to deal business with you.<br /><br />  - Ensure security and build a mailing list for your site visitors. Your site visitors will be less likely to hesitate in completing a form, or a subscribing to a mailing list if they trust you. Offer to inform your customers of discounts, exclusive tips, and other special offers if they sign up.<br /><br />  - Make a conversion form that is short and discrete. No one wants to fill up a long form so make it short. Through a website CMS you should be able to change your form over time.<br /><br />  - Create surveys and ask customers of their preferences and opinions. This way you will know your customers better and they will think you are really serious about their concerns. This can eventually lead to site repeat visits and valuable referrals.<br /><br />Now you are ready to broadcast your website’s existence<br /><br />After securing your website for functionality, you are now ready to launch an off-site (outside your website) lead generation campaign. Here are some tips to follow:<br />  <br />  - Visit the websites your customers are visiting and identify what methods they are using for offsite promotion. You can also contact the site owner and request to exchange links or banners for free advertising.<br /><br />  - Write and publish articles about your website. Write well-written articles about your business or website and publish them in popular article directories. Do not forget to include your website URL.<br /><br />  - Consider PPC (Pay-Per-Click) if budget permits. Google Adwords Management allows businesses to place ads on Google’s search results pages. This is not free because you pay for every click on your ad but it will result in visitors. <br /><br />Remember that these are just some of many things you can do to increase your leads. If you have questions about any of these methods or want to know more techniques, please feel free to contact us. We are a website design company and online marketing that specialises in helping business maximise lead generation through their website. ]]></description>
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<title>Why You Should Avoid Link Farming to Increase Your Website Ranking</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/search-engine-optimization/why-you-should-avoid-link-farming-to-increase-your-website-ranking.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/search-engine-optimization/why-you-should-avoid-link-farming-to-increase-your-website-ranking.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:00:12 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you are marketing your business online or are planning to, then your priority is likely to be to get to the top of the search engine rankings. This can be a difficult task, but with sufficient knowledge on online marketing and hard work, it can be done.<br /><br />A search engine like Google determines a websites ranking on a certain search phrase by taking into account over 200 factors. Primarily this relates to onsite factors (content and structure of the website in question) and offsite factors (what the rest of the internet 'says' about a website). A popular method of offsite optimisation is back linking. A back link is a link on another website that leads to your own. Many website owners become desperate in getting to the top of the search engine rankings and will resort to spamming search engines to artificially increase their rankings. It is vital to not neglect quality and website relevance in order to achieve short term ranking success.<br /><br />If you are currently doing this, you should stop. This is called link farming and Google considers this a form of spamming. If Google has not penalised you yet, then it is likely they will at some point. Remember that your chances of getting a high ranking depend not only on the number of your back links but also on the quality of these websites and the relevance of their content to your own.<br /><br />So what should you do?<br />Building a strong, reputable presence on the internet requires a sophisticated and long term approach to online marketing. Any expert in SEO for Australian businesses will tell you that it is worth the effort, and to avoid cheating or "black hat" methods. Approved SEO techniques will help you establish a high website ranking that can sustain for a long period of time. An ethical SEO company will never deploy 'black hat methods'.<br /><br />Here are six ethical alternatives to link farming and black hat SEO techniques:<br /><br />1. Submit to directories. Submit your website or some of your important web pages to search engines, website directories, social bookmarks, etc. Many of these are free of charge.<br /><br />2. Use ads. Advertise your website in established sites that allow for posting of ads such as ezine advertising.<br /><br />3. Write and publish quality articles. Write well-written articles about your website or product and publish them on popular article directories. Make sure your articles are written with a conversational tone to make them easy to understand. This will create an impression that you are an expert in your field and will help boost your reputation.<br /><br />4. Get updated. Always keep updated with search engine algorithms or the systems with which search engines use to rank websites.<br /><br />5. Monitor your competitors. Try to find out how websites similar to yours that are ranking consistently well on the search engine results relating to your field.<br /><br />6. Get an SEO specialist. Most businesses are best to rely on a professional SEO company than attempt DIY SEO. The services provided by an SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) specialist will likely prove to be invaluable for your business. Consult with your current web design company if they also provide SEO services.<br /><br />If you plan on developing your own business website make sure you have one that is not only user-friendly, but also highly optimised for search engines, also known as SEO friendly. If you have more questions about web design and SEO do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to help jumpstart your success in your business.  ]]></description>
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<title>In the business: 6 steps to report and article writing success</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/article-marketing/in-the-business-6-steps-to-report-and-article-writing-success.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/article-marketing/in-the-business-6-steps-to-report-and-article-writing-success.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 01:22:06 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Are your business reports or articles getting the results you want? If not, it could be they are too hard to read. <a href="http://www.concisewriting.com.au/writing-editing/">Business reports</a> and articles need to be clear, concise and correct. No one has time for anything other than that. <br /><br />So how can you make your business reports or articles readable and professional? <br /><br />1.	Work out why you are writing. The more focused your article or business report is, the more impact it will have. For example, the aim of an article about training pregnant women might be to inform personal trainers about precautions when training this client group. So if safety is your focus, don’t get side-tracked into writing about weight-loss or muscle-tone issues. <br /><br />2.	Know your audience. Learn as much as you can about your audience. Who are they? How much do they know about your topic already? Put yourself in your readers’ shoes.<br /><br /><br />3.	Structure your thoughts. Your article or business report needs to follow a logical structure. For example, your article about training pregnant women could follow a chronological structure of the trimesters of pregnancy. Within that overall structure you could use a risk/safety precaution sub-structure. Only include what the reader needs to know in order to achieve your aim.<br /><br />4.	Use clear and concise language. Don’t pad your business report or article with unnecessary words and phrases. For example, rather than, ‘We have been engaged in planning for the purposes of building a new storage facility to store goods for sale,’ just write ‘We plan to build a new warehouse’. Keep sentences short.<br /><br /><br />5.	Break text into manageable chunks. Divide the text with headings and sub-headings. Keep paragraphs short and use bulleted or numbered lists and text boxes. The old adage ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’ is often true. So don’t forget about graphs and pie charts to present statistical information.<br /><br />6.	Correct errors. It’s never too late for English grammar training. If your grammar and spelling is your weakness, contract the help of a professional proof reader. Or get some coaching in English grammar. No matter how interesting your business report or article, if it’s riddled with typographical and other errors you’ll quickly lose credibility.<br /><br />Everything you write, whether a business report, an <a href="http://www.concisewriting.com.au/articles/">article</a> or an email, is a reflection of you and your business or brand. It’s always worth taking the time to make your business reports and articles clear, concise and correct. Your livelihood could depend on it.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>The Secrets of Creating a Great Web Design Portfolio</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/e-commerce/the-secrets-of-creating-a-great-web-design-portfolio.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/e-commerce/the-secrets-of-creating-a-great-web-design-portfolio.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:21:21 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ “First impressions last,” as the old saying goes. When it comes to web design in Australia, top web developers and website design firms display their best works through a web design portfolio. The purpose of this is to allow a <a href="http://www.thewebshowroom.com.au/web-design/">web design company</a> to convince potential clients of the quality of their web design.<br /><br />A web design company’s capabilities in providing quality websites that meet the clients’ needs and preferences can be shown in a good web design portfolio. Showing excellent sample works can influence the choices of potential customers because a good quality portfolio can give them the idea on the company’s level of expertise. Typically if a web development company doesn’t have a strong portfolio, then they are unlikely to be able to deliver on a high quality brief. <br /><br />Providing screenshots is a good way of showing customers a preview of each websites without the need to visit each one of them. As for redesigned websites, it is effective to show screenshots of the changes and improvements being made on the new website. From this potential customers have a strong idea on what services to expect from the new company. Follow these points to stay ahead from your competitors:<br /><br /><br /><b>Provide Detailed Information</b><br /><br />Websites are a complex product and it is important to provide detailed information so that businesses will know if they want a simple web design or website development undertaken or a more complicated one.<br /><br /><br /><b>Try Different Designs</b><br /><br />Try having different graphical elements and a more visually appealing layout. Avoid drab and boring colour combinations and cluttered designs. Customers are turned off if they see a web design portfolio that looks like a mess. Apply your own creative touch to the style and theme of your portfolio by trying different designs such as a Flash-based web design, an <a href="http://www.thewebshowroom.com.au/online-marketing/">e-commerce web design</a>, or an online gallery web design.<br /><br /><br /><b>Always Update Your Portfolio</b><br /><br />An outdated portfolio is a big “no-no”. Presenting a web design portfolio with outdated works will work against you. Since websites change content and features frequently you need to respond to changing needs and priorities. Make sure that the web portfolio is relevant to the current customer demands by providing updated information.<br /><br /><br /><b>User Friendly Presentation</b><br /><br />When presenting your web design portfolio, it should be user friendly and intuitive. Sleek and streamlined user interface should provide more functions such as sort and search functions. When a user clicks on a thumbnail, a large screenshot of the website will show. In a creative way, a slideshow or an interactive portfolio would also appeal to the customers because it gives them greater freedom to check out each of your work in greater detail.<br /><br /><br /><b>Greater Search Options</b><br /><br />Even if your web design portfolio is visually appealing, it should be searchable as well. With so many images, a complex information hierarchy as well sample sites across a range of categories, users may possibly have problems finding web design that appeal to their tastes. As such you need to provide user friendly ways for visitors to locate sites. <br /><br /><br /><b>Keep It Organised</b><br /><br />Aside from being searchable, your web design portfolio should be organised by keeping appropriate categories for websites, mini-sites, graphics, blogs, portals, and graphics designs.<br /><br />A good web design company should focus on a small number of high quality websites rather than a large number of average sites.  As your business grows, your web design portfolio should also grow. Finally, always encourage visitors to contact you if they want to see web designs in their industry. You may have sample websites that aren’t in your portfolio that you can show a customer after expressing an interest on the phone or via email. Your web design portfolio is unlikely to include all of your designs. <br /> ]]></description>
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<title>The 10 Green Industries for your Ethical Investment Portfolio</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/book-promotions/finance/the-10-green-industries-for-your-ethical-investment-portfolio.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/book-promotions/finance/the-10-green-industries-for-your-ethical-investment-portfolio.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:22:16 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ethical investing is concerned with industries that promote affirmative environmental programs, sustainable growth, and good corporate governance. Many people still think that investors in green industries may lose their money in the long run because it is difficult to maximise financial return when taking social ethics into perspective.<br /><br />However, developments in the last 5 years would contradict this as there have been significant players entering “green industries” in recent years. These companies offer investors a diverse portfolio that provides potential for competitive returns. The industries these large players have entered vary substantially, however there are 10 key industries that you might want to look at to add to your portfolio of ethical investments:<br /><br />1. Solar Energy<br />There is a growing solar energy industry that includes solar cell panel and component manufacturers and solar energy providers. Prominent solar power stations are scattered throughout New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory.<br /><br />2. Wind Power<br />The wind power sector not only specialises in the generation and sale of power, but also in the design and construction of wind turbines. This high-growth industry has spawned windmill farms across South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.<br /><br />3. Water Utility<br />There has been a growing need for alternative sources of water in Australia because many states are facing desertification and drought. Ethical investments have supported companies that operate water purification and desalination plants. The Environmental Group (EGL) provides clean water and clean air solutions.<br /><br />4. Waste Reduction<br />Ethical investments in the waste reduction and recycling sectors have led to the establishment of various recycling centres throughout Australia. The number of recycling facilities that recycle plastic, metal, and organic waste has substantially increased after the establishment of a national voluntary recycling plan by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.<br /><br />5. Green materials<br />The use of green materials for everyday necessities is becoming more prevalent.  Papyrus (PPY), for example is using waste banana trees to make paper and fire proof doors.<br /><br />6. Alternative Medicines and Health<br />Investors that are interested in health and wellbeing are supporting companies which focus on preventative health measures like vitamins and diet.  Blackmores (BKL) is an Australian company which provides products like vitamins, as well as information on diet, stress management and other health topics.  Other cutting edge medical companies include Tissue Therapies (TIS) which has developed a way to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration.<br /><br />7. Carbon Offsetting<br />Many top Australian companies are also helping to reduce pollution by participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project. The project records those companies that wish to measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies. As shareholders and the community are becoming more aware of carbon emissions, this sort of project helps to keep companies accountable. It also helps identify the lowest emitters or those that are actively reducing their carbon footprint.<br />Those businesses that want to offset their greenhouse gas emissions need to use companies that have large forestry plantations, like CO2 Group (COZ).  Investors that are interested in the growing future of carbon offsetting and carbon emission reduction are investing in such companies.<br /><br />8. Fuel Cell and Biofuel<br />Many investors are supporting ethical investments in the effort to find alternative fuel. Fuel cell technology firms and biofuel companies have become prime movers in the advancement of clean but reliable fuel, some of which are already available in some in electric vehicles and hybrid cars. Hythane is another alternative clean energy fuel which is currently used by Eden Energy (EDE).<br /><br />9. Pollution Control<br />The pollution control industry is on the rise following the growth of companies that specialise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are some pollution control companies like Hydromet (HMC), Dolomatrix (DMX) and Tox Free (TOX). Hydromet is recycling batteries and Dolomatrix recycles light bulbs and similar items.<br /><br />10. Energy Efficiency<br />Few companies specialise in this field so you have to choose those who have had relative success in their line of business. Energy efficiency firms help individuals and businesses become energy efficient and comply with local energy regulations.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>Important Job Interview Tips for Executive Candidates</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/employment-resources/important-job-interview-tips-for-executive-candidates.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/employment-resources/important-job-interview-tips-for-executive-candidates.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:08:40 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Every company needs a chief executive officer and other executives to manage every aspect of running their business. Selecting the right candidate is a crucial business decision because the executives are the face of the company. The <a href="http://www.jobinterview-solutions.com/products/">job interview</a> should make sure that the prospective candidate will be able to help run the company effectively. <br /><br />Unlike hiring entry-level positions, hiring an executive is mission critical because that person is going to be making crucial top-level decisions that can change the fate of the organization into either success or failure. <br /><br />To help we have listed some important aspects of executive job interviews that these candidates should be aware of:<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Job Interview Types</b><br /><br />Executive candidates undergo a series of assessment procedures such as one-on-one interviews, group interviews and presentations. These types of interviews are designed to evaluate their leadership and decision-making skills from managing employees to running an entire organization. Depending upon the size of the company, interviews may last a day, a week or even longer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>The Interviewers</b><br /><br />Just like any typical job interview, the interviewer wants to know the candidate’s work ethic, personality, and level of commitment. Depending upon the type of interviews, the people that will assess each candidate include executive search firms, recruiters, company search committees, and the company’s board of directors. <br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Job Interview Preparation and Job Interview Coaching</b><br /><br />Job interview coaching helps candidates prepare for any type of job interview including those for executive positions. Top <a href="http://www.jobinterview-solutions.com/about-us/">interview consulting</a> firms provide solutions that maximize your interview skills, improve your self-confidence, and develop your personal presentation skills. <br /><br /><br />Interview questions coaching will help you ace the standard interview questions and also be prepared for the more difficult questions. Here are some of the common job interview questions that will evaluate your job interest, management style, marketing and public relations skills, management and supervisory experience, and budget management skills:<br /><br /><br /><br />1.	How long would you stay with the company?<br />This question is one way of knowing if you’re really interested to work with company for a long time. Reiterate your intention to work for the company and have a long and productive career.<br /><br /><br />2.	How will your qualifications and experience benefit the company?<br />Depending upon the company and their line of business, stress the fact that your qualifications and experience make you a qualified candidate.<br /><br /><br />3.	How do you lead organizations? Do you have what it takes to make this business successful?<br />This question determines your management style as well as your short- and long-term planning skills. The interviewer wants to know what specific strategies that you will put into action to achieve business objectives. It is one way to know if you have what it takes to make the business successful.<br /><br /><br />4.	How will you market the company’s products and services?<br />Interviewers want to evaluate your marketing and public relations experience through a panel interview. You can have a presentation of your marketing plan wherein members of the job interview panel can ask you questions. Be factual in your presentation and never make careless assumptions.<br /><br /><br />5.	How do you motivate your staff?<br />The interviewer is interested in how you make your subordinates feel better and make them work efficiently.<br /><br /><br /><br />Interview questions coaching can help you answer standard interview questions, thereby, boosting your confidence and reducing your job interview mistakes. <br /> ]]></description>
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<title>The Benefits of Using MYOB RetailManager in Inventory Management</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/computers/software/the-benefits-of-using-myob-retailmanager-in-inventory-management.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/computers/software/the-benefits-of-using-myob-retailmanager-in-inventory-management.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:40:30 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Inventory management in small and medium size businesses, like grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores, is very challenging. Business owners will find it difficult to handle all aspects of inventory management by themselves. Delegating tasks to people is necessary but getting the right personnel to handle crucial business operations is costly and risky. There is a growing need to computerise and automate all aspects of inventory management and using customised software like MYOB RetailManager can make inventory management efficient and reliable.<br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.ctmatters.com.au/myob-retailmanager/">MYOB RetailManager</a> is a part of MYOB’s custom solutions suite. Businesses have implemented this software to address the issues affecting inventory management such as asset management, inventory forecasting, valuation and price forecasting, quality management and supply-demand assessment.<br /><br /><br />This advanced retail management and point of sale system is designed specifically for companies who want to keep track of their performance and manage all aspects of their inventory. The benefits of implementing automated systems can make businesses increase productivity and efficiency.<br /><br /><br /><b>Automation of Tasks</b><br /><br />MYOB RetailManager allows the automation of key inventory management tasks from supply chain management to the delivery of products. Sales processing is fast and efficient since tasks are automated.<br /><br /><br /><b>Customised MYOB Add On Solutions</b><br /><br />Inventory management is much easier with the inclusion of <a href="http://www.ctmatters.com.au/customised-myob-solutions/">MYOB add on solutions</a> such as software installation, comprehensive on-site training, integration of MYOB RetailManager to other applications, and technical support.<br /><br /><br /><b>MYOB Certified Consultant</b><br /><br />Hiring a certified IT professional with high level of knowledge, skill and experience with MYOB RetailManager is a very important. A <i>MYOB certified consultant</i> trains key business personnel that will handle the company’s inventory management system. They can also help customise the company’s retail management system according to its requirements and needs.<br /><br /><br /><b>IT Integration</b><br /><br />Integration of information technology features makes inventory management more efficient. These features include database systems and electronic funds transfer at point of sale.<br /><br /><br /><b>Reliable Customer Marketing Functions</b><br /><br />MYOB RetailManager allows you to target customers with special offers, promotions and newsletters. In this way, the software allows you to build relationships and encourage customers to buy your products.<br /><br /><br /><b>Point of Sales Hardware Compatibility</b><br /><br />Using the point of sales hardware and peripherals is easy because the <i>MYOB retail manager</i> system is compatible with most barcode scanners, laser and docket printers, electronic cash drawer, customer pole displays and scales.<br /><br /><br /><b>Detailed Reporting and Tracking</b><br /><br />MYOB RetailManager provides customised reporting and detailed tracking functions that allow you to assess, examine and evaluate stocks, sales, profit, GST, suppliers, customers and staff.<br /><br /><br /><b>Quick Sales Processing</b><br /><br />Processing sales takes less time as it allows you to handle types of sales and payment options. It handles discounts, gift vouchers, quotes, special orders, and record sales using multiple tender types.<br /><br />Small and medium businesses are looking for efficient systems that provide them business management capabilities such as inventory management, resource allocation and sales processing. However, there is a need to hire a MYOB certified consultant that provides the best <i>MYOB training Sydney</i> has to offer. <br /><br />One prominent <i>MYOB Sydney</i> provider that services business quickly and professionally is Computer Technology Matters. They offer premium services such as free initial consultation, software installation and continued training and technical support from its qualified personnel.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>Effective Google Local Search Strategies in Online Marketing</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/search-engine-optimization/effective-google-local-search-strategies-in-online-marketing.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/search-engine-optimization/effective-google-local-search-strategies-in-online-marketing.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:59:39 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Business owners are always looking for new ways to let their customers know that they exist and to offer their products and services to new customers. Placing posters, dropping flyers or even going to the cost of organising a local billboard may give you an edge over your competitors but is unlikely to be as effective, or profitable, as local online marketing.
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It is a reality that most businesses start small and local. Few businesses are backed from start-up with large amounts of capital. Therefore organic growth is something that most business owners will have to oversee themselves. Historically few marketing channels have afforded business owners the ease of entry and cost effectiveness of owning and marketing a website.  If you are a small business owner, you should hire an Australian web design company that will help promote your business locally. Consider starting your <a href="http://www.thewebshowroom.com.au/online-marketing/">online marketing campaign</a> in your immediate locality and maximise Google’s various online tools to boost your website’s local search potential. Even if you cater to a national or international audience you are likely to have significant competitive advantages in serving local customers at the beginning.
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Unlike typical <i>search engine optimisation</i>, local search is different and relies on a different range of factors when determining which sites should rank highly in search engines like Google and Yahoo! For instance optimising your Google Places listing and thereby undertaking local search optimisation will require you optimising for a different range of factors than traditional SEO.
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<b>Google Maps Optimisation</b>
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Every time you search for a product or service within a geographical location you are likely seeing a small <a href="http://www.thewebshowroom.com.au/google-maps-optimisation/">Google Map</a> that highlights relevant businesses offering the service in the area. Indeed on some searches Google is now determining where you are located and showing local service providers regardless of your search query. By optimising your website for local search via <i>Google Maps</i> and <i>Google Places</i> you are more likely to tap into customers searching for your business type in your geographical location.
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<b>Google AdWords Management</b>
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Using Google AdWords’ keyword search tool will help you choose the appropriate keywords that will help put your business website at the top of paid local search results. In local search, you have to anticipate what your customers will type in the Google search bar when they are looking for the products and services that they want. When selecting keywords to target for your local search campaign, it is advisable to look at queries where geographic location is included.  This will result in the highest quality customers and the lowest cost per click.
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<b>Google Places</b>
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Consider <i>Google Places</i> (formerly Local Business Centre) as a local business directory, a city map, and an advertising space rolled into one. You need to maximise Google Places’ untapped potential to grow your online marketing campaign. When developing your businesses listing you need to be careful to enter all of the data that Google requests. Google loves to see a local businesses engaging with it. As Google only provides broad categories, use specific phrases that best describe your business. Rather than entering only one category eg “builder,” enter numerous, “construction” , “residential builder”, “attic extensions” etc. Provided these are all real categories Google will reward the fact you are interacting with one of its key platforms. Most importantly, you have to verify your Google Places profile because it helps prove that the business establishment listed in Google Maps is yours.
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<b>Third-Party Site Citations</b>
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A citation is a reference of your business in third-party sites like Yellow Pages, Trip Advisor, and other online directories. Important business information from these sites include business name, address, phone number, and even product information, are cross-referenced by local search spiders to help complete your Google Places profile. In this way, a prominent presence in these supporting providers will help raise your standings in Google local search results.
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An effective Google local search strategy is important for your online marketing campaign to attract prospective customers, develop your overall local presence and of course to slowly build your online exposure.
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<title>Acing a Job Interview in the Hospitality Industry</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/employment-resources/acing-a-job-interview-in-the-hospitality-industry.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/employment-resources/acing-a-job-interview-in-the-hospitality-industry.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:15:17 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ It may be your dream job to become the head chef at New York’s famed Le Cirque restaurant or the hotel manager of the fabulous MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. However, getting that job may require you to get into an entry-level position and work your way up the ranks to gain experience in different roles in the hospitality industry.   And the first step to landing any job is of course acing the <b>job interview</b>.  Unfortunately in the current economy, getting the job interview is the easy part, and then comes the difficult part of making yourself the stand out candidate from the hundreds of people who applied for the job.  This is especially true in the hospitality industry as now more than ever employers are looking for people with extensive knowledge of the sector, solid customer service experience and some proven skills.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Need for Job Interview Coaching</b><br /><br /><br /><br />In the U.S., the growing demand for hospitality industry jobs, particularly in the hotel and restaurant sectors combined with double digit unemployment has made the job market extremely competitive.  This is why <a href="http://www.jobinterview-solutions.com/about-us/">job interview coaching</a> from a reputable interview-consulting firm has never been as important.  Professional job interview coaching can help you prepare for standard interview questions, increase your confidence and most importantly practice your interview skills. Whether as a hotel manager, front desk clerk, sous-chef, or waiter, the purpose of your job interview will be to evaluate your skill set, test your knowledge about the industry in general and the company in particular, and see your ability to adjust to challenging situations.<br /><br /><br /><b>Answering Standard Interview Questions</b><br /><br /><br />Employers base their choices not only on experience and qualifications but also on your “people skills” or the ability to deliver customer service while maintaining high standards. You may be preparing for the <b>standard interview questions</b> by formulating the best possible answers but it’s best to answer the questions as naturally as possible so that the interviewer finds your answers believable. Also, remember that the interview is a two way conversation, so make you sure you ask intelligent <a href="http://www.jobinterview-solutions.com/products/">employer interview questions</a> to show that you’re really interested in the job and the company.  Understand the fact that you need to sell yourself. <b>Interview questions coaching</b> helps you interact with the interviewer and convince him that you are the perfect candidate for the job. <br /><br /><br /><b>Final Thoughts</b><br /><br /><br />You have to keep in mind that the employer and the interviewer have a very short amount of time to judge you and your qualifications.  So always keep in mind that no matter how many interviews you have, no matter how jobs you have applied to, you have to approach each interview like it’s the most important 45 minutes of your life.   That’s why, no matter if you are applying for an entry level job or a managerial position, you have to be prepared and you have to be confident.  Due to the current almost 10% unemployment level in the US, you have to get it right the first time, because who knows when your next chance will be.  This is why you need to invest some time and money into some professional job interview coaching and let the experts help you answer those employer interview questions.  Aside from that, it’s all a matter of doing your research and practicing confidentially communicating your previous experience and current skill set.    <br /> ]]></description>
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<title>Our Six-Step Guide to a Successful Job Interview</title>
<link>http://marketingsource.com/articles/employment-resources/our-six-step-guide-to-a-successful-job-interview.html</link>
<guid>http://marketingsource.com/articles/employment-resources/our-six-step-guide-to-a-successful-job-interview.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:13:45 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For most of us when we finally land the <a href="http://www.jobinterview-solutions.com/about-us/"> job interview </a>, the process almost seems complete and we are just waiting to see what time they want us to start our first day. However, you have to realise that your potential employer will be interviewing a dozen or so equally enthusiastic candidates. What preparation you do now will make the difference as to whether you’re hired or filed.<br /><br />That’s why job interview coaching is important. You need to start fresh once you have found out that you’ve been offered an interview and start a whole new process to make sure you ace the interview and land the job. Because lets face it, you’ve worked too hard to get the job interview in the first place to just throw all that hard work away by not preparing.<br /><br />Here are six steps that we think will help you prepare and ace the interview:<br /><br />First Step – Research<br /><br />Research relevant information about the company and the way they handle their interviews. Good sources to gather information from are:<br /><br />• • • •<br />Their annual reports Their press releases (go to Google News and type in their company name) “About Us” (or equivalent) section of their website, Anyone you know that works or has worked for them. With this information, you’ll have a better picture about the company and help you prepare for the employer interview questions.<br /><br />Second Step – Practice<br /><br />Now that you have done your research, it’s time to practice answering questions. The best way to do this is by getting <a href="http://www.jobinterview-solutions.com/products/">job interview coaching</a>. The reason being that a job interview coach will not only give you directions in structuring your answers, they will also help you improve your interpersonal communication skills and most importantly improve your confidence.<br /><br />Job interview coaching not only helps you with standard interview questions; it can also help you answer those tough questions that some employers like to use to test how you deal with pressure situations. Keep in mind that there are online sources for job interview coaching now that provide you with cheaper alternatives to face to face coaching, such as telephone coaching or interview coaching through DVD and online video.<br /><br />Third Step – Delivery<br /><br />This is where your research, coaching and practise come into play. If you’ve followed the steps above and invested in job interview coaching then you should have no difficulties nailing the interview and getting the job. Just remember, be confident without being cocky, be prepared without sounding like a robot, and most of all relax and take your time.<br /><br />Fourth Step – Impression<br /><br />First impressions really last because the way you look or handle yourself may affect the entire course of the interview. Bear in mind that you only have one shot of making things right and other candidates are also in line for the same job that you’re interested in.<br /><br />Present yourself as the ideal candidate by smiling, have a firm handshake, and making eye contact with your interviewers. You should dress to impress, the rule that it’s always better to be over dressed than under dressed is particularly important when it comes to job interviews. Be sure to make a strong first impression or your job interview may end before it has even started.<br /><br />Fifth Step – Communication<br /><br />Always remember that you are talking to a person who may become your future boss, so being nervous or shy can come back to bite you. Engage your interviewer by asking intelligent employee interview questions and showing your enthusiasm and interest for the job. Take your time, think before you speak and always be honest.<br /><br />Sixth Step – Follow Up<br /><br />In the current job market, some employers get thousands of applicants for each job they post. A quick email or phone follow up or “thank you for your time” message can separate you for the herd. Also, whether you get the job or not, it would be advisable to get business cards of the interviewer(s) and all the people you interacted along the way.<br /><br />We hope these steps help you land your dream job!<br /> ]]></description>
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