Friday, November 18, 2011

Digital Marketing Strategy


Traditional marketing strategy and digital marketing strategy are the same. It includes positioning, targeting, customer segmentation, resource auditing, objective setting and lot more. These are the essential elements required in digital marketing tactics and strategies. Digital marketing needs audiences that are when a client is strategizing digital marketing techniques, he or she must target audience. In addition to this brands are products that are also effective and must be stressed while strategizing. The strategy involves market research, objectives and efficient planning regarding implementing the tactics.

Digital marketing strategy must include objectives and targets so that it can analyze and measure the performance and gain tangible values. The strategies must be consistent with the behavior of target audience and message delivery platform via mobile, email or through search.

The platform of digital marketing strategy must begin with KPI that is Key Performance Indicators. The various digital marketing objectives includes, brand awareness, customer retention and market share to be achieved. This KPI is involved with actual targets that can be measured. The nest digital marketing strategy involves planning- Planning to reach out the respective objectives and goals.

The areas where a client needs to stress are- PPC, face book advertising, website designing, functionality, affiliate marketing, SEO, video marketing, email marketing and social media marketing. Among these, the main strategy, which an internet marketing agency must avail are SEO, PPC and SMM. SEO as search engine optimization, PPC as pay per click and SMM as social media marketing.

The most skillful strategy to grow internet marketing is SEO as said above that is compact in attracting more and more traffic to the internet marketing client’s website. A SEO service increases search engine rankings that also saves time and boosts up the client’s website traffic.

The most common SEO service available is keyword research; within SEO agency, they will review their digital marketing client’s website. With the website competitors and keyword demand the search for specific particular keyword is done.

There are many SEO agency/ agencies, which offer their sole services to the clients. The SEO (search engine optimization) drives more traffic for specific client’s website, which is also a part of the link building services through keyword search. A SEO company pays more interests in their client’s website by distributing newsletters, good website contents, articles and press releases to create in-bound links.
There are many organizations, which are committed with digital marketing agency in advertising and product services with emails, brochures and newsletters. Digital marketing is an easy process, fast and cheap at the same time. Hence, it is vital to strategize and attempt tactful objectives for successful digital marketing.

Friday, November 4, 2011

5 Places to Go Before You Die

Life is far too short so we need to make the most of our time here. With that in mind here is a concise list of unconventional places which everyone should visit before they die:
  • Jingshan Park

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is over 500 years old and yet there are still 980 surviving buildings. Jingshan Park overlooks the Forbidden City from above and provides one of the most beautiful, ancient, man-made sights on earth. Jingshan Park is a 47 metre high artificial hill which houses a giant Golden Statue of which it is forbidden to take photographs. From Jingshan Park you will have easy access to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Peking Road, where you will find the best Peking Duck you have ever tasted.
  • The Great Ocean Road

Going on a Great Ocean Road Tour has to be the best that Australia has to offer. This 243 kilometre road, which was constructed by soldiers upon their return from World War I combat, is one of the most powerful war memorials in the world. It winds through varying sceneries along the South-Eastern Coast of Australia and is beautiful at every second. Whilst the Great Ocean Road is amazing, no trip to Australia is complete without a stay in a serviced apartment in Sydney so you can stand atop the Harbour Bridge, overlooking the Opera House at sunset.
  • Saint Basil’s Cathedral 

The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat (or Saint Basil’s Cathedral as it is more commonly known) sits next to the Kremlin at the edge of Red Square in Moscow, Russia. It is one of the most impressive man-made structures of all time and it has stood as witness to some of the most turbulent political changes that the world has ever known. The exterior of the Cathedral is a wonderful maze of multi-coloured pyramidal spires and the interior is an artwork of golden images and carvings from floor to ceiling. Next to the cathedral sits the Kremlin, the seat of authority in Russia, and at its feet lies the mausoleum of Lenin, one of the most significant political figures of all time. 
  • Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, in Croatia, is a walled city which juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The city is a hive of activity full of closely packed restaurants and bars on every side. It is one of the romantic capitals of the world and it is easy to see why someone would want to marry in this picturesque location. Taking a boat trip around the city walls demonstrates how much strength the Napoleonic Army must have had when it took the city in 1806.
  • Ithaca

Ithaca is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea. It is believed to be where the Ancient poet Homer lived and wrote his epic poems, the Odyssey and the Iliad. These tales were the source of a great many tales and imaginings which we still retell today and the beautiful landscape Homer described still remains in undisturbed glory. A trip to Ithaca provides unbelievable views and a cultural awakening.


5 Things to Do in Port Campbell


Port Campbell is a seaside town located on the scenic Great Ocean Road, Victoria. It is made up of steep, rocky cliffs, which give the area scenery that is both stunning and mysterious. At the bottom of many of these cliffs, tucked within the base, are immaculate sandy white beaches.


Port Campbell accommodation is varied, giving you many choices from villas to taking up residence in a cute bed and breakfast. Even camping out under the stars is an option, but if you prefer a place where bed linen is provided you may want to check out the serviced apartments instead.

Great Ocean Road
Port Campbell is just a short drive away from some of the best attractions on the Great Ocean Road, so it is the perfect base to do your sightseeing without having to stay on the road for hours at a time. The most famous destination on the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, and this is just a stone’s throw from Port Campbell. Also nearby you will find Gibsons Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and the rocky platform of London Bridge.

Discovery Walk
Right within the town centre is Port Campbell Bay, which is an inlet of water that is surrounded by the Port Campbell National Park. For the fit and active there is a fantastic Discovery Walk that gives amazing views across this bay and of the town itself. You can drive to the Town Lookout and begin your walk there, or for those that are after more of a challenge the walk can be accessed by the steps on the beach at Port Campbell Bay.

Scenery By Air
Don’t feel like driving to the Twelve Apostles or other sights along the Great Ocean Road? Take a helicopter tour instead! Alternatively, you can catch a 4-seat Cessna from Warrnambool Airport to take in the sights from above. Not only will you see the great attractions the Great Ocean Road is known for, but you may even get to spot whales off the coast as well.

Water Sports
As this is a town located on the water, one of the best things to do while here is to get into your bathing suit and try out some of the water activities! There are scuba diving tours and snorkeling tours, or if you prefer, you could simply go for a leisurely swim in one of the great beaches of Port Campbell. If you love the water but don’t want to get yourself wet, head down to the foreshore at Port Campbell Bay for a stroll along the beach or sit in one of the many cafes while you watch other’s partake in the sun and sand.

Wine Tasting
Port Campbell is one of those rare destinations where you can be swimming at the beach one day, and exploring vineyards the next. With wineries located within a 5-minute drive from Port Campbell, you can indulge in some wine, beer or spirit tasting while also testing some of the fresh homemade cakes and desserts. All vineyards offer something to tourists, such as a great restaurant, quaint accommodation or live music, so they are all great to visit on your Port Campbell holiday.

Who to Invite on a Great Ocean Road Tour


You’ve been thinking about it for years. You know that it is quite the popular tourist activity, but have never had the time. Until now! Whether you’re from Victoria, other parts of Australia, or even from overseas, you’ve heard of the Great Ocean Road. You’ve done your basic research and have realised that it’s definitely something you’re keen to do. So much so that you’ve signed up for, or at least are thinking about the Great Ocean Road tours available.  


You’ve signed up (or are going to) for this experience alone, but are considering inviting others to join you. But whom should you invite? Before dishing out the invites, consider these questions:
  •           Why do you want to invite other people?
  •           Who do you think would want to see the Great Ocean Road?
  •           Who would benefit from doing a Great Ocean Road tour?
  •           What are you hoping they’ll get out of the tour?
  •           Are you compatible travelling buddies?
  •           Are you doing the Great Ocean Road tour in combination with other Melbourne tours? If so, are you able to spend that much time with them?

Once you’ve confirmed that you really do want to invite others along for the tour, you need to determine who these lucky people will be. Your options are:

Family

Whether its your mum, dad, brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, grandma, grandad or even step- family members, think carefully about who to invite. You’ll firstly need to find out if they want to, or would want to, do a Great Ocean Road tour or a tour of the greater Melbourne/Victorian area.

You’ll also need to determine if you can spend that much time with them, and if you have a tumultuous relationship, if you even want to. You’ll also need to consider if they view travelling the same way that you do. Will you be compatible travelling companions? If you’re one that values silence and inner reflection, a chatterbox who talks 24/7 may not be the best travel buddy.

Friends

You could invite your best friend from your childhood, or the person you studied with at TAFE or university. You could invite any friend, but you’ll need to consider the same principles that apply to family members. For example, can you spend significant periods of time with this person? Do they have a similar travel style to you? Are they open to new experiences?

Colleagues

You could even invite your work colleagues. It may be that you’ve known them for years, or that they are new and that you’d like to get to know them better. Perhaps you’ve discussed travelling around Melbourne and Victoria before?

Again, ask yourself the main questions. Why do you want to invite them? Perhaps you’re the boss and want to get to know your colleagues outside of work? This could be a great way to get to know each other and bond, as well as to experience Australia together.

Neighbours

This may seem odd to many who do not know their neighbours, but maybe you have a great relationship with yours. Would your relationship benefit from doing this tour? Or maybe you don’t know them at all, but would like to. You probably should invite them immediately. Spend a few weeks getting to know them. Build up to it. In the meantime, try to work out what they are like travelling and whether you’d be suitable companions.

Acquaintances

Maybe they are the parents of your child’s best friend? Or perhaps you play sport together on the weekends? If you’d like to get to know them more, once again, don’t offer them to join you first up. Find out what their travel style is like, if they are free when you’ve booked in, and if they even like travelling.

Regardless of who you invite, whether its your mum, or your best childhood friend, or your new work colleague, the most important thing is that the people have the time to do a Great Ocean Road tour and are open to the experience.

When you invite them and they express interest, discuss what you both would want to get out of the trip. This ensures that you are both on the same page. Discuss ways to achieve the trip outcome. Also discuss some of your negative points that may arise during the trip. Be honest: Everyone has his or her bad points. Be upfront and let them know that you’re aware of them and have ways to deal with them if it arises.

Once you’ve determined that you’re compatible travel companions, make the most of it and enjoy! 

Getting Back to Nature in Australia


Let’s face it, of all the reasons people travel down under, the incredible nature and wildlife has to be up there with the most compelling arguments. Add to this the fact that our thriving cities are never more than a few hours’ drive away from the rugged bush land we’re so famous for and you have a recipe for tourism bliss. If you’re considering a visit down under, or you’re an Australian wanting to get out and experience the beauty of this great southern land, we’ve got a range of tips that will help you make the most of the great outdoors. From day tours to self-guided bush walks and idyllic beaches, we’ve got the lowdown on how to enjoy it all.


Bush Walks

Hiking (or ‘bushwalking’ as we call it in Australia) is a popular pastime and a great way to see the vast landscapes and forests in Australia. From rainforests to deserts and tropical beaches, Australia’s terrain is as diverse as its population, so a good set of walking shoes, plenty of water and a spirit of adventure will take you a long way when it comes to discovering the great Aussie outdoors. Around Sydney there are some fantastic harbourside walks through the national parks that occupy the foreshores, so even if you’re staying in the biggest city in the country, you can lose yourself on a beautiful walk in nature.

Beaches

It’s no great surprise that Australia has incredible beaches, but it still amazes first-time visitors to see the sheer size and number of gorgeous stretches of sand in this country. If you’re looking to enjoy the surf and sand, highlights would definitely include Bondi Beach in Sydney, Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands, Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island and Cottesloe Beach in Perth. For a great sunset you really can’t go past Cable Beach in Western Australia’s Broome, and if you’re looking to try your hand on the waves that get the professionals excited, Bells Beach along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a must.

Outdoor Attractions

As far as natural attractions go in Australia, we’re pretty lucky. One of the most iconic images of Australia is of course Uluru, the grand red rock rising majestically from the earth in the middle of the desert. To see Uluru is to be awed by the scale of nature, and if you take the time to listen to the stories of the local indigenous people who explain its spiritual significance to their people, you’ll be awed even more. From the desert to the sea, and one of the other jewels in Australia’s tourism crown is the Great Barrier Reef, classified as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Not only is it home to a dizzying array of plants and animals, but because of pollution and climate change it is slowly disappearing, so get in while you can and enjoy it in a sustainable and responsible way.

Whether you’re sunning yourself by the pool in Surfer’s Paradise accommodation or camping out under the stars in the desert, Australia’s nature will infect you with its beauty. 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Working Holidays in Queensland


When it comes to a backpacking adventure, one of the biggest considerations (apart from getting your hands on a decent travel insurance policy) is making your money stretch. For this reason, many backpackers choose to incorporate a working holiday into their travels, so that they can manage to supplement the flitting about they’re doing with some cold hard cash—preferably earned doing something enjoyable! If you’re planning a working holiday in Australia, Queensland is one of the best places to locate yourself, with not only a stack of working holiday opportunities, but a range of stunning natural attractions on offer. Here are just a few examples of how you could swing that all-important work/life balance in beautiful sunny Queensland…

Fruit Picking

Queensland is Australia’s tropical fruit growing haven, with everything from bananas to mangoes and coconuts growing like wildfire in the lush environment. As a result, seasonal fruit pickers are always in hot demand, which is perfect for the traveller who wants to experience the great Aussie outdoors while they’re hard at work!

Woofing

‘WOOFing’ stand for ‘Working On Organic Farms’, and is a beautifully symbiotic relationship between Aussie farmers and international tourists. Basically, it is a program that offers travellers the chance to work on farms throughout Australia in exchange for accommodation and food. In Queensland, these farms occupy some of the most beautiful natural settings in the country, whether it’s an oyster farm in the far north or a mango farm on the mid-Queensland coast. In return for your hard work on the farm (if it goes for 3 months or longer) the Australian government will grant you an additional year on your working visa. Win/Win!

Resort Work

The Whitsundays, some of the most beautiful and heavily traveled islands in the world, are a series of gems in Queensland’s crown. Because of the constant need for hospitality staff, a popular choice for travellers is to find work on one of the resorts in the islands. Your job could be anything from picking up tourists at the airport to cleaning rooms, but the payoff is waking up each morning in one of the most beautiful places on earth. With turquoise waters and white sands, there’s not much that can dampen your mood in tropical far north Queensland.

City Work

If farming and resort work aren’t really your things and you’d prefer to get a job in the city, Brisbane is the perfect centre to find an office job. A vibrant cultural and economic hub, there’s no shortage of things you can do in a Brisbane job. What’s more, Brisbane accommodation is still much more reasonable than the outrageous rents charged in Sydney and Melbourne, so you can rest assured that you’ll get more bang for your buck!

A working holiday is the perfect way to combine work and play. Consider making Queensland the destination for your next working holiday. Not only does it have a climate most countries only dream of, but it also has a host of opportunities for every skill level.

Great Cities To Visit In Australia


If you are planning to move to Australia, or you are visiting Australia for a holiday – there are plenty of great places to see and exciting adventures to be had.

Australia is very diverse and the best places for you to visit will likely depend on the purpose of your trip: do you want to spend most of the time lazing on the beach? Do you want to explore the outback? Are you here for the shopping and city lights? Whatever your preference, here are 5 Australian cities well worth a visit.

1. Sydney.


Australia’s largest city has a lot to offer – from the famous harbor where you can catch a ferry to Manly, to the Opera House to Bondi Beach.

Sydney is a great destination no matter what the time of year, with warms summers and cool winters – but it is very popular with tourists in the summer, where the temperature can get very hot and the beach culture is very strong.

In addition there’s great shopping to be had in central Sydney and boutiques abound in Paddington. The bar and club scene is also one of the busiest in Australia with many travelers often choosing it as their first destination.

If you are planning to move to Australia, Sydney could be one of the best options for you with high employment rates and job opportunities. It is also a popular property investment location because of the amount of people migrating there.

2. Melbourne.

Melbourne is a breath-taking city, recently voted the 2nd most livable city in the world. It is also the most popular domestic holiday destination with Australians themselves. Whether you love culture, food, fashion, sport or dancing there is something for everyone.

The city is famous for its cafés and European gothic winding lanes. It is also known as the cultural capital of Australia and is home to the Australian ballet.

Catch an indie film, check out the eclectic mix of little boutiques, visit the Queen Victoria market on a Saturday morning and enjoy the cosmopolitan cuisine. If you are planning more of a permanent stay in Australia, Melbourne should be up there on your list of places to consider calling home.

3. Cairns.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, Cairns is warm all year long; hot in the summer months from November to March and very mild in the winter.

There is plenty to do and see here, from snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the tropical Daintree rainforest (about a 2 hour’s drive away), white water rafting or, for something a little different – shopping!

If you want to stay somewhere a little more relaxed, you can enjoy the resort town of Port Douglas, which has a great beach and plenty of cafes. It would be an ideal retirement location or a good place to look for an investment property.

4. The Gold Coast.

It is as the name suggests and is a great place to whenever you wish, warm and sunny no matter the month!

You can sunbathe on the golden sand at Surfer’s Paradise, or surf the beaches of Kirra, Broad Beach and Main Beach.

There’s a strong party culture as well, so if you love your nightlife, you will find there is always something to do no matter what night of the week - every day is a weekend here.

Of course to top it all off you have your theme parks, making this a great family holiday destination. Dreamworld, Movieworld, Wet’n’wild - all offer great thrills and excitement no matter your age.

5. Darwin.

With great food, culture, outdoor markets and festivals, it is one of Australia’s most multicultural and modern capital cities.

It is best to visit between May and October when the humidity isn’t as intense and you can enjoy the balmy weather. Darwin’s outdoor festivals are also held during this time of the year, so if you do have a choice around timing, you should plan for these months.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

5 Things To Take on Your Backpacking Adventure in Europe

Backpacking around Europe is something everyone should do at least once in their life. A myriad of cultures, magnificent sites and dazzling beauty, a European adventure can be the adventure of a lifetime. Prepare yourself for a life changing experience, and don’t forget these five tips to help make it the perfect adventure.

  1. Get a good Backpack – A good pack is essential if you want it to make it through the adventure. To start with, think about how much stuff you think you will need to take with you and how much you want to carry. A lot of things can be picked up on your travels and don’t need to be brought from home, so if possible opt for a less than enormous pack. Next decide what type of features you may need. Should it be waterproof, have lots of pockets, a detachable daypack or even secret inside compartments? Finally, have it fitted to your body type. Packs come in lots of sizes so have someone who knows how make sure you get a pack that fits. This could be the difference between an enjoyable experience and back strain.
  2. Gifts – You are going to meet a lot of new friends, be invited to stay at people’s places and be helped out all along your travels. Having a small token gift from home can be a very classy way of thanking people who do you a good turn when on your adventure. Sweets are an especially good idea or small stuffed animals. These will be items that are uncommon in Europe which will add charm to your show of gratitude.
  3. Get Business Cards – Business card printing is a fun and practical approach to having a quick and easy way to exchange contact details with new friends along the way. You will find yourself exchanging details with dozens of people and sometimes several at a time, so having a card will be a fun and easy way to be sure your new mates can get in touch. Stop by a printing services business and make up a funky card, you’ll be really glad you did.
  4. Language Books – Europe is an extremely diverse place with many cultures and languages. If you expect people to help you out when you are visiting their country, you’d better at least try and speak the local language. Get some language books for the countries you are visiting and learn a phrase or two. It’s a fun thing to try while you are traveling around and also shows you respect the people who’s country you are visiting.
  5. Bring an Instrument – There will be lots of time to kill when you are waiting for buses or hanging out at airports, so if you play an instrument or want to learn how, this could be your big chance. Small is good so instruments like the harmonica or even a banjo are nice options. You’ll probably find yourself at more than a couple parties or hanging out the occasional campfire, so why not learn to play something.

Have a great trip. Remember these tips and it’ll be your best trip ever!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fiji: Seeing It Through New Eyes

I went to Fiji a few years ago, and I'm still in awe of the amazing experience I had while I was there. Sure I enjoyed the wakeboards and surf skis, the cheap drinks, amazing seafood and astounding hospitality, but it was more than that.
So much of this country is stunning. It is this lush, rainforest-like terrain, with arteries of water running through key areas and supplying little villages and townships with a life line. But it is more than a tropical paradise -- it offers an unbeatable experience to the traveller who not only wants to holiday, but to experience a different way of life, put things in perspective and understand a new culture. So pack your solar charger, bathers and the mozzie repellent and get set for an eye-opening adventure.


The people
More than anything, the people will blow your mind. I initially stayed at a stunning resort on the coral coast. It wasn't expensive by any means, but it was still quite luxurious, with pools, bars, gardens and beautiful big rooms. It was truly serene. I would wake up to the sound of the birds, feel the soft humidity and look out the see the rain had washed everything clean.
But what was wonderful were the people. I had seen how many of them lived when on the way to the resort, and it certainly wasn't in the relative comfort I did at home. Many lived in small shacks or makeshift accommodation, the better off people with a house. Of those I spoke to at the resort, a lot didn't have running water or constant electricity. Yet the amazing thing was, despite this relative poverty, they showed up to work every day in these surprisingly stark white, crisp uniforms with a huge smile on their faces. They served us our food and refreshments, and despite the fact it must seem like a colossal waste of money to them, they did it with genuine grace and happiness. They blew my mind. They really put things in perspective.
The church
I befriended one of the locals who worked at our resort. She was an amazing human being, very kind and generous and of great faith. She offered to bring me along to her church on Sunday, and though not much of a church person, I agreed. Well, I don't regret it! The church was a living beast! There were people everywhere, some dressed normally, some in their finest -- and they were all just extraordinarily happy. The service was a little talking and a lot of singing and clapping. The music and singing was fantastic, contagious and so energising. I'm not a church person, but I'd definitely go back.
The village
The next afternoon, my new friend offered to take me to her village to have a look around. I'll be honest, I expected just a walk up the road, or maybe a short drive, perhaps towards Suva. But no. We took a half hour drive in someone's truck to the river, once there we jumped on a longboat with what looked like a car motor running it and headed up the river for about an hour. Finally we arrived -- and it was beautiful. Built by the locals, it was all quite makeshift, but it was natural and colourful.
That evening they put on a feast in the village’s meeting room. With chicken cooked underground and a range of unknown items, the food took me by surprise, better than almost anything I'd ever had.

While my adventures in Fiji continued long after the village, it was that experience that put things into perspective more than anything. The singing, the happiness, the energy. If you get the chance, don't hesitate -- do it!
Article written by Home Swap House Exchange

Tips on Getting the Most out of Your Car Rental Company

Whether, for business, or for pleasure, there are a number of ways to get the most out of any car rental company. This article comes from an industry insider after many years of watching how the systems work. I spent many years building business, and worked from the bottom up to build one of the most successful car hire in Sydney. These are not really tricks as such, it is all about slipping yourself smoothly into the systems of these car rentals (as they are often called in Sydney), so you can make the most, even out of, cheap hire car deals.

· Having Your Name in Their System. Many of us use rental cars in business. Having your name in their systems means you are already registered with them. This can be extremely beneficial as you change employment and grow your career. Your previous record will come with you in one way or another. You could be getting better deals for yourself and your own business because of your previous record built up in employment (this is particularly the case with Sydney car rental – they really do care a lot about the driver in that city and country).

· Points and Bonuses. Changing your car rental company is like getting a divorce. You can never really benefit from it, and you lose a lot of what you put in, and what you can get out of it. Using a car hire company is like building up an investment. You get miles, points, premium deals, priority and more. You even get favoured by staff because they get to know you, and they know you are a smooth customer to deal with. You know the system, and you will know what becomes important for you to get what you need. Some bonuses are never written in black and white

· Carry Over Business. Let’s take a look at our personal and professional lives. You may have been using one car rental in Sydney, and now you need a truck hire company in Sydney because you are moving house. If they do not have the vehicles, they will probably have a partner in the industry who does. You will normally get the same treatment and benefits you have been getting from you previous car use – even if you are using for business purposes as an employee. You will be in the system, and their computers will flag you. Benefits can carry on in many areas.

These are only a few suggestions to help you make the most out of your car hire use. Remember, most companies are a part of a larger network, and this will help you wherever you go. Making the decision of what company to use is a long-term investment, and should not be thought of as a one-off decision. These companies run on accounting, numbers and accumulation. Becoming a part of that, and taking advantage of that is the key to getting great benefits and cost affordability.