There is debate between experts as to what SEO actually entails but the essential intention is to have a better position in the long list of search results. It is easy to explain what SEO can help businesses achieve but the process itself can be fairly complicated.

Google is currently the top search engine being used today. SEO can be especially difficult because this popular search tool is constantly being changed. Search engines of the past relied predominantly on meta-tags but things have changed significantly since previous years. Google also has robots that run through an entire website to accurately determine whether the content is relevant to the term being searched.

Importance of SEO when Advertising for Small Business

Google is clearly the preferred search engine so let’s consider some details about Google:

• Google estimates that there are 91 million searches daily.
• Google is the most used website.
• People reflexively “Google” any product, service, or person of interest.
• Generic products are a top search on Google.
• People are learning how to get more accurate results.
• The majority of people will only click the top three results on Google

If your company’s website is not optimized for search engines then there’s a minimal chance that search traffic will increase. Especially for small businesses, SEO is a top priority. If your business page is not SEO friendly then you are basically giving away sales to competitors,

How SEO Should Be Done

The ultimate benefit of SEO is to help make your website more search friendly on Google. This process begins with User Experience Planning, which requires a lengthy discussion but there are several points that are most crucial to remember.

The first step is to make a decision on which keywords you want to use to redirect people to your page. A keyword is not limited to just a single word but can also be phrases. This is mostly because people are learning how to get more accurate results by searching with more words. It is vital to remember that flooding your webpage with keywords will not get you top rankings in Google.

The advanced Google robots are designed with an algorithm that quickly determines whether your page is relevant or spam. If your site is considered spam by Google robots then not only will you slip down the rankings but you will be penalized and get bumped further down the list.

Google robots are also designed to see the volume of unique visitors that visit your page and how much time they spend there. The best way to climb the ranks is to have the right keywords with unique and relevant content. Even if visitors land on your page but leave within seven seconds then this will contribute to your “bounce rate” which also has an effect on your rank.

Most businesses make the mistake of choosing certain keywords then working the content to accommodate them. This is the opposite way to go because it is more effective to have relevant content then decide which keywords to use. Google has taken steps to punish sites that have inferior content so ensure that your page includes quality content only.

Ruben Corbo is a writer for the website The Search Labs a global provider of link building, on-site SEO, and competitor link analysis services.

(Image Courtesy of LocalGoogleGuru)

China’s slowdown, coupled with a poor economic outlook for South Africa’s economy, could put SA in a tough position. First, many South African state-owned enterprises are continuing to borrow money but are not making good use of the funds.

Economist Mike Schussler argues that:

“Ratings agencies are looking deeper than they did before. Many South African state owned enterprises (SOEs) are borrowing money – much of it guaranteed by government – and these SOEs are not doing the things they should be doing with the money, so yes, in about three years’ time our ratings will slip.”

Schussler adds that SA’s debt to gross domestic profit ratio is rising and that it’s likely to exceed 40%.

Fortunately for South Africa, China’s Premier Wen Jiabao has said that his top priority is to improve policies that encourage consumption, and to boost consumer demand while keeping inflation stable and credit at an appropriate level. Hopefully, that will give SA the money it needs to keep things from getting out of hand, debt-wise.

China and South Africa have been major trading partners for just over seven years. The significance of the trade agreements was underlined in 2004 when bilateral trade nearly surpassed $6 billion. At that time, it represented an increase of 52.8% over 2003. While it is not completely dependent on China for all of its exports, SA relies heavily on these trade agreements, so concern regarding the current situation is understandable.

While China’s growth is definitely slowing, it’s not stopping. Last year, crude imports rose six per cent from 2010, while the economy expanded by 8.9% in December. What will China use all of that oil for? A lot of it will go towards production.

In order to continue the growth that China has been experiencing over the last few years, it will need to continue producing. So it’s likely that South Africa can continue to bank on iron ore and other mineral exports. That’s good, because China buys about 60% of SA’s iron ore.

But that’s not all. China purchased $602 million worth of coal from SA in 2011, along with $780 million worth of chrome, $393 million worth of manganese, and $115 million worth of lead.

Of course, none of last year’s imports mean anything for 2012. Even if the import business does soften, South Africa’s new best friend may be India.

India has recently raised tariffs on iron ore exports as well as many other goods it produces domestically. In some cases, India has outright banned the export of some of its goods, like cotton. Because of India’s desire to keep their goods close to home for now, South Africa may see the price for its goods and services rise.

If commodities prices rise, then SA may not need the volume of sales that it used. China could buy less, and SA would still benefit. If China continues to buy the same, or more, hoping to push its economy into some kind of recovery, then SA would just realize increased profits, which it needs right now.

According to a recent Reuter’s survey, China’s iron ore imports may only grow by 34 million tonnes in 2012. If this holds true, then it means South Africa could be safe for another year.

Post contributed by Elizabeth Goldman on behalf of Wonga South Africa

(Image by Peter Craven, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

Whilst cost cutting incentives are a great place to start, long term agreements between debtors and creditors are ideal. Changing suppliers, premises and self-recruiting are all ways to reduce costs while keeping employees happy. Redundancies and unpaid voluntary leave should be the last port of call.

To avoid receiving a winding up order, financial advisors will suggest a number of options that can help to get a business back on its feet and in good stead to resume successful trading in the future. CVAs and IVAs will all be discussed:

Option 1 – CVA

A CVA (company voluntary agreement) is an arrangement between both the debtor and creditor which allows for the individual in debt to pay back less money each month. The creditor has to agree to the terms for this legal arrangement to come into effect. A business is then able to run as normal. A CVA can, typically, write off up to 45% of a company’s debt, leaving them free to pursue their business as usual.

Option 2 – IVA

An IVA (individual voluntary arrangement), on the other hand, is when a debtor makes the creditor an offer. This offer may not cover the whole of the debt that is owed but is substantial enough to satisfy lenders. This type of arrangement lasts a total of five years and debtors have the option to offer a lump sum or pay in monthly instalments. After the five years, creditors must write off any interest and outstanding debt.

Option 3 – PPA

A Pre Pack Administration process allows for directors of an insolvent business to start a new business and buy the assets of the failing company. This process, also known as phoenixing, does not sit well with creditors who are not asked for their approval. Instead, the failing business is liquidated, tying up all liabilities from the old company.

There are certain factors that will affect which type of arrangement is pursued. The size of a business, type, turnover and amount of debt will all need to be taken into consideration when finding a possible solution to debt problems. Speaking to a financial advisor with experience in company debt, including insolvency, is highly advisable before a situation gets worse.

This is a guest post by Nicola Winters on behalf of Cooper Matthews, specialists in business recovery and rescue offering insolvency advice for businesses with financial problems.

(Image supplied by author)

Medical aid schemes are suffering and this has caused the number of medical schemes in South Africa to decrease from 180 to a 100 in ten years. The NHI will not only help the 16.2% of South Africans who pay for medical insurance and then find that these funds are not enough, but also the remaining 84% who, according tot the journal, have fewer healthcare resources than the private sector.

The journal states that South Africa’s public health sector is struggling due to poor management, underfunding, and deteriorating infrastructure. The difficulties faced include over-priced healthcare, high administrator fees, an oversupply of brokers, disproportionate membership, and managed care costs.

In order to better manage the public health sector so that all South Africans can have access to quality healthcare, the NHI wants to create financial risk protection that includes cross-subsidization. between. They want to make healthcare more affordable and efficient, which will hopefully lead to a better life for all.

According to the proposed NHI, hospitals will be redesignated as either district, regional, tertiary, central or specialised hospitals. District hospitals will be considered the ‘gatekeepers’ to lower costs before a patient can be referred to a regional hospital or other hospital.

The NHI has the potential to eliminate the need for health insurance as a means to provide basic access to health care, but the National Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said, “It is not the government’s intention to abolish private medical schemes if individuals wish to keep them.” Health insurance can therefore be seen as a “top-op” to public NHI, as there are certain procedures that the NHI will not cover and medical schemes can therefore aim to deliver these services to their clients:

• Elective cosmetic surgery.
• Aesthetic dental procedures.
• Expensive trendy spectacle frames.
• Medicines not included in the National Essential Drug List, except where the complementary list has been approved by the Minister of Health.
• Diagnostic procedures outside the approved guidelines and protocols as advised by expert groups.

The NHI wishes to better citizen’s quality of life and see an increase in employment and wages. PwC concludes that far from being threatened by NHI, medical schemes should consider these exciting times with plenty of scope for new opportunities.

Source

http://www.pwc.co.za/en_ZA/za/assets/pdf/financial-services-journal-february-2012.pdf

(Post by our intern Elizabeth Smit)

(Image by US Army Africa, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

Organized Offices

Most offices and businesses have a network of computers and servers that carries the business’s work on its back. Formerly, business networks were largely connected and established through the use of routers and cables. A small network can easily get by with some routers and cables, but this becomes a real mess as the business grows.

IT professionals are needed to ensure the cables are working and are stored in a way that keeps people from tripping on them. With broadband Internet, this is largely relieved as businesses can easily scale up their network without having to worry about a lengthy and difficult installation process.

Web-Based Programs

As computers evolve, they use fewer locally installed programs. Instead, most programs are stored in the cloud or on the company’s server. Through the use of broadband, workers can quickly use these programs without worrying about poor Internet speed causing the program to lag.

Web-Based programs allow business professionals to use programs regardless of the computer’s OS, and it is easier for workers to take their work home and finish it there.

Presentations

Few people like the dreaded presentation, but even this is made easier with broadband. If business people rely on other types of Internet, then they will have to bring a laptop into the office, hope the laptop and projector work and then try to run the presentation.

With the iPad, or similar tablets, broadband enables the professional to connect the lightweight device into the projector and the presentation immediately begins. It’s much easier, and it enables them to use newer technology to make and store the presentation.

Business Apps

Without the use of broadband, business apps wouldn’t even be worthwhile. Many business professionals rely on business apps for organizing their schedule or performing tasks on the go. If these apps connect to the Internet, or if the business professional needs to download a new app, then the use of broadband facilitates this.

Better Relations

Whether it is with other professionals or clients, business professionals can enhance their relationships with broadband. Broadband-based smartphones enable the professional to talk with people over the Internet, send and receive emails, use texts and utilize a range of other communication methods that have helped with selling and establishing relationships.

Not only that, but broadband also enhances communication within the office environment. This enables professionals to fax, email, call and text all at the same time.

Compare Prices

When business people travel out to suppliers, they have to consider price before buying anything. With broadband, they are able to quickly access online auctions, comparison websites and similar services to check for better prices.

Conclusion

While few business professionals really think about it, broadband is one of the best things that has happened to the business world. It has many advantages, and it is considered essential by business experts. It is difficult to run a modern office without broadband, so business professionals should really show their appreciation to this humble, but essential, technology.

This is a guest article by Ruben Corbo, a writer for the website Broadband Expert where you can find broadband internet providers in your area and compare prices on different deals for your mobile broadband needs.

(Image by John “Pathfinder” Lester, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

The socially responsible investor has a third objective: that of supporting or encouraging change for good. They seek to play a part in improving the environment and society through their financial influence.

Two of the most tax efficient investment options available are pension schemes and ISAs. Both are specifically designed to encourage you to put money away for the long-term. Both protect growth from income tax and capital gains tax. And both can allow you a high level of control over exactly where you put your money.

The advantages of investing through an ISA

You can invest up to £10,680 in a stocks and shares ISA in the current tax year. The income from these investments will be tax free for as long as the capital remains in the ISA, and you can add to it year on year. Over time, it is possible to amass a substantial sum in tax free savings.

Your capital can be put into a variety of different forms of investment, including shares and bonds in listed companies and unit trusts. You can choose between having no control over how your money is invested to having complete control.

This flexibility allows you to invest in businesses whose environmental and ethical actions you want to support. But it can also be a complex area and to maximise your returns and minimise risk it’s recommended you work with an independent financial advisor.

The advantages of investing through a pension

Unlike an ISA, there is no limit on how much you can invest into a pension plan in one year. All your pension savings are protected from income and capital gains tax, and you can also get income tax relief on your contributions, up to the first £50,000 invested in the current tax year.

As with ISAs, you can choose between pension schemes which give you varying degrees of control over where your money is placed. Probably the most flexible option is the SIPP (Self Invested Pension Plan), which allows you, or your appointed advisors, to direct all your investments.

The significant difference between an ISA and a SIPP is that your pension savings cannot be accessed until you reach the specified retirement age.

Should your circumstances change, you can stop putting money into both an ISA and a pension scheme. But while you can withdraw funds from an ISA at any time, the capital in your SIPP or other pension savings are ring-fenced until a date in the future.

Making the right choice between an ISA and pension scheme depends on a variety of factors, many of which will be unique to your personal circumstances. Working with an independent financial advisor will help you to identify which options are best suited to your situation.

This article was supplied by Barchester Green Investment, the UKs longest established FSA-regulated independent financial adviser (IFA) specialising in socially responsible and ethical investment.

 (Image by lusi, via stock.xchng

Keeping track of the latest trends and advancements will also help you decide what is the best route to take. Whatever you decide, make sure that it is something that relates to you and whether or not you are prepared to pay for it. Below are five of the most lucrative business opportunities for 2012.

1.     Green business

As the demand for environmentally-friendly business grows, going green is on many companies’ to-do list. Establishing a business that offers green tools for constructing buildings, saving energy, or making recycled gear, is sure to keep you busy all year long.

2.     Social media marketing

The need for social media consulting businesses is definitely rising as the use of social media for marketing products or services has become just as important as advertising on billboards. Many business owners need a social media specialist who can manage their online company profile as well as their online branding and marketing. Monetising a business’s social media presence with tailored marketing campaigns is also a great way of marketing at a low-cost.

3.     Online business

Online businesses will continue to thrive with the advancement of technology. It is often the cheapest way of setting up a business as you do not need to rent office space and it is fairly easy to set up a website with an increasing number of online web tools to help you. An online business is also perfect for selling custom-made products.

4.     Copywriting

New content for websites is constantly in demand, but what’s even more in demand is quality content. As new SEO developments are becoming more sensitive to low-quality sites it is becoming increasingly important for companies to employ freelance copywriters who can contribute unique content and ideas.

5.     Business Technology Services

Technology advances faster than we can keep up with it, and many businesses struggle to incorporate new technology into their existing structure. Setting up a business that offers technology integration services will keep your phone ringing all year round.

(This post is by Ivelina Dineva)

(Image by Wilfredor [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons)

The announcement came shortly after Coles announced that it will cut the price of fruit and vegetables by 50%.

The decision has left entrepreneur Dick Smith very worried that Woolworths might sell the franchise to a foreign-owned company. “I’ll rubbish them the whole time. They wouldn’t want to pay much.”

Smith says that he will not endorse the company if it is sold to foreign owners and still bears his name. This is due to his support of the “Buy Australian” campaign and his distaste of the amount of wealth being lost and to other countries.

Woolworths is also due to close as many as 100 underperforming Dick Smith stores across the country in an attempt to speed up the sale. The closure of these stores is part of a $300 million restructuring plan. Any employees of the Dick Smith chain that are affected by the sale will be offered redeployment in the Woolies group.

Although there has been interest in purchasing the struggling group, some analysts say the sale might not be an easy one.

Even though Woolworths has seen strong growth, especially over the Christmas period with sales reaching $29,7billion, 5% higher than the same time last year, there are still fears over the lower than expected growth in its grocery business.  The lower sales were as a result of colder weather that resulted in consumers buying fewer cold products, like cold-drinks and salads.

Woolworth chief Grant O’Brien said: “A divestment of Dick Smith will enable the Woolworths group to focus more investment on serving customers in its core business with a strong multichannel offer, backed with market-leading fulfillment systems and an effective store network.”

So far Woolworths has appointed Greenhill Caliburn as advisor on the sale.

(This is a post by our intern Kristian Meijer)

(Image by David Jackmanson, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

Smaller agencies that did not have enough resources to survive the year suffered and there was a large drop in the number of estate agents. Around 60% of estate agents have had to leave their jobs in the past couple of years, most of whom were part of a small estate agency.

Herschel Jawitz, CE of Jawitz Properties, said that, “Costs are increasing by at least 10%, and the equation becomes interesting. Normally, if you are sacrificing margins you can try to make up the numbers with higher volumes but the numbers of sales for the most part are going to be flat year on year and in some areas may even decline.”

Due to these unprecedented factors 2012 is predicted to be another strained and challenging year for those in the property industry.

“Unlike other industries where professional fees are charged, our commission doesn’t go up with inflation each year. The only ways our earnings increase is if property prices increase, or we sell more properties,” said Jawitz.

One way forward is for real estate companies to capture more market share. Bigger brands are expected to swallow up their competitors, while smaller companies will bite the dust.

The key to success in 2012 is not much different from last year: excellent client service, the use of technology to keep up with the market, and maintaining a strong brand image are all still part of the game.

Technology does, however, present new problems, as many feel that evolving technology will make estate agents obsolete. There are many websites that now allow consumers to do everything from obtaining free estimates of their homes’ worth to buying and selling homes without setting a foot in a realty office. Some sites even allow consumers to list homes for free, which means that they can do all the realty work alone.

Of course, this route is not for everyone, many people still prefer to work with a traditional broker who can help them navigate the complexities of the inspection, title, financing and negotiation process, and provide information about the local area.

Some real estate experts believe that if firms are to succeed in the future they will have to shift to salary-plus-commission in order to compete more effectively. Such an attempt would weed out the less effective agents and allow traditional firms to charge a lower commission.

(This is a post by Ivelina Dineva)

(Image by Victoria Real Estate Board [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)

Billionaire investor George Soros has compared the climate to that of The Great Depression. He fears that if the Eurozone were to collapse, it would result in mass riots across Europe and America.

Greece:

The IMF has recently announced that it would cut 50% of all the debt owed by Greecein an attempt to revive the fallen economy. This was hampered by the rejection of an offer by Greece’s private bondholders from the Eurozone officials.  Others have suggested that Greece default on its debts and drop out of the Eurozone, and subsequently reintroduce its own currency, the drachma, at a debased rate. This would cause investors to lose up to 50% of their money.

Nomura, a Japanese financial company, has slammed this move. It says doing this could lead to a 60% devaluation of the drachma which would cause hyperinflation; the perfect ingredient for civil war.

All this has led to Greece being downgraded to a CCC investment rating by Standard & Poor’s. This is the worst possible rating any country can have.

England:

A recent statistic has showed that England’s economy shrunk by 0.2% in the last quarter of 2011. This means that the country is heading back into recession. This is mainly due to the country’s debt, which amounts to more than £1 trillion. There are very worrying figures because that means that their debt is currently at 64.2 of GDP. Another possible trigger is the relatively low sales of warm clothing due to the warmer November and December months in some parts of Europe.

Although these are weak figures, England will still remain the strongest economy in the Eurozone.

The Eurozone leaders need to make mutual sacrifices to ensure that the European economy does not collapse. The move to cut Greece’s debt was a wise move, but it needs to be implemented immediately to ensure that all the Euro countries move forward and away from a possible ‘double dip’ recession.

(This is a post by our intern Kristian Meijer)

(Image by danielmoyle, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)