Is Link Building Dead: Learning Modern SEO Techniques

Link building used to be one of the most important optimization techniques. The past of SEO was all about the reputation passed from one website to another. Google, however, decided that new factors were to start playing a role. The importance of link building decreased significantly during the past few years.
Though link building is still a factor, the rules of the game have changed. The manner in which you create links to your website today is quite different from what link building used to be.

You should understand the specifics of link building before you attempt doing anything. Relying on old-school techniques will increase the risk of getting your website penalized and disappearing from the top positions of the search engine results page (SERP).

Why has Link Building Changed? Link building had to change because of the manner in which many webmasters abused the technique. They found simple methods of cheating and manipulating the system. Some of the link building options that can get you penalized today include:

Buying links Reciprocal link exchanges Reliance on low quality directories for link generation Spammy guest posting for the sake of link creation Getting backlinks from websites that have nothing to do with your niche Link building today is all about relevance. There is another important keyword to remember – “organic.” Backlinks that appear naturally rather than through your specific efforts are the ones that can contribute to your SEO strategy the most.

To stimulate organic link building and to boost the results of your SEO campaign, you can try one of the following techniques.

Use Social Networking and Bookmarking Social networking is the new hot link building possibility. Many social networks will give you quality backlinks. Additionally, you will be generating social signals – an innovative factor that plays a role in optimization.

Try to figure out which social networks provide a do-follow backlink. According to reports, some of these social networks are:

Google+ Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn Reddit Tumblr

There could be some specifics in terms of sharing that you should familiarize yourself with. Google+, for example, will give you a do-follow backlink if you paste the URL in the “link” feature of the status update. Simply pasting the link in the update window will not result in a do-follow link.

Add social sharing buttons to your website, as well. By doing so, you will be encouraging your audience to share content via social networks and to assist you in the link building attempts. This strategy will contribute to your marketing efforts, as well.

Create Quality Content The best way to get organic backlinks involves the creation of high quality, unique and niche content.

Become an authority in a particular topic. Do careful content planning. Come up with topic ideas that are interesting and that nobody else is writing about. This strategy will increase the popularity of your website quickly and it will deliver a loyal audience.

There is an added SEO benefit. Well-written content will stimulate other website owners to link to your website and use it as a source of high quality information. These backlinks are the most valuable ones because they are 100 percent organic and are the ones that you will find in the Rank Recon software.Click Here to find out more information.

Link building has evolved but it is still an important strategy. Read about it and understand which techniques are still useful. When it comes to link building, fewer high quality links can be much more beneficial than a medley of backlinks coming from low quality or irrelevant websites.

Inbound Marketing Tips for Startups

The modern business landscape has made great strides when it comes to the use of technology. Online marketing has yielded positive results for virtual traders, wishing to capitalize on the popularity of the internet in business. For start-ups that focus on inbound marketing, it may be a tricky situation.
Given the rapid change in technologies and innovation, business owners may find it hard to keep up with the pace. Forward thinking businesses need to have a number of guidelines, to help put in place an effective marketing approach. With these, it is possible to get more conversions, returns, and constant traffic. An inbound marketing blueprint revolves around getting noticed, appealing to clients to convert, and of course keeping the tabs on successes. Here are some pointers to help you understand inbound marketing.

Products Are Primary

Online marketing as a whole is one competitive business, and with inbound marketing, it doesn’t mean the results are automatic. You will need to believe in your products to make headway, where the customer is concerned. At the same time, it is crucial to make sure that your product features, package, messaging, and client support are efficient. This concept will only bring desired results if the product can deliver what it promised respective customers.

Relevance and Influence in SEO

Inbound marketing and content are inseparable. This means that you should put lots of emphasis on content relevance, and how it will perform with search engines. Users will be looking for valuable content on the best ranked sites. You will be in a better position if you know how to optimize your content and the information structure. This can be achieved by upgrading your interface experience. In return, search engines will use it as a cue to lead your target audience to your improved site. Remember to integrate brand and domain dominance over your competitors, so that you are always on top.

Design Credibility and Usability

The internet is continuously changing. This means other sites could be inventing ways of grabbing your client base and shifting them to their domains. The catch here lies in inventing engaging and creative ways of keeping your customers glued to your site. The best approach here would be investing in website design. No one wants to interact across a mundane platform, while they can get the same product form another colorful site.

Establish Brand as an Authority

If you are able to sell as a brand to existing and prospecting clients, the returns will be comforting. Here, you can use inbound marketing as a priority concept to market your content and brand as an authority. With valuable info, the customer will want to keep buying your products, backed by the assurance of such content. If you know how to break new horizons with great content, your audience will be more inclined to stay with you.

Content is King

Online marketing and content paired up can make the difference for any business struggling to make conversions. The more you integrate interesting content, the better your inbound marketing results. An all-inclusive content and brand initiative will rank well within leading search engine results. Once your target audience gets the valuable info together with an engaging landing page, you are bound to get more traffic and of course get the customers to convert. Remember to incorporate social media in all this. With the best available content, interactivity and more leads are bound to be created.

Gst Registration for Consultants and freelancers

Introduction: GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a crucial aspect of doing business in India, and consultants and freelancers must grasp the GST registration requirements. This article will provide a thorough guide to help you manage the Gst Registration process if you are a consultant or freelancer in India.
Step 1: Decide whether or not GST registration is required. The first step in the GST registration procedure is determining whether you must register for GST. You must register for GST if your yearly turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs for North-Eastern and hilly states). Regardless of your turnover, if you provide services outside of your state, you must file for GST.

Step 2: Collect All Required Papers You’ll need several documents to register for GST, including your PAN card, Aadhaar card or Passport or Voter ID, proof of business registration (e.g. partnership deed, company incorporation certificate, etc.), bank account details (including IFSC code and bank statement), and proof of business location (e.g. rental agreement, electricity bill, etc.).

Step 3: Fill out an online registration form. You can register for GST online through the GST portal once you have all of the required papers. Provide basic information about your company, such as your PAN and location. To authenticate your account, you will receive an OTP on your registered cell number and email address. Action 4: Confirmation After you send your registration application, the GST officer will review it and may request additional documents or clarification. It may take up to 7 working days for your application to be accepted or rejected. The GST portal allows you to verify the status of your application.

Step 5: Obtaining the GST Registration Document If your application is accepted, you will be given a GST registration certificate that includes your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) as well as the effective date of registration.

Step 6: Submit Tax Returns Following GST registration, you will be required to file monthly or quarterly returns, based on your turnover. Returns can be filed using the GST portal or a GST programme. Conclusion: GST registration is required in India for consultants and freelancers who satisfy certain criteria. You can avoid penalties and legal issues in the future by following the steps described in this piece and ensuring compliance with GST regulations. If you have any Gst Registration questions or concerns about the a procedure, seek advice from a qualified tax professional. Remember that registering for GST is not only a legal requirement; it also helps you be perceived as a legitimate company and increases your credibility with customers.

There’s an App for That: Encouraging Courier Self-Management

By the nature of the industry, the job of a fleet manager is in constant evolution. While advances in technology and logistics definitely contribute to the smoother running of a delivery operation, ensuring the drivers themselves take on a higher level of responsibility is paramount in optimising the workflow.
When it comes to courier self-management, the catch phrase “there’s an app for that” is not only appropriate but far reaching. While previously the use of tracking systems has allowed greater visibility for administrators, now the ball has been lobbed squarely into the drivers’ court, with mobile technology plugging them directly into the company’s telematics solutions and affording them a level of autonomy never before experienced. It’s a brave new world and, for those who embrace it, a very empowering one for a courier. Self-management through some of the available apps allows drivers to streamline manual tasks, capture vital information and relay feedback.

Driving Behaviour While modern tracking systems are able to gather data about a fleet’s driving behaviour (good and bad), without two-way communication the information is ineffective in improving responsible driving practice. A mobile app (accessed by smartphone) can provide feedback to the wider workforce with a Driver Score. The information, calculated from real-time telematics data, includes all facets of behaviour including speeding, excess idling, sharp braking and acceleration, and compares them across the workforce – calculating an overall score. Having access to this kind of courier self-management can encourage greater responsibility and also be used as part of an incentive scheme.

Mileage Data Collection When a vehicle is used for both personal and business use, it’s important to collect accurate data to separate the two in order to calculate the correct expenditure and tax compliance. For a courier, self-management of the mileage data collection means having this information at their fingertips, and for the fleet manager, an automated system means simplifying payroll and other administrative procedures. Drivers can install a mobile app on their smartphones that logs the purpose of every journey and provides a complete audit trail linked to the company tracking system.

Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Vehicle maintenance is one of the most important operational aspects of a delivery business. With the installation of a mobile app, drivers are able to log daily or weekly safety inspections, providing fleet managers with instantly visibility. Any compliance issues can also be logged, with an alert being forwarded to administrators by email. Less urgent issues (scrapes, minor dents) can be accumulated in a report to be addressed at the vehicle’s next scheduled maintenance. There’s no doubt that implementing a degree of courier self-management through the use of mobile apps can make the job of the fleet manager much easier. But it’s not simply a matter of downloading and be done with it; the wider workforce needs to receive adequate training on the capabilities of the technology and also be clear on their personal responsibility to manage their use.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for same day delivery jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, they also provide a valuable service, updating members with the latest information on issues affecting road safety, fuel costs, technology and courier self-management. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.

How a Driver Network Can Help you Collaborate and Grow your Business

It’s no secret that the driving industry can be a tough one. Couriers face tight margins, shrinking profits, changing regulations and much more. And all this is on top of the hurdles faced by every small business – things like brand recognition, competitiveness, reliability and so on.
Given all these pressures, carriers need all the help they can get. One solution is to consider signing up to a driver network to take your business to the next stage. Read on for more on how freight platforms can help you.

Creating Availability

Courier businesses, like all businesses, need to be extremely receptive to demand. In fact, the pressure on the transport industry is even higher than in most other sectors. If a client wants something moved, they usually want it moved now, and they’ll prioritise whoever can get that done. This can be especially difficult for smaller and newer players, who likely lack the huge fleets the big companies can command.

Enter the driver network. If all your vehicles are in use, or if the job is too far for them to reach, posting it on a platform can help ensure you get it done. And don’t just take our word for it: Dode Fraser of Inverness-based Pronto Despatch benefited massively from exchanges. ‘It is not a lack of ambition, ability or professionalism that holds back smaller players’, he says. ‘Rather, it is scale.’

In short, the problem for those entering the sector isn’t effort or skill: it’s an inability to meet demand. Using a driver network lets you take on the jobs you may need to get a foot in the door.

Growing and Spreading

Courier platforms aren’t just for new businesses, however. Many transport companies build a good reputation locally but never expand outside of a few nearby towns. The reason for this is simple: it costs more and takes longer to get vehicles further away. This means that small couriers often ‘top out’ and cease growing far earlier than they should.

Luckily, a driver network can help out. With access to a large ‘virtual fleet’ spread far and wide, your business won’t have to turn down work. Instead, you can post the job, get a carrier there and start building a name in a new locale.

Staying Stable

So, you’ve used your freight platform to find customers, meet demand and build a reputation far and wide. Maybe you’re even networking with other carriers, spreading the word about your services all over the country. Then, something bad or unexpected happens. A massive change in prices, for instance, or a crash in demand for a major client’s product. What do you do?

This sort of situation is a nightmare for any small business, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A driver network can help a lot, though, by providing you with flexibility. Issues are often localised to a certain place, sector or product. With access to drivers around the country, your business is more diverse and more stable.

Making the Best Use of What You Have

An empty car is always a problem in the transport industry. You’re still paying for the fuel and the time, but you get no profit from the journey. In the long term, these costs add up, and can seriously harm your business.

At this point in the article, you’re probably not surprised to hear that a driver network can offer you a solution. With access to an exchange, couriers can look for deliveries anywhere and everywhere, turning their journey home into a money maker!

Every driver or courier business should consider using online networking platforms. Most exchanges are easy to find with a simple online search, and using them is intuitive and simple. Now go out and grow your business!

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for same day jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their online driver network, Courier Exchange provides services for matching loads and with available drivers. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.

The Act of Exiting the EU with Ease

With Brexit fast approaching, workers in every sector of the economy are starting to ask what will happen in the aftermath. The uncertainty is especially bad for anyone doing haulage work. The job can be stressful enough already, with its long and irregular hours and the last thing drivers need on top of that is doubt – especially when so many UK hauliers need frequent easy access to the Continent to get the job done.
But don’t panic. While much is still up in the air about leaving the EU, moves are being made to protect businesses and workers. The Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act (HPTRA) is just one of these, aiming to ensure that as little as possible will change for the transport industry once we leave the EU.

The Best-Case Scenario

British negotiators have been working hard to secure a deal for more than two years now, and will keep pushing for the best possible terms they can get. Haulage work has been described by transport secretary Chris Grayling as being ‘at the heart of our trading relationship with the EU’ – a key cornerstone for both the UK and EU economies. The government sees this as a good thing for negotiations. In short, because the industry is so important to both sides, neither the UK nor the EU wants to risk it.

Transport companies and workers have reasons to be optimistic, then. After all, Brexit won’t make Europe any further away or harder to access. There are, as far as we know, no plans in place to collapse the Channel Tunnel or close the port of Dover. Grayling and the government remain ‘confident’ that current access will be maintained.

The Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act

But, as we noted above, nothing is certain. The negotiations are still going on, and while it’s unlikely that transport links will be physically closed, legal barriers to travel and access could still be put up. The government feels this is unlikely, but it pays to be prepared.

For this reason, they passed the HPTRA, which provides a framework for dealing with any legal issues that could arise concerning haulage work. The act covers a lot of ground in some quite complex language but, in simple terms, it outlines a structure for issuing permits that would allow drivers to use EU roads for business, and a separate plan for trailer registration.

According to the transport secretary, the HPTRA ensures the UK government has powers in place to deal with any permit system that may be required after exiting the EU.

Overall, the government seems confident that it can maintain EU road access largely unchanged after Brexit. At the same time, it acknowledges uncertainty, and the HPTRA tries to minimise the effects of that uncertainty by ensuring businesses, drivers and anyone else engaged in haulage work can transition smoothly to a new relationship with the EU.

Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.

Five Reasons Craft Beer Continues To Grow In Popularity

Being a beer fan means a lot of things, but to most, it means that you are the kind of person who demands only the finest when it comes to this ancient elixir. It’s this fascination with beer that has made the up-and-comer craft beer such a popularity monster in the last couple of decades or so. Craft beer is often thought of as the essence of beer brewing done right, and for any true fan of beer, indulging in craft offerings means you’re walking the walk and talking the talk.
However, not everyone is a fan of craft beer.

For some, craft beer brewers are sometimes pilfering old, forgotten recipes and claiming them as their own. For others, the odd variety and complexity of these beers makes them an anomaly that deserves no real consideration. In the end, though, it really comes down to folks just being a fan of brands of beer they have been familiar with for years.

As it turns out, though, these naysayers have fallen into a minority as the majority of beer lovers are really becoming quite enamored with the beer revolution that has swept this country. Part of this sweeping change has come from the foodie movement. People have started demanding more from the things they eat and drink, and chefs have demanded greater quality in their products. As such, simple, well-made products “straight from the ground” (farm to table) have become king, and beer brewing has ridden the wave.

So, why is craft beer so popular? It may be because of:

Deep Flavor — Even though there are a number of brewing styles, one quality that they all share is a deep flavor that you can’t find with other bigger brewers trying their hand in a chosen brewing style. People want to enjoy what they drink, not just down it in large quantities.

Seasonal Treats — No matter the holiday or what the calendar says, craft beer brewers are all about making beer that highlights the flavors of the season, as well as works with ingredients that are in season. Sure, it means limited runs, but they turn out to be something else.

Experimentation — We’ve come to love consistency in our beer, but when you taste something truly unique…WOW! Smaller brewers want to get that ‘wow’ factor into all of their beer, and they’re willing to try some crazy things to make it happen.

Requests for Feedback — Big-box beers do what they do & they’re good with that. Craft beer brewers want your input. What did/didn’t you like? Did we miss anything? What about the packaging? This personal contact goes a long way.

Support of Small Business — Everyone wants the little guy to do well, and craft beer brewers are the little guy. Sure, their marketshare and numbers have grown almost exponentially, but it still doesn’t mean that they’re not always trying to compete against Big Beer.

Craft beer has seen its popularity, and profitability, increase over the last twenty years due to greater demand of quality libations from beer fans. No longer is the status quo acceptable, and while some of the big-box brands struggle to keep up, smaller brewers are up for the challenge of giving the beer-loving public the kind of brew they’ve only dreamt about.

Top 9 exclusive Bhai Dooj gifts for all dear and caring bros

Like every relationship, there is a unique and special relationship between siblings. And to celebrate this bonding, there is a festival like Bhai Dooj, which gives sisters a plentiful chance to shower her love for her dear loving brothers. During occasion of Bhai Dooj, all sisters shop around markets to choose a wonderful Bhai Dooj gift to make her dear bhaiya impress and happy.
For those whose brothers are settled into some other city like Bangalore, need not lose their heart, as with availability of many gifting online sites, one can easily send Bhai Dooj gifts to Bangalore. If the person seems bemused to find an astonishing gift option for her brother, then she can have some brief idea from the below list of options that may prove helpful in making better choices.

1. Milk cakes with chocolates: The best way to pamper one’s dear brother is by gifting him with the delicious and relishing combo surprise of box of milk cake sweets and bunch of chocolates.

2. Personalised pillows: Remember those childhood pillow fights? The person can still revive those memories by dedicating a personalised pillow pair printed with the name of brother.

3. Bhai Dooj gift hamper: This Bhai Dooj, if the person wants to make her brother feel special for the occasion, then gifting a Bhai Dooj gift hamper including healthy cookies, biscuits, wafers, toffees and fruit drink. Just imagine the expression of him, when he will see this wonderful surprise of yours.

4. Motivational story book: The book contains short motivational stories, which are beneficial in imparting good moral values to one’s kid brother and will encourage him to become a better person in life. If he is living with the parents in Bangalore, then one can make it possible by choosing option to send Bhai Dooj gifts to Bangalore as a heartfelt wish for him.

5. Exam paper pad: Another very interesting and useful gift choice is exam paper pad. This is one such useful item that is always required during exams. So gift a special exam paper board with any cartoon characters, which can bring a cute smile on one’s brother face.

6. Toy vehicles: Here’s another very interesting gift option to surprise one’s kid bro. If he has fascination for playing vehicle toys, then gift him toys like car, scooter, bus and tractor or any other preferable choice. One can even opt for these Bhai Dooj gifts online from a very reputed gifting site.

7. Sketchbook with shading and color pencils: This combo gift contains a sketchbook containing sample pictures and a circular box filled with shading pencils and color pencils which makes an ultimate choice for an artist brother.

8. Grooming essential hamper: If he has a good habit to keep himself fresh and groomed, then gifting him an exciting hamper containing deodorant, shaving razor, organic soap, shaving foam cream, after shave lotion, shaving brush and hair styling gel will be one of the best and wonderful idea for Bhai Dooj gifts for bro.

9. Kitkat chocolate cake: Gifting a Kitkat chocolate cake that comes with his favourite Kitkat chocolate bars surrounding the cake border with multi-colorful gems on the top that will straight away win his heart. He won’t stop thanking for this lovely gift.