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LONDON (Reuters) – Nearly half of the money that multinationals and wealthy investors poured into emerging markets in 2011 came via tax havens, resulting in revenue losses for poor countries, anti-poverty campaigners ActionAid said in a report.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has said corporate tax avoidance will be discussed next month at the annual summit of the Group of Eight leading industrial economies, which Britain is hosting in Northern Ireland.

A number of U.S. multinationals, including Apple (AAPL.O), web search leader Google (GOOG.O), online retailer Amazon.com (AMZN.O) and coffee chain Starbucks (SBUX.O) have faced criticism for arranging their affairs in a way that leaves them liable to low rates of tax on billions of dollars of overseas sales.

Forty-six percent of reported cross-border investment into low and lower-middle income countries in 2011 came from tax havens, compared with 37 percent into upper-middle and high-income countries, ActionAid said, using IMF data on investment.

“Many multinationals and wealthy individuals place the legal ownership of valuable assets – from factories to oil wells to entire businesses – in companies registered offshore,” the report said.

“In some cases, such opaque corporate ‘black boxes’ can be used to evade tax. But even when they are used entirely lawfully, they can deny developing countries the ability to tax the wealth generated when mineral rights, factories, land and businesses in their territories change hands.”

Companies may also make large internal loans from a tax haven subsidiary to another part of their business to shrink their tax bills, or use tax havens to disguise investments as new, so qualifying for tax breaks, ActionAid said.

“Tax havens are one of the main obstacles in the fight against global poverty,” Mike Lewis, ActionAid’s tax expert, said in a statement.

“Their secrecy and harmful tax regimes leach money out of developing countries that could be used to end hunger and provide hospitals, schools and clean water.” (Reporting by Carolyn Cohn)

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Half of investments in emerging markets go via tax havens – study

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Liberty Global, Inc. (Liberty Global) (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) will be presenting at the Barclays Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Conference on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 2:10 p.m. EST at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York, New York. Liberty Global may make observations concerning its historical operating performance and outlook. The presentation will be webcast live at www.lgi.com. We intend to archive the webcast under the investor relations section of our website for approximately 30 days.

About Liberty Global

Liberty Global is the leading international cable company, with operations in 13 countries. We connect people to the digital world and enable them to discover and experience its endless possibilities. Our market-leading triple-play services are provided through next-generation networks and innovative technology platforms that connect 20 million customers subscribing to 35 million television, broadband internet and telephony services as of March 31, 2013.

Liberty Globals consumer brands include UPC, Unitymedia, KabelBW, Telenet and VTR. Our operations also include Chellomedia, our content division, Liberty Global Business Services, our commercial division and Liberty Global Ventures, our investment fund.

For more information, please visit www.lgi.com.

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Liberty Global to Present at the Barclays Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Conference

Britain’s offshore tax havens have been warned to enforce regulations and improve transparency to avoid evasion by individuals and companies.

The Prime Minister has written to nearly a dozen leaders of the havens, stressing the need to “get our own houses in order” as he pushes for international action to tackle avoidance schemes.

In a message to 10 Crown Dependencies and British overseas territories, David Cameron said he backed their right to be low tax jurisdictions but insisted that rules needed to be set and enforced fairly.

The move comes ahead of next month’s G8 summit in Northern Ireland, where Mr Cameron will push for an agreement aimed at clamping down on tax evasion and avoidance.

He said he wanted the G8 to “knock down the walls of company secrecy” to reveal who really owns and controls firms.

Mr Cameron’s initiative came as he prepared to meet Google boss Eric Schmidt at a meeting in Downing Street.

The internet giant’s executive chairman is a member of Mr Cameron’s Business Advisory Group, which held its regular quarterly meeting on Monday, just days after Google was given a mauling by a House of Commons committee over its tax affairs.

The group holds its meetings behind closed doors and Downing Street does not reveal the content of its deliberations.

But on Monday afternoon a Number 10 spokesman said: “We don’t talk about individuals’ or individual companies’ tax affairs.”

The Prime Minister’s letter calling for more transparency about tax information and the ownership of companies was sent to leaders in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Anguilla, Montserrat, the Turks and Caicos Islands Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

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Tax Havens: Cameron Warns Over Transparency



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By Dow Jones Business News, May 20, 2013, 03:15:00 PM EDT

John Malone’s international cable business, Liberty Global Inc. (LBTYA, LBTYB), has put its Chellomedia television- channel business up for sale, in a move that could lead to a deal valued at between $800 million and $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

Liberty Global, based in Englewood, Colo., owns a collection of broadband networks in more than a dozen countries including Germany and Belgium. Chellomedia is Liberty Global’s content division, producing and distributing TV channels in a variety of genres including sports, movies and cooking to roughly 390 million households worldwide.

Liberty Global, whose chairman is Mr. Malone, about a month ago hired advisers to help arrange a deal and is in talks with a handful of suitors, according to one of the people. The business is expected to attract content providers and television networks. It’s possible the talks could lead to a partial or full sale, a joint venture or no deal at all, one of the people said. Should a deal be struck, it could come by the fall, this person added.

Chellomedia’s reach in Eastern Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world with strong growth potential is attractive to suitors, according to one of the people. The company owns 48 of its 68 channels and has joint ventures for the remainder, Chellomedia’s Web site says.

It’s unclear exactly why Liberty Global is considering unloading the business. Chellomedia, however, accounts for a small portion of the company’s roughly $10 billion in annual revenue, which is derived mainly from cable-network operations.

Chellomedia’s revenue last year was $514 million, from sales to Liberty Global operators as well as third parties.

In February, Liberty Global agreed to pay $16 billion in cash and stock for U.K. cable-television and Internet provider Virgin Inc. A sale of Chellomedia could help defray some of the cost of that deal. Liberty Global has also recently built a big stake in Dutch cable operator Ziggo NV (ZIGGO.AE).

Write to Dana Cimilluca dana.cimilluca@wsj.com; Twitter: @danacimilluca

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Liberty Global Puts Chellomedia Up For Sale



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TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 15, 2013) – Rank Secure, an eminent SEO company based out of Toronto, is making life easier for local businesses looking to top search engine rankings using ethical SEO practices. In addition to their standard SEO packages, the company is also the leading name throughout the GTA and Canada for keyword research, link building, pay per click, article writing, and much more.

White hat SEO services from Rank Secure is rapidly emerging as the most preferred destination for website owners looking for top of the line local SEO support without breaking their bank. The company’s service is highly sought after throughout the GTA and Canada for SEO analysis, keyword research, internal and external link building, and pay per click. Rank Secure also provides top class support for social media campaign, SEO content writing, and blog creation. Unlike most of the present day SEO service providers, Rank Secure only follows SEO strategies that are one hundred percent ethical. Their service has helped many unknown businesses build a brand identity in the highly competitive online marketplace.

SEO or Search Engine Optimization requires little introduction in today’s business fraternity as all businesses are engaged, in a gruesome battle, to reach the top search engine ranks. However, hiring the correct SEO company can be a tricky decision for them because many companies follow black hat strategies or techniques that involve deception and are not approved by the search engines. Some of the most commonly practiced black hat techniques include keyword staffing, link farming, blog comment spam, doorway and cloaked pages, and hidden texts/links. The ultimate result of using these techniques is banning, de-indexing, and penalization of the website by lowering of its search engine rank.

Rank Secure never adopts any of these shortcut methods and provides long term results for their clients. The company’s approach to SEO includes research, analysis, re-writing meta tags, content improvement and web redesign. These techniques involve no deception whatsoever and are approved by all search engines.

In addition to top notch SEO support, Rank Secure is also the most trusted company in this region for training pertaining to corporate SEO, personal SEO, Google Map, keyword analysis, and much more. Some of the most proficient SEO Toronto professionals work for Rank Secure, making them the top choice throughout the country.

Rank Secure boasts of a long list of satisfied customers in this region who strongly recommend their service for all types of SEO related requirements. “Rank Secure was a pleasure to deal with. Their service has helped my business reach and maintain top rank since last 18 months,” says Christopher, a local business owner in Toronto.

About Rank Secure: Rank Secure is a reputed SEO service provider helping local businesses dominate the search engines with their white hat techniques. The wide spectrum of service offered by the company includes keyword research, link building, pay per click, article writing, and much more.

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SEO Toronto Service Provider Rank Secure Emerges as the Top Choice for Local Businesses Looking to Dominate Search …

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Liberty Global, Inc. (Liberty Global, or the Company) (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) is pleased to announce that it will appoint Robert Dunn, currently Managing Director (MD) of UPC Netherlands, to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Virgin Media (NASDAQ: VMED; LSE: VMED) upon the closing of that acquisition. He will succeed Eamonn OHare who has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities. Mr. Dunn has held several senior management positions with Liberty Global over the last 13 years, including MD, UPC Ireland for five years, and CFO of Libertys European cable division. He will report to Tom Mockridge, who was announced as Virgin Medias incoming CEO last week.

Baptiest Coopmans, former Member of the Board of Management at KPN N.V., will assume the position of MD, UPC Netherlands. Mr. Coopmans has developed expertise across a range of international management roles, building comprehensive experience across telecoms and consumer markets. As a Member of the Managing Board of KPN N.V. from 2006 to 2012 he was, among other roles, MD of KPN Netherlands and MD of KPN Consumer Markets. In his new role at UPC Netherlands, Mr. Coopmans will report to Diederik Karsten, Executive Vice President of Liberty Globals European Broadband Operations.

Mike Fries, President and CEO of Liberty Global, said: Robert is the ideal choice for the CFO position given his deep understanding of our business following important leadership roles in the Netherlands and Ireland over the last 13 years, which make him uniquely qualified to help steer Virgin Media during its next phase of growth. I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Eamonn OHare, an outstanding executive who played a central role in the recent success of Virgin Media. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Diederik Karsten, EVP of Liberty Globals European Broadband Operations, said: We are excited to see Baptiest join the company as he brings a wealth of experience to bear, having held leadership roles at KPNs consumer division for both fixed and mobile services. He also oversaw major quality and service improvements across all of KPNs business divisions. This followed a 17 year career at Unilever where he built a solid track record of success, holding senior management positions in a number of highly competitive markets.

About Robert Dunn

Robert has been MD of UPC Netherlands B.V. since January, 2011. He previously served as MD of UPC Ireland B.V. from 2006 and was MD of Finance & Accounting of UPC Polska LLC (UPC). He joined UPC in May 2000 and served as CFO of UPC Distribution, the cable television and triple play division of UPC from January 2001. He earlier served as Group Controller of Impress Packaging Group B.V. from May 1997 to May 2000. He worked with Price Waterhouse, London for nine years from October 1988. Robert has been Director of UPC Polska LLC since June 2000.

About Baptiest Coopmans

Baptiest Coopmans served Royal KPN N.V. from September 2006 until April 1, 2012. He was MD of Consumer Division for both Fixed and Mobile Services, and later became MD for KPN the Netherlands, also leading the BtoB division and the Network and IT division. He joined Royal KPN N.V. after a career with Unilever where he held various (commercial) management positions. He served as MD of the Ice Cream and Frozen Foods company in the Benelux from 2000 until 2004 and was Chairman of Unilever in Mexico from 2004 until 2006.

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Liberty Global Announces Additional Senior Management Appointments

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Neuromics and Vitro Biopharma Expand Collaboration to Target Drug Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Markets

Golden, Colorado – Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma, announced expansion of its distribution agreement with Neuromics to include targeted sales to select markets in drug discovery & regenerative medicine. Early stages of drug development rely on in-vitro assays to identify effective new drugs and these assays are based on cellular systems. Vitro Biopharmas proprietary stem cell technology allows cost-effective manufacturing of stem cell-derived human cells and multi-cellular constructs that reflect the human in-vivo environment. We have recently developed stem cell-derived cartilage and bone producing cells called chondrocytes and osteoblasts together with various media formulations. We are now offering cells, media and custom services including genetically-engineered cells, to the biopharmaceutical industry specifically focused on drug discovery, development and toxicology for osteoporosis, Pagets disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone regeneration & accelerated healing of bone fractures.

This advancement allows us to now combine the distribution channels and sales/marketing expertise of Neuromics with Vitro Biopharmas proprietary technology and manufacturing to target additional markets beyond those presently being pursued in research and clinical development. In addition to markets in drug discovery, we are also pursuing select opportunities within regenerative medicine initially related to expanded use of our high performance and highly competitive MSC-Gro clinical grade media in the expansion of MSCs prior to therapeutic use. Vitro Biopharma is also developing novel stem cell-based products targeting regenerative medicine applications in animals including horses and dogs initially targeting treatment of articular injury, diseases and age-related degeneration.

Pete Shuster, the CEO of Neuromics said, Vitro Biopharmas products have performed well in the hands of our customers. We have years of experience providing primary and progenitor cells to basic and drug discovery researchers and know the importance of having best in class products and services for growing my business.

We now have the opportunity to expand into serving drug discovery for diseases that will need more cost effective treatments with our aging populations. Regenerative therapies using stem cells could prove to the silver bullet. We are working hard to everyday to make this possible

Dr Jim Musick, Vitro Biopharmas CEO, said, We are very pleased to announce our expanded relationship with Neuromics, Inc who has assisted us considerably to expand revenue generated from our products. Our new initiative is fueled by our development of stem-cell derived, differentiated cells including bone/cartilage producing osteoblasts and chondrocytes together with related media products to support use of these cellular systems in the discovery of new drugs for treatment of muscular skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. While there are several existing drugs for use in treatment of osteoporosis there is a need for new, more effective and safer drugs especially targeting anabolic processes that promote bone generation. Our stem-cell derived human osteoblasts are ideally-suited for use in discovery of new drugs to promote osteoblast function and age-related diminished osteoblast function is a key factor in the generation of osteoporosis. Vitro Biopharma also owns proprietary technology that expands differentiation capacity of adult stem cells to pluripotent levels thus enabling us to expand our offerings of human stem cell derived cellular systems for drug discovery/development applications.

About Neuromics, Inc Neuromics (http://www.neuromics.com), located in Minneapolis, MN, is a privately-held, profitable and growing bio-reagents company. The company was initially built by supplying bio-markers to Neuroscience Researchers. Today, Neuromics provides a range of solutions that include markers, growth factors, gene expression analysis tools, apoptosis detection kits, primary cells and related media. These solutions are increasingly being used in combinations by customers to help accelerate or improve the process of drug discovery. Through the expanded association with Vitro Biopharma, the reagents offered by Neuromics for drug discovery will enhance the capabilities to serve this market sector.

About Vitro Biopharma Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. dba Vitro Biopharma (OTCQB: VODG; http://www.vitrobiopharma.com), owns US patents for production of FSH, immortalization of pituitary cells, and a cell line that produces beta islets for use in treatment of diabetes. In 2011, Vitro Biopharma out-licensed its intellectual property related to treatment of infertility to Dr. James Posillico, a renowned expert in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Vitro Biopharma also owns a pending US patent for generation of pluripotent stem cells and an additional pending patent for methods of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) generation and related materials. Vitro Biopharmas mission is Harnessing the Power of Cells for the advancement of regenerative medicine to its full potential. Vitro Biopharma operates within a modern biotechnology manufacturing, R&D and corporate facility in Golden, Colorado. Vitro Biopharma manufactures and sells Tools for Stem Cell and Drug Development, including human mesenchymal stem cells and derivatives, the MSC-Gro Brand of optimized media for MSC self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. In addition to our FSH patent licensee, Vitro Biopharma maintains several strategic partnerships including an alliance with Neuromics, Inc. (www.neuromics.com). Neuromics, Inc. is a primary distributor of Vitro Biopharma products and a well established manufacturer and distributor of a large variety of life science research products especially focused on cell-based assay systems We jointly manufacture stem cell assay systems with HemoGenix, Inc. (http://www.hemogenix.com/), known as the LUMENESC quantitative assay for determination of MSC quality, potency and response to toxic agents. Vitro Biopharma has an agreement with Stemgenesis, Inc. (http://www.stemgenesisinc.com) for distribution of its stem cell products into select Chinese provinces. Also, Vitro Biopharmas CEO is a consultant on an NSF grant at the City College of New York to advise Dr. Lane Gilcrest, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and his colleagues regarding the development of novel extracellular materials for use in self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements contained herein and subsequent statements made by and on behalf of the Company, whether oral or written may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements are identified by words such as intends, anticipates, believes, expects and hopes and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys plan of business operations, product research and development activities, potential contractual arrangements, receipt of working capital, anticipated revenues and related expenditures. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, acceptability of the Companys products in the market place, general economic conditions, receipt of additional working capital, the overall state of the biotechnology industry and other factors set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulations, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: Dr. James Musick Chief Executive Officer Vitro Biopharma (303) 999-2130 Ext. 3 E-mail: jim@vitrobiopharma.com

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Neuromics and Vitro Biopharma Expand Collaboration to Target Drug Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Markets

AMD’s next generation “Volcanic Islands” GPUs will be arriving later this year.

Rage3D recently went on a tour of AMDs Austin Campus and sat down with the companys CPU Architect, Jim Keller, and its Business Transformation Officer (BTO), Checkib Akrout. The discussion covered the company’s future plans, its new CPU architectures, and provided the long awaited confirmation that the Volcanic Islands GPUs will arrive this year.

The Sea Islands codename encompasses the PS4 chip, as well as the new mobile chips announced at CES, and the Bonaire GPU found in the Radeon HD 7790. I bring this up because it shows the people inside AMD continue to work hard, long hours to deliver great products amongst the turmoil shown in the press.

The next generation of graphics cards — Volcanic Islands — is coming this year and shaping up nicely. When you name products after places, it leads to interesting thoughts about where to hold events surrounding that namesake product. Typically places that are cheap to get travel to internationally for a worldwide congregation are preferred, so I’m off to renew my passport on the off chance I’m headed to Reykjavik later this summer. But I sure as hell wouldn’t complain about being sent to Honolulu, either.

Avoid gaming bottlenecks and keep your system balanced with the latest information abou…

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AMD Launching 'Volcanic Islands' GPUs in 2013

TSX: LBE

TORONTO , May 9, 2013 /CNW/ – Liberty Mines Inc. (LBE.TO) (“Liberty” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the 3-month period ended March 31, 2013 . All amounts are in Canadian currency.

During Q1 the Company focused its efforts on reducing its ongoing cash requirements to maintain the business in a care and maintenance mode. Given the current suppressed nickel price, the Company expects the Timmins operations will remain shut down for at least the balance of 2013 if not longer. The Company has elected to allow the McWatters Mine to flood but pumping continues at the Redstone Mine. As part of the cost savings initiatives, a further reduction in personnel has been made across the organization including some members from the executive team.

Further to the Company’s press releases dated January 23, 2013 and March 27, 2013 the Company continues its internal review of the identification of chrysotile at the McWatters Mine. The Company has been working with the Ministry of Labour to address all applicable health and safety issues with respect to the Timmins site and is in communication with all applicable regulatory authorities. It has been determined that the Company’s Mill will need to be decontaminated before any activities can be resumed.

Selected financial highlights

Review of Q1 Financial Performance Revenue for Q1 2013 was $29,372 up from $19,240 for Q1 2012. The increase was a result of revenue received for PGM credits from the concentrate Xstrata processed during operations in 2012.

Net loss for Q1 2013 was $6.1 million or $0.03 per basic and fully diluted share. The loss included amortization expenses of $2.1 million , interest on long-term debt of $2.5 million and dividends on preferred shares of $0.3 million . In the same period of 2012, Liberty recorded a net loss of $7.9 million or $0.04 per basic and fully diluted share. Liberty’s mining and milling operations were partially functional in Q1 of 2012.

At March 31, 2013 , Liberty had cash and cash equivalents of $404,740 . This compares to $0.54 million at year end 2012.

Liberty’s financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2013 are available at www.libertymines.com and www.sedar.com. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes and management’s discussion and analysis.

About Liberty Mines Inc. Liberty Mines Inc. is focused on the exploration, development and production of nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals from its properties in Ontario, Canada . It owns the only nickel concentrator in the Shaw Dome area, a prospective nickel belt region near Timmins, Ontario. Liberty is looking to expand its business through growth initiatives not only through a more aggressive exploration program on its current properties but also through potential acquisition or partnership opportunities beyond its core Timmins area projects.

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Liberty Mines Reports Financial Results for First Quarter 2013



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May 032013



Small Business and Local SEO

By: Phil Buckley

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Small Business and Local SEO – Video

A local SEO industry survey, managed by SEO software company Brightlocal, revealed that the most in-demand SEO services are on-site SEO and Google+ optimization. Conducted between January 20 and February 20 of this year, the survey evaluated the health and nature of the local SEO industry by focusing on five key areas: agency size and turnover, clients and industries, marketing and sales, services and tasks, and future outlooks. The majority of survey respondents included freelancers, small digital agencies and web designers, with a total of 1,409 respondents.

On-site SEO and Google+ optimization were the most in-demand services, out-ranking web development, link building, PPC, content creation and optimization, and social media marketing. Less than five percent of customers requested affiliate marketing. BrightLocal noted that services most often requested by customers reflected the services mostly likely offered by SEO agencies, In the local arena, digital marketing is driven by the supply side because knowledge resides firmly in the minds of SEOs and digital marketing professionals.

Survey responses showed that individual client earnings ranged from less than $100 per month to over $5,000, with 70 percent paying under $1,000 per month for SEO services, and 28 percent paying between $500 to $1,000 per month. When asked about revenue turnover, 34 percent of respondents had turnover less than $30,000 in the last 12 months, while 17 percent claimed to have $500,000 or more.

More than 80 percent of respondents said general search was the most effective online channel when it came to generating customers for clients. Local search and PPC rounded out the top three most effective online channels, with classified websites, display advertising and daily deals ranking least effective.

When it comes to marketing their own business, 91 percent of survey respondents said word-of-mouth was the most successful tool for gaining new clients, while only 46 percent gave credit to SEO, which ranked second. Of all the social networks, Linkedin was the most popular for finding leads with 18 percent of respondents favoring the professional networking site over Facebook and Twitter.

For the remainder of 2013, 82 percent of respondents said they plan to recruit new staff this year and 93 percent said the expect their business to grow by years end. Most all of the survey respondents have a positive outlook for 2013, with 84 percent of the SEO professionals surveyed confident it will be a good or great year.

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Local SEO Industry Survey Reveals Most Customers Want On-Site SEO & Google+ Optimization Services

If you want your organisation to succeed in todays digital landscape, you need to ensure that your website is easily found on search engines, right? Right. To do this, you need to pay large amounts of money to an SEO firm over a long period of time, right? Not quite.

SEO is big business, and rightly so. An SEO firm can do wonders for brands looking to increase their digital footprint. For highly competitive and expensive keywords, a dedicated SEO professional or team can help generate high volumes of targeted traffic to your site. For smaller organisations the decision becomes a bit trickier.

What SMMEs need to know is that finding a good firm is difficult. They need to understand your industry and have the best interests of your business at heart. You need to be able to work with them on a regular basis and they must understand what your marketing objectives are.

To prevent less virtuous SEO firms from pulling the wool over your eyes, its in your best interest to do some research, understand the basics about SEO so you know what you need. Most firms will push for a retainer contract, where often you dont need long-term assistance. The only time when an SEO professional is essential, is during the development of your site, as on-page SEO is often gibberish to the not so code savvy individual. After the launch period SEO is dependent on your marketing objectives, how deep your pockets are and the nature of your business.

Depending on the industry youre competing in, your staff resources and the distance you are willing to go, you can take the task of long-term SEO upon yourself. By training one of your junior staff members, you can invest in your company and the skills of your employees. Google offers a downloadable guide on SEO, and its a pretty good place to start. Many SEO companies offer SEO crash courses that can be used to give your staff a general understanding of SEO and what elements need to be addressed in your organisation going forward.

There are also a variety of tools that can be used to assist with your SEO efforts, from 360 paid solutions like SEOMoz to free analysis tools like Open Site Explorer. It just takes a little bit of effort and youll be well on your way.

For those of you that wish to rise to the occasion and take SEO head on, here are a few basics that youll have to attend to if you want your page ranking to soar.Sort out your page titles, Google identifies these as one of the most important on-page elements.

Get links to your site. Beg, plead, bargain and offer exchanges within your network, contact current and past customers, reach out to bloggers and constantly keep links as a priority. Backlinks are one of the most important off-page elements, arguably equal to the actual content on your page.

Create quality content that supplies a need to a particular niche or market. If your content is seen as valuable to someone, it is more likely to be shared, which in turn increases your digital footprint and thats a really good thing for your SEO efforts.Still not convinced you can do it yourself? Its not a problem, many organisations dont have the time or resources either. Just make sure you know what you want. Reject promises about 1st page rankings and fast track solutions. SEO is a long-term process and anything remotely shady will most likely end up in your site being penalised or banned by Google.

If your business is dependent on traffic to your website, SEO might be the biggest investment you have ever made. While the SEO hat doesnt fit every business, when it does fit, it can become one the most important parts of your armory.

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How to tell if your business really needs an SEO retainer



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