Hire Freelance Writers to Add Character to Your Content

With the recent algorithm updates from Google, both Panda and Penguin, it should have become clear to Internet marketers, that Google will not accept anything less than remarkable content; complimented and delicately promoted by white-hat SEO. Although the recipe for SERP success is as guarded as the Colonel's herbs and spices, some of the algorithm's ingredients, are easy to recognize.

The most obvious element in the elusive search equation, is unique and relevant webpage content. Although industry experts preach that "content is king," I say that a ruling king is only as strong, as his supporters and his kingdom. In this case, well written content is less effective, when showcased on a poorly optimized website; or broadcast to an inattentive consumer audience. As well, a link from a poorly maintained website, can be seen as equally damaging.

When we stop to consider the obvious, website owners should recognize that there is an urgency, to consistently maintain remarkable website content; showcasing current/relevant text, images and video. In most cases, website owners can easily become overwhelmed by their obligations, and quickly get discouraged; by search engine and audience demands. This can often be avoided, if website administrators want to hire freelance writers or a professional copywriter, to help carry the content burden.

The Internet is full of freelancers, who are very willing to commit their ongoing efforts, to maintaining and improving your Internet kingdom. In fact, most freelance writers, copywriters and authors offer their professionalism and years of writing experience, which can make a meaningful contribution to a website's character; and genuinely appeal to the audience.

It Seems Some Experts are Motivated by Money, Not the Truth

In this day and age, it is very common for consumers to use search engines and other Internet resources, to seek-out information about products, opportunities and people. Although it contains a wealth of information, be forewarned that some of it may not be as credible, as we would like to believe.

Unfortunately, because the Web is largely unregulated, individuals have the ability to publish whatever content they desire, and often without question. This becomes the most concerning, when self-professed "experts" offer opinions and make comments, about companies, products or people, they have no experience with; or knowledge about.

Therefore, before accepting a post or comment as truth, I recommend that consumers be as thorough with the people who are offering-up expert opinions, as they are about the topic they are researching. With that being said, here are a few questions to ask yourself, before determining how much weight, should be placed on an "expert's" comment or answer:

1. Does the so-called expert have a profile pic?
2. Is the so-called expert using their real name?
3. What do the major search engines say about this person?
4. What credentials does the so-called expert possess?
5. Is the expert being compensated, for offering their opinion?

Regrettably, many of the so-called experts on forums and question/answer websites are asserting themselves as authorities on a wide range of subjects, that they have no mentionable education or experience in. And because most of the Q&A website do nothing to establish the credibilty of "expert" members, this practice is completely unregulated and extremely dangerous. What makes the situation worse, is that many of these experts are motivated to answer the question, by the promise of a monotary reward. In fact, it would seem that many of these "experts" want the money, more than the truth!

Some Smokers Believe Branded Cigarettes Are Less Harmful

 In a recent survey, more than twenty-five percent of young smokers aged 16 to 25, said they believe cigarettes in branded packaging are less harmful than those packaged in a plain design; based on the packaging and design alone.

Because many young people are not fully aware of the risks of smoking, the aggressive branding strategies employed by Tabacco companies, such as glitzy and eye-catching packaging; can be more persuasive. In fact, one in six young smokers surveyed said they would consider the pack design when deciding which cigarettes to buy. Furthermore, 12 percent surveyed said they would choose a brand, because it was considered "cool."

Although tobacco advertising is banned in several regions, tobacco companies can still make effective use their packaging to promote their brand and mislead consumers. In perhaps the strongest and most disturbing example of this misconception, 25 percent of regular smokers aged 16 to 25 believed a branded pack of cigarettes, was less harmful than another.

In light of the mounting evidence of this aggressive brand building strategy, governments from around the world are considering adopting Australia's progressive lead, and banning all eye-catching designs and branding from cigarette packaging; to deter young people from being lured into smoking. In a desperate move to preserve their precious branding opportunity, the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association argues that the introduction of "plain packs, would likely lead to yet further increases in the illicit trade in tobacco products, by making them much easier for a counterfeiter to copy; than existing branded packs."

Supermarket Copycat Branding May Have Duped Holiday Shoppers

Are Supermarkets using copycat branding techniques, to make their own products resemble popular, branded goods? Officials are concerned that shoppers may have been duped into buying products they didn't want this Holiday Season, because of confusing product branding. Many experts have voiced concern, that the copycat practice is intentional, and meant to persuade consumers.

"There are a range of ways that we could change the trademark legislation to not just trademark the name, but [also] trademark the look," said one Food and Grocery Council executive.

An associate professor from the University of Western Australia, says that supermarkets are "pushing the limits" of what is considered legally acceptable, under trademark law. Although there are a variety of laws, that are designed to prevent companies from copying the brand building efforts of other businesses' products, trademark laws are not doing enough to protect manufacturers; or consumers.

Establish and Build Trust With Branded Content

After reporting a drop in spending in 2010, a recent study suggests that corporate spending on generating and distributing custom branded content, has reached its highest level ever; on average. In fact, according to a recent study, U.S. firms have spent an average of $1.91 million this year; on branded content. Of that, the report attributes approximately $450,000, or nearly 25% of spending, to digital PR services and other forms of electronic branded content.

Businesses' primary motivation for creating and broadcasting branded content, among almost half of companies (49%), was to educate new and existing customers. The motivations for brand building that followed education, included customer retention and upselling of products or services; which werevery closely tied for second place.

Furthermore, the study also determined that generating meaningful branded campaign content, also contributed to establishing and building a trustworthy online reputation; and consistency in a businesses' brand. When a business' sales team’s message works in cooperation with branded content, and the message is effectively broadcast in social media and across the Internet, businesses can quickly become a reliable, trusted source of information.

Twitter Brand Pages and Their Brand Building Opportunities

From the new brand pages to embeddable tweets, the recent changes to Twitter are substantial and will improve the way businesses and brands use; the popular social networking website.

Approved for ONLY 21 brands (with The Rock eyebrow), the new brand pages have a lot of improvements over the standard Twitter profiles and verified accounts. Branded pages will have the benefits of their @ replies and mentions displayed separately, for much easier review. In fact, tweets that mention the brand's name will be separate from tweets directed at the brand. As well, digital PR firms will be able to track the impact of their tweets across their audience, by observing the actions other users take; in relation to the brand's related tweets. This feature is reminiscent of Google's Ripples, and can be useful in identifying Twitter users, who are the most influential; in the brand's niche.

Furthermore, Twitter has added customizable header images, which will allow for more visible real estate. Brands should take this valuable opportunity to insert their brand logo, a promotion, or remarkable special. Let's face it, the space increase means more opportunities, to build your brand or business. In addition, brand managers can choose to feature a particular tweet above the brand's timeline, which auto-expands to reveal video or embedded photos; from within the tweet. This should encourage businesses to showcase the brand’s breaking news, special product, featured content, and much more.

In our opinion, the Twitter redesign will allow brands to more effectively promote their brand building message, while at the same time monitoring valuable online reputation management information; and communicating with the consumer audience.

Sony Shifts Focus to Smartphones and Rebranding in 2012

Now that Sony is no longer engaged in a joint venture with Ericsson, it will drop the Ericsson brand name next year. This means that all phones produced post mid 2012, will carry only the Sony brand.

Sony says it is looking forward to having greater resources at its disposal, and is ready to take a sizable piece of the consumer market, away from it's competition. Next year, consumers can expect to see the company utilize more digital PR services, to increase and improve it's marketplace exposure, as the company goes through a rebranding. In doing so, Sony will look to improve on their existing marketing and advertising strategies.

In 2012, consumers can expect that Sony brand managers will step up their brand management campaign efforts, re-focus, and invest more in brand building strategies; that target specific markets. For example, Sony has plans to exit the feature phone market, and concentrate on building bigger and better smartphones. In a strong move toward this, Sony has partnered with Google, and will continue to make Android smartphones; in the future.