Market Archives - Page 2 of 2

Hindi EBooks, India and the EBook Market Revolution

Market potential for eBook sales in India is immense but are Indians embracing eBooks and how is this influenced?

As at June 2011 a reported 850 million Indians were mobile phone subscribers with a projected rise to 1 billion by 2013 which will rival China.

Reports suggest that approximately 100 million Indians were internet users at the beginning of 2011 which represents a mere 8% of the population but still placed India 3rd in the world league table of users but with one of the world`s lowest internet penetration rates. At June 2011 less than 1% of the population were Broadband users.

Clearly, on a simplistic numbers analysis, the potential for manifold growth of Indian internet consumers is vast but how does this sit with the evolving e-book market?

To date, the volume of Indian eBook purchases has been steady and developing rather than explosive, in line with many other countries who have been slow starters. There have been limiting factors such as prohibitive cost and inaccessibility to e-reading devices, the lack of a broadband service with adequate internet speeds to service fast download and scarcity of published eBook titles due to squabbles between authors and other vested parties and publishers slow to convert their catalogues to the digital version. However, these market dynamics are changing as competition intensifies and more platforms to download and read eBooks are introduced. PC tablets, smartphones and a variety of specialist e-readers are bringing consumer choice to market which can only benefit pricing. As India rolls out its broadband program, faster internet speeds are being integrated. A much wider selection of eBook titles will come to market as eBook publishing houses,authors,agents and retailers reach agreement on the financial fundamentals.

Indians generally have become conversant with developing e-commerce in the form of e-newsletters,e-marketing,e-newspapers and aspects of e-learning. The concept of an eBook presents a different dilemma as it is a personal choice reading medium which does not offer the physical `feel` of a paperback book and, to some, will sit uncomfortably with their traditional reading habits and rationale. Some will be reticent to change and others will embrace. In many respects the eBook revolution mirrors that of the music industry a few years back when it would have been unthinkable to consider that downloading a song or album to an mp3 player could essentially replace the music CD.Could the eBook replace the paperback?

If we examine a sector of the current market say Hindi eBooks you will find a wide range of subject matter both in English and the native Hindi language word covering categories such as Hinduism for children, The Holy books of Hinduism, Hindi early stage learning eBooks for children and a multitude of Hindi verses, poems and scriptures. Educational eBooks download is a particular favorite where medical, accounting and engineering eBooks are popular. The entertainment and leisure industry is also well represented with eBook titles covering Bollywood, cricket, autobiographies, an array of Indian cooking recipe eBooks, fiction and non-fiction, to name just a few.

The current `eBook India` market is being driven by young Indian students, professionals and parents, who recognise that modernity in the shape of digital reading for learning,education and entertainment can co-exist or enhance traditional methods without compromising cultural values, beliefs and faiths. Their recognition of the eBook age lies not only in their thirst for keeping pace with technological advancement (and parity with their children’s development) but also that e-reading passes the practicality and immediacy test-crucial for today’s fast paced world. They see value in the merits of a portable lightweight reading device that can store a whole library of books and can be topped up with a download in minutes. These groups are discerning and driven and will continue to be the catalyst for growth in the eBook market.

Currently the US and UK markets lead the way. Amazon.com reports that the US business has sold 3 times as many eBooks in 2011 as the same period in 2010 and that eBooks are now outselling paper and hard backs combined. Since April 2011, Amazon.co.uk reports that for every 100 hard backs it sells 240 eBooks.

As the ingredients fall into place for the Indian eBook market, the expectation is of rapid consumer growth and whilst there will always be a place for traditional means, digital advancement is unrelenting and all absorbing.

How to Hit Your Target Market Bullseye Every Time

THE IDEAL CUSTOMER: ME

My experience as a customer got me to thinking about how nutraceutical marketers seem to ignore me.

I’m in a market segment best labeled as “grumpy old men” (GOMs).

No, seriously.

I know I’m in it because my wife keeps telling me so. Old. Irritable. Curmudgeonly.

And I feel ignored by supplement companies.

How so?

For one thing, I’ve subscribed to numerous online newsletters about alternative health. What I’ve received is invariably so generalized that I get the impression the businesses sending them out don’t even know I exist.

This is surprising, since I exhibit two of the top criteria of an ideal customer.

First, I have spendable income that I allocate to supplements.

Second, I’m very, very concerned about how to slow down age-related health challenges.

That’s just a start.

If you’re doing good research, you’ll know a few additional useful tidbits for marketing to me and my fellow GOMs.

Like everyone else, we have certain typical needs. We want to feel significant. We want you to know us and acknowledge our biggest health concerns.

Talking to me and my fellow GOMs will also tell you that we don’t think of ourselves as “old.” We despise feeling obsolete or removed from the mainstream youth culture.

We are increasingly concerned with longevity.

We are readers and information seekers. This characteristic alone makes us responsive to advertising.

Okay, right there are some major characteristics you can use for persuading me to know you, like you, trust you… and buy from you.

GOMs represent more than 10% of the U.S. population. Adding our age-group females to the equation more than doubles the market size.

I’m more than just a customer who’s feeling ignored.

I’m also a marketer who has figured out how to hit the market bullseye for my segment. And the strategy I discovered works for all other market segments, too.

My experience marketing a paid subscription newsletter illustrates what I found.

The conversion rate hovers right around 30%, with subscription renewals at about 75%.

That’s a pretty good conversion and a very low churn rate.

What I did was to first survey my free-subscription list to find just one demographic – fellow seniors with my same health concerns.

Then I sent that group to a landing page specifically designed to address their needs.

That’s it.

EASIEST WAY TO HIT THE TARGET

What I’ve described is widely known among marketers who use email marketing.

This practice is known as list segmentation.

In other words, carving out one particular segment of a bigger subscriber list, then addressing the particular needs of that segment.

Conceptually it’s nothing new. It simply capitalizes on the old marketing adage about finding out what people want, then providing it to them.

What I did has three key components that apply to all markets.

1) Define and select a target segment from a larger list.

This is pretty simple, since email hosting services have already set up the technical steps for list segmentation.

2) Create persuasive marketing copy that pushes all the hot buttons for that segment. This is crucial for getting people in your target segment to take the action you want them to take – i.e., buying your products.

In a nutshell, this step is all about communication. If Anthony Robbins’ definition is correct (and it is) – communication is the results you get.

If people aren’t buying, you’re not communicating.

3) Rinse and repeat for every segment you want to hit.

There’s no limit to how many segments you can define in your list.

I’ve mentioned just a few. The number seems limitless.

My best-ever copywriting mentor, Joshua Boswell, once mentioned that he sliced up a client list into 72 segments. 72!

My experience is not unique. It’s a common story that applies to every marketing segment in every industry.

Wait, there’s more!

BONUS BENEFIT TO YOUR ROI

Uncovering high-value customers via list segmentation also has a beneficial flip side. It lets you cull out ‘deadbeat’ subscribers.

I don’t mean to be cynical here. The truth is you probably built your list based on a bait piece, a free offering of some sort. That’s a good start. People love free stuff.

However, the vast majority of people who get free information won’t buy from you. They’ll most likely even ignore your emails, without ever unsubscribing. They just hang around on your list forever, buying nothing.

While that may be puzzling and maybe even annoying, it can also be costly. Email hosting providers charge more as your list grows. Eliminating ‘eternal non-buyers’ lets you trim your list down to actual and likely buyers.

Thus, the cost savings can be substantial. And spending time and money just on who’s left can skyrocket your ROI.

NEXT STEPS

So far I’ve merely outlined the concept of list segmentation and what you can expect from it. It’s clearly a fundamental strategy behind successful email marketing.

Of course, all the high-tech bells and whistles of list segmentation still depend on persuasive copy. Ultimately, that’s what drives every marketing strategy, no matter the platform.

That’s where I come in.

Stock Market In India

The bull-run in the Indian stock market came to a halt on May 18, as the Bombay Stock Exchange recorded its worst fall.

The benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange closed at 11,391 down 826 points, which is the highest ever fall for the Sensex. The NSE Nifty closed with a loss of 246 points at 3388. Taking cues from both global and domestic developments, the markets entered their first correction mode in two years.

These were the figures on May the 18th when the stock market came down crashing. This was one of the biggest crashes that Stock Market had suffered over a long period of time. But this was speculated by most of the stock experts and largely by the investors at large. Foreign funds have invested huge amount in India’s stock market and are currently driving the stock market rally. Fears of further rises in US interest rates, increasing inflation and growing risk aversion among international investors are driving the Asian markets down and the Indian market has followed the trend. But currently the stock markets are running on a rampage bull kissing the magical figure of 20K a dream come true for most share traders

It serves as the best investment option for the following reasons:

* Possibility of high returns

* Easy liquidity

* Unbeatable tax benefits

* Income from dividends

Bombay Stock Exchange is the largest, with over 6,000 stocks listed. The BSE accounts for over two thirds of the total trading volume in the country. Established in 1875, the exchange is also the oldest in Asia. Among the twenty-two Stock Exchanges recognised by the Government of India under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, it was the first one to be recognised and it is the only one that had the privilege of getting permanent recognition ab-initio.Apart from the BSE SENSEX, which is the most accepted stock index in India, BSE uses other stock indicators as well. These are BSE 500, BSE 100, BSE 200, BSE PSU, BSE MIDCAP, BSE SMLCAP, BSE BANKEX, BSE Teck, BSE Auto, BSE Pharma, BSE Fast Moving Consumer Goods, BSE Metal, BSE Metal and BSE Broadcast. The BSE Broadcast is a large timepiece on the wall of the BSE, which constantly exhibits the most recent stock quotes from the market. It is also displayed on one of the foremost business-news channels in India — NDTV Profit. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has already made a strategic investment in Bombay Stock Exchange (5%) for US$42.7m.

Stock Market Situation

The current economic slump has seen immense fluctuations in the stock exchange rates. The stocks news India have been flocked with devastating stock exchange news which have brought forth the wrinkles back on the investors’ face worldwide. India market news is buzzing with the unbelievable news of strengthening of Indian economy in the forthcoming years. According to world’s stock market news, gold has further strengthened by Rs. 70. Those who have invested in this crucial economic flood have lost all hopes of overcoming the money fetish. According to many investors worldwide, stock market India is a safe place to invest in and experiments have begun already. The Indian stock market is a very demanding market; anyone who can make up in India can make it big anywhere else. India Market news insists on Indian economy caliber that has helped many to overcome the drastic situation.

New strategies have been implemented by the stock market India to scare away the fear of losses. The flu of economic crisis has gripped various other countries other than the major developed nations. India market news has portrayed these countries as a keen seeker of financial help. The Indian market has not been uninfluenced by the ripping and alarming situation of the America’s auto industry as its sturdy impact of this has registered its control on economies well beyond America’s borders. The entire world’s stock market has come under the clutches of the horrifying economic plunder.

India market news has been flooded over with the crisis news that displays the sharp international slowdown and its strain on world economies. Each sector has been strained equally well with the impact of the same. The stock exchange news as being pursued by the keen investors, bankers and shareholders has seen rolling up and down of the stock exchange meter to the dismay of all concerned. The situation has turned to be dicey as the India market news feel that it would definitely need time for the world’s largest economy to recover from the huge losses and despite the massive financial bailout, it seems that the global recession is hard to be taken over with ease. The stock market news have supported the same as to recover from the global recession will have to be only with the help of well planned economic strategies which only economists and financial experts can decide.

The share market India, as depicted by the India market news can come up as a strengthened facet of the new economic system which will take over the economic crisis. The stock exchange news will see a new face of economic recovery with in the next few days. The stock news India also stresses upon the fact that though the equities markets in Asia and Europe have suffered sharp losses yet the long standing oil power still holds on to its financial charms and has a strong grip on the otherwise fluctuating stock exchange news. The energy demand like the other commodities has seen an inflation in the oil prices which is, no doubt, going to register its impact on the normal lives.

How to Market Your Business During Your Lunch Hour

As a publicist and marketing expert I’ve worked with a number of doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and authors in their marketing efforts. I’ve used practically every form of marketing method from public relations and advertising to internet marketing and direct mail. You name the medium; I’ve done it… that includes banner towing planes, hot air balloons and highway billboards. But when you’re the owner of a small business and captain of your own ship, money is tight and every minute counts so you need to maximize both time and money to the fullest. So, looking at an area that most people just slough off, I am here to tell you how to Market Your Business During Your Lunch Hour.

I’ve come up with a few things you can do over the lunch hour to promote your business. Here we go:

1. Never have lunch alone. Network with top execs, current clients, people who can influence others, everyone from the pastor at the church to the head of the Chamber of Commerce. Make a list and keep your lunch calendar full. Let’s face it, everyone has to eat lunch and if you’re buying most people would eat with anyone!

2. Write one article a week. Everyone has expertise on certain subjects related to their field. Write a 600-1000 word article about a focused topic. First come up with a list of topics you want to write about. Then set a goal to have them completed by a certain date; one a week works for me. If you don’t have time, hire a ghost writer (you still get to put your name on it). Where do you find a ghost writer? Check your local newspaper; chances are there’s a writer who’d like to pick up some extra cash. Can’t work with someone so close to home, go two towns away to that community’s newspaper. Or, check out this online resource at: http://www.writeittight.com. Then publish the articles on the internet using sites like [http://www.arrivenet.com]. Why should you go through all this trouble? It’s simple. People search online for the solution to their problem or for someone or something that can solve their problem. Once someone reads your article they are “pre-sold” on your ability to do the same for them, then they contact you.

3. Create or improve your web site. There’s a ton of business out there online, but if your website looks ancient, then there goes your credibility. So, make sure it’s up to date, has the new articles you just wrote and that you’ve optimized it so search engines can find you. Worse yet, if you don’t have a web site, better spend more than your lunch hour creating one. There’s really nothing more important than creating a web site for your business. Want a top notch site? Check out the web design services at http://www.marketingsuccess.com

4. Take an online marketing class. If you are eating a sandwich at your desk then sign up for Google’s Pay Per Click (PPC) tutorial and become a master at PPC. Go to Google PPC Tutorial and check out how you can generate new leads via your web site using Pay Per Click marketing. Few things you could do with your time will pay bigger rewards.

5. Speak at your local service clubs noon time meeting. Every service club i.e. Rotary, Kiwanis, Women’s Club etc, need a speaker. Even if you talk about your hobby, a charity you support or something outside your area of expertise people are getting to know you. People like to do business with someone they know and can trust. Personally I talk about my hot air balloon flights in Michigan and my exploits around the world. Most people find it very interesting and it allows people to get to know me better.

The Bottom Line: Your lunch hour is a terrible thing to waste. Put it to good use and watch your business grow and prosper.

One more thing. If you think working through your lunch is a little insane then you’ll find a sympathetic ear in a new book by Washington DC business coach Lisa Whaley. The title says it all: “Prisoners of Technology, Time to Get Unplugged!” Lisa says instead of making life easier, technology has introduced complexity. Instead of giving us more time with family, technology has pulled family members away from each other and toward their devices. Maybe she has a point! But, hey I am working through my lunch, how about you?

Recession Means Market Share So Increase Your Budget For Marketing And Branding

Recessionary times weed out the weak and the strong prosper. In business terms that means they can gain market share. Another perk about these poor economic times is that you can negotiate a better deal for your company and the various forms of advertising since you know that everyone else is cutting or that they are completely stopping to advertise.

Our economy and the global economy is in a pickle. There is waning consumer confidence. Everyone seems broke. Spending has tightened. The mortgage crisis is still taking victims. Just look at the mammoth of a company that it has brought down, Bear Stearns. Who and what company is next?

This Recession is no kitten. It’s a lion that’s ready to go in for the kill. You need to prepare your company for battle and come out kicking.

There are two trains of thought when it comes to branding and a Recession. One is to continue to spend money in spreading word about your brand. The other is to cut off or cut down the spending to branding, advertising and marketing.

It has been found in numerous case studies that the first is the way to go and the latter is only a quick fix that can ultimately actually kill your business. It’s a knee jerk reaction to want to cut all “unnecessary” expenses and of course expenses that are not directly linked to rent, utilies, inventory etc… seem like the likely ones to go.

“That’s where the mistake comes in. Branding gives you an edge over your competitors. It makes your customers remember you and feel more comfortable, familiar with your brand when its time too choose” says Entrepreneur and Author Ben Peterson of the book “$500 Startup” and the fully guided work from home course that anyone can do at [http://www.500DollarStartup.com].

Hard times is actually the best time to take over market share as the weak die off. What a Recession should do to your company is make you smarter with your dollars. I mean you really should always be lean and mean but we all know that when times are fat, its easy to get sidetracked. Anyway, look to maximize your ROI in your branding efforts but definitely keep spending on it.

I suggest you look at more Internet marketing as the whole trend for viewership in the online world is up while traditional medica is down. That’s why you hear all those stories about newspapers, magazines, broadcast tv, and cable tv losing money and viewers.

There is a direct link between Internet companies making more and more money while traditional media and store fronts are hurting. The Internet is enjoying more people every day who are now turning to it as their primary source for entertainment, information and shopping.

You as a branding professional need to be keenly aware of this fact and use it to your advantage.

40 Sure-Fire Ways to Market Your Virtual Assistant Business

Marketing is understanding the needs of your customer, then finding a way to fulfill those needs.

Continually educate yourself, learn new skills to extend your services.
Have a website created by a professional. Portray your “brand” with the look and feel of your business, and that appeals to your type of customer.
Continually add informative articles and updated content (a new page every week?) to your site, information that will HELP your customer.
Create a news feed to offer resources, news, and information about current events that benefit your users.
Optimize your pages’ specific content using the keywords people use most to search for your information. Use keywords at the beginning of your descriptive page title, headings, subheadings, and content for every page. But don’t overuse them, they should sound natural, not “stuffed.”
Research businesses that compliment your product or service and contact them to suggest reciprocal linking opportunities.
Publish informative video tutorials for your customers.
Have a sign-up form on your website, give away something for free of value in exchange for their contact information.
Keep your contact list up-to-date, use a double “opt-in” on your sign-up form to confirm they want to receive email from you.
Send out newsletters on a regular basis. Most clients prefer once a month, some twice per month. Quarterly is fine too, just be sure it’s consistent. Don’t forget to include an un-subscribe option in your message, and never send spam.
Start a forum to create a community of clients helping other clients and for providing new user generated content for your site.
Learn how search engine advertising works, research relevant keyword opportunities, and experiment with the different types available.
Research your target market, learn about their needs to determine the best marketing opportunities. Where did they find their employees, their vendors, where do they socialize, where do they advertise? Be where they are.
Advertise honestly-your main goal should be to HELP people. If your just trying to sell the something they’ll resist and you will lose credibility.
Advertise in local business newspapers and small magazines. Sell your benefits instead of listing your services.
Have professional business cards with you at all times, ready to hand out at any opportunity. Give them two.
Dress for success. Always look the part – you never know when opportunities will present themselves, so be ready.
Ask for referrals from family, friends, clients, and prospective clients. They may know someone who needs your services now, or will remember you when they do.
Join local business organizations, Chamber of Commerce, networking groups.
Attend local business events, offer to do a presentation about your services, teach a class.
Be a great communicator. Use correct grammar and punctuation in emails or any correspondence.
Be a great VA. Find opportunities to offer information, stay in contact, and go the extra mile for your clients. Word of mouth is your best form of advertising!
Be consistent, let your clients know they can count on you.
Under promise – over deliver. Never miss a deadline, and if you think you might, contact them immediately to discuss your situation so you can come to an satisfactory agreement.
Be enthusiastic. It draws people like a magnet.
Have professional business media available for events, thank-you gifts, and marketing opportunities; brochures, business cards, calendars, magnets, mouse pads, pens, etc.
Create a professional marketing letter and send to local businesses via direct mail.
Contact every business you send a letter to, following up with them shows your professionalism.
Visit local businesses in person with your business card and brochure in hand.
Volunteer for your favorite charity, help someone in need.
Offer your services free, as a prize in a drawing or fundraising events.
Create your “elevator pitch.” Memorize your short “mini-commercial” that clearly describes the benefits and how you can fulfill the needs of your clients.
Listen to what people say. If an opportunity to promote yourself comes up – take it!!
Place a magnetic sign on your car or have a decal made for your back window or bumper.
Stay updated on new technology emerging, contact clients that may benefit.
Write Press Releases about news and upcoming events in your business.
Be prepared, organized, prompt, and confident.
Share your knowledge to help other Virtual Assistants.
Live by the Virtual Assistant code of ethics.
Believe in yourself!

Ways To Market Instead Of Using News Release Services

Years ago, a press release was the best tool to use if you want your story to be picked up by media outlets. This is still what many new business owners believe which is why their first thought in marketing their company is by sending out a press release.

The question is, do journalists actually read them today? People rarely read nowadays so it might be time to consider new ways to market instead of using news release services.

The competition for a journalists’ attention is pretty stiff, almost everyone is vying for the much-coveted pick up by news reporters and be used as their next big scoop.

There are DIY methods that are also effective in getting media mileage. Let’s take a look at some of them.

You need to build relationships with your target journalists and editors. Start coming up with pitches that are personalized. Doing this will show the journalist that you did your homework in researching about them and their publication. It takes time and effort to do this and journalists appreciate this being done for them. A pitch that is targeted to their publications audience is heaven sent because it makes their job a lot easier.

Find out the name of your target journalist and make a pitch that is personal to him or her. Don’t send copy and paste pitches that are impersonal. Know more about the journalist and how your content will help him and the publication that he is working for. Show interest in his work by coming up with an introduction that you have read his work.

Use a subject line that can get attract attention. Don’t use generic “For your information” or “To whom it may concern.”

You can format your email as a blog post or article. Break the ice by being conversational, try to tell a story. Tag your email with keywords and include a link to your company website.

Before you send your email pitch, try to engage the journalist by sending a tweet. You can also turn your email content into one or two tweets. After sending your tweet material, you can follow up with your email pitch.

You can also try sending a message on Facebook. Add known journalists and influencers to your Facebook friends list. Start engaging by following them, liking their posts and commenting.

If you have the guts to do it, you can give a journalist a phone call to see if they are interested with your release. This will save you a lot of time and effort, getting a positive or negative reply will help you focus your efforts to other journalists or build upon what you have already started.

Why not go a step further and meet up with the journalist over coffee and make your pitch face to face. There are journalists who would take advantage of this invitation as a way to get out of their offices.

If you have built a relationship with the right reporter then you can reap the benefits of that relationship by giving an exclusive story. Reporters love getting exclusives which are newsworthy and relevant. Once they write your story there is a huge chance that you will get publicity on a lot of other publications. You get to achieve PR results without having to write a press release.

There is a trend of people preferring to watch videos than reading. There are over 500 million people watching videos on Facebook every day. A quick video can take the place of a free press release distribution and get better results. You can start sharing your video on the various social media platforms for better exposure.