2011 November

As you know, Google implemented its Freshness algorithm in early November to provide more relevance for time-sensitive queries. You can learn more about the freshness update in the “Catalyst POV on Google Freshness Algorithm,” which estimates the Google freshness update will affect 35 percent of searches in the SERPs. As a result, this update requires a major shift in B2B content strategy with a focus on recency, quality and relevance.

I probably spend more time in hotels than most people. Hotels are an excellent environment in which to find out what not to do and what works in customer service that can be translated into any retail sector.

B2B marketers can take advantage of the power of email to enhance their image and sell more product. Email is a top digital marketing tactic, second only to search marketing. It is a cost-effective way to nurture your customers and prospects by creating and maintaining a relationship over time and throughout the long B2B sales cycle.

A new study from Accenture, “Making Social Media Pay: Rethinking Social Media’s Potential to Bolster B2B Interactions, Customer Loyalty, Revenues and Brand Reputation,” found that a majority of B2B companies are not using the power of social media. However, social media networking is a great new place for wholesalers and manufacturers to engage their prospects and customers.

A Shop.com Survey reports that half of online retailers plan special offers on Turkey Day. And over 90 percent of e-retailers will offer deals over the Black Friday holiday weekend, including discounts, coupons and free shipping.

Pay-per-click advertising (PPC) is an essential tactic used by many B2B marketers. A successful campaign requires skills in both ad creation and campaign management. Not only do you need to create compelling ad copy to get the click, you also need to create effective landing pages that convert. This article will discuss the elements of landing pages that translate into sales.

As you know, Google is making search more secure with encrypted search using SSL (secure sockets layer). This will happen when users search on Google.com, but only if they are signed into Google with a secure connection. How many searches does this involve? Danny Sullivan reported that Google estimates single-digit percentages of all Google searchers on Google.com will be involved, although many SEOs believe that estimate is low.

The Official Google Search Blog posted ten algorithm changes last week. One of these is the freshness update. That means the new Google algorithm now displays the freshest news in search results. Your news, blog posts, events and Google+ posts can now display prominently in search results when optimized for SEO. For instance, a search for occupy wallstreet conducted while writing this piece is shown below. The news was posted 15 minutes before this query was made.

Glow Industries wants to make it easy for wholesale buyers by providing all the products they need in one location. This is where buyers can order merchandise that range from incense and candles to clothing and electronic cigarettes.

by Claudia Bruemmer Research shows that Chinese manufacturers plan to increase exports worldwide despite the pricing pressures. According to a survey conducted by Global Sources, growth projections are currently moderate, but respondents plan aggressive marketing efforts and hope to obtain substantial revenue growth by increasing global exports. The Global Sources survey included the mainland’s primary export centers of Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, along with suppliers from Jiangsu and Shandong …

It takes time to become a recognized leader in retailing, but the slip
down the ladder can happen rapidly. This really came home to me when Tiger
Woods came to play golf in my home town of Perth this week. After 623
weeks as the best golfer in the world, he slipped rapidly to 56th in
the world.

Twistlets, the hottest fashion accessory for girls, is coming soon to the largest toy store chain in America. Smaller stores can get into the action as well. What are Twistlets? They are the newest and latest girls fashion jewelry that is bendable and can be twisted into many designs by the girls themselves. Just look at all the possibilities.

What should merchants do in case of cyber attack? According to security experts, they should disable their site as soon as they realize they are undergoing a hacking attack. It’s better to shut down an ecommerce site right away and put protections in place than to deny the problem and keep the site going since you can risk further damage.

It’s time to prepare for consumers hitting the malls during the holiday season. A great way for sellers to get theirs is to display goods at the mall. While mall space can be expensive, here’s an idea: why not set up a temporary kiosk for the holiday season? Buy4Store provides its Cart Concept, which helps sellers set up kiosks in local malls.

Wholesale liquidator Via Trading Corporation, a five-time Inc. 5000 honoree, has identified a trend over the last year showing that consumer goods liquidation operators saw a significant increase in the number of consumers starting their own small businesses reselling products on the secondary retail market. Via Trading believes this offers hope of financial freedom in the continuing economic downturn.