Archives for January 2016

Differences between Offshore and Free Zone Company

One of the strongest incentives for forming offshore companies is the tax benefits. Many small countries with little or no economic or business base encourage foreign companies to bring operations there by offering lower income and other taxes, typically between 8% and 15%. Some even offer tax exemptions for the first few years.

Classic offshore company issues

However, the classic offshore company usually has to contend with severe limitations in domestic transactions. They are essentially blackballed from operating locally because domestic businesses cannot compete with them on a level playing field. Offshore companies in most countries have no option but to operate locally but sell abroad.

There is also the problem of tax evasion. Some countries, particularly France and Germany, are taking steps to ensure that local companies cannot get out of paying income taxes by transferring funds to their offshore companies. They pressure “tax haven” countries to provide tax and bank account information about offshore companies in their jurisdiction so that they can identify which ones are trying to get out of paying huge taxes back home.

In the US, all incoming payments are subject to tax. Companies that are currently on the hot seat for tax evasion is Starbucks, eBay, Amazon, Google, and Facebook, Among the tax haven countries, only the Cayman Islands continue refuse to enter into a transparency agreement to disclose account information of their offshore clients.

The tax advantage of free zone companies in the UAE

There is a distinct difference between an offshore company and a free zone company. While a free zone company is still technically an offshore (foreign) company, it is not considered in a tax haven setting. A good example is a RAK offshore company. Ras al-Khaimah is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and it has free economic zones where foreign companies or individuals can set up an independent offshore company, or a subsidiary of a local holding company.

These free economic zones are tax-free because the UAE is really a tax-free jurisdiction. No company in the UAE, offshore or onshore, pay taxes as a rule, except for those engaged in the oil, banking, and tourism industries. As such, these free economic zones are not considered tax havens, and are not blacklisted by any country. In addition, the UAE have Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) treaties with more than 50 countries, including France and Germany. In effect, these treaties protect the income from RAK offshore companies from taxation in their home country. The fact that RAK offshore companies pay no taxes, this means the income is essentially tax-free. There is also no VAT, tax on import and export of goods and services, or tax on wages.

Other advantages

Anyone of any nationality can form an offshore company in the UAE free zone. It does not even have to be a physical person; it could be a corporate entity. The required capitalization for a RAK offshore company can be as little as US$14,000 for a trading company or similar, or US$300,000 for large manufacturing companies. Offshore companies can also enjoy other benefits of operating in the UAE free zones. These include:

No limits in sending funds outside the UAE
No restrictions on capital utilization
Full company ownership by foreigners
Low energy costs
Stable political and legal structure
No restrictions on domestic operations and sales
Resident visa status
Confidentiality of company information
Skilled labor pool

It is easy to register an offshore company in the UAE free zones if you go through the right channels. It would be advisable to consult with a local company that specializes in RAK offshore company formation to get off on a good start.

Fence Advertising Dubai

Ever felt like there are certain places in this world are ever wasted without a means of advertisement in them? That even a seemingly simple and mundane object such as a fence can be turned into something more exciting if only we get creative about using it?

Such is probably the story about fence advertising where you turn simple means of literal physical barriers into something more visually appealing and effective tool in marketing at the same time.

While not all fences are meant as an enclosure, fences are popular in certain places where it is seen as something that adds to the beauty of the structure it does partly cover. Fences, at this point, are a means of aesthetics than as a means of prohibition of access to people.

But what adds more to the aesthetics of these fences, especially public fences, than a poster whose intention was to both entertain those who view it and relay messages only target consumers can perceive?

Again, this is fence advertising.

Depending on wherever you may be in this world, but there are select places in this world where fences are either a norm, a necessity, or simply there for no particular reason at all.

Imagine how advertisers and the product placement it represents benefit if the means of advertisement is a fence advertisement:

Fences can be unassuming but may give a totally different impression upon closer look. This is probably especially truer for fence advertising – what it gets belittled for in its actual dimensions, it makes up for when doing closer inspection to it. Small it may be, but it nonetheless still commands attention which makes it ideal in places where “big” is as good as “small.”

Small in dimensions means it is easier to produce. Fence advertisements, for its relatively smaller dimension than its bigger counterpart, billboard, are easier to handle when produced. Depending on your preferred medium for advertisement, even a simple cloth with a proper print can make for an advertisement on a fence.
Fence advertising is a widely-embraced means of advertisement. Unlike its digital counterpart, which, apart from being more expensive, is also illegal in certain areas of the world, fences are almost everywhere where there is a “civilized” society in the world. Fence advertisements are common yet still nonetheless effective in relaying its intended purpose – to advertise.

Speaking of cost, fence advertising as a means to market is easily afforded which makes it ideal for small to medium companies who only needed a means to advertise their product without having to pay much as a result. This is in stark contrast to fence advertisement’s bigger counterparts, namely billboard and the digital LED TV, both of which are easily found outdoors doing the same purpose.

Yet, where is fence advertising best applied for than a metropolis such as Dubai which has been a hub for businesses for many years. Fence advertising in Dubai is not just a cheap option to market one’s product, it is one that actually works if placed on the right setting.

Top Tips for Successful Web Design

There are many facets to a good marketing campaign. From social media to print ads to even word of mouth. One area that cannot be overlooked in this day and age is online marketing. Online marketing goes beyond writing SEO content and placing ads on web pages. While those things are very important to get noticed online, a successful online campaign must start with a really good website.

Drawing Readers In

Oftentimes when someone in today’s technology driven world wants to learn about a company, they will look online. They need the information they are seeking to be easily accessible and user friendly. And with so much information available at their fingertips, user attention spans can be very short. Usually you will only have seconds to draw a reader into your website. That’s why it is imperative to have a website that is not only functional but is well designed.

Trusting Your Brand

Web pages are designed purposefully. If not, all web pages would look the same. A well done design on a website should be able to keep a viewer’s interest and keep them on the page right where you want them. That’s why a good web designer takes their viewer’s needs into consideration when they are laying out a design for a website.

It is also important to note that in addition to viewer interest, viewer trust also plays a role in keeping viewers on your site. And interest and trust are directly related to certain elements of your web page’s design. You can quickly lose a reader if your page layout is busy or too complex, if it features obnoxious ads, if they think the content or design is boring or dull, or if the print is hard to read. There are many similar elements that need to be taken into account when designing your site. For this reason, finding a good team that specializes in web design, like 2marketing, is crucial for your business.

SEO Friendly Sites

A further thing to consider is SEO. The importance of SEO friendly content was briefly mentioned above. But web design is also an SEO element. The layout and design of your page can definitely affect whether or not a customer reaches your page through their search. Search engines are not only drawn to well-written SEO content, they also prefer traditional structuring web pages and responsive sites that are compatible with mobile devices.

Nearly every design feature of your website can potentially dictate whether you are at the top of the search rankings or at the bottom. Designing a website with this idea in mind will contribute greatly to a successful marketing campaign. And choosing a good design team will give you the greatest success of all.

3 Easy Steps To Determine The Best Local Directory For Your Business

Local business directories are responsible for generating leads for businesses. They’re the ones appearing in local searches, giving customers with more than just one business to interact. So, with mobile searches dominating the internet, they’ve become increasingly important for local businesses. Here are three steps to assess, search and claim the directories for your business success

Finding the Right Directories

Time is one of the most important commodities for business owners. Investing time in creating local business listings is vital for your business. Moreover, you also have to manage these resources. To begin with, here are few tips to find the right directories.

Directories responsible for your ranking

Always start from the listings relevant to your business. These are the ones people use to view your business. If you’re a small business owner and don’t have a website or social profile, these directories become more important for you to claim. As you keep updating them, customers will get clearer information about your business, working hours and the products you offer.

In most of the cases, claiming these directories is quite easy, as the listings are already available. Then some of them also offer a link to begin the process. So, find the link that’s important to claim your business.

The link is often available at the top of the listing.
Sometimes, it’s hidden under the header or footer.

Directories that rank for competitors

Next, you have to look for new directories. You can start with those where your competitors are listed. It’ll help target and capture your share of audience. To find out which ones rank your competitors, see their profiles.

Those listings with complete profiles indicate that they should be claimed first. You can locate these directories simply by using your competitors’ name in Google searches. Then you can identify those where you haven’t claimed your business yet.

Directories that rank for search terms

Your SEO service may recommend you to begin from this stage, followed by other directories, but only the best SEO company Toronto knows the right way. Keywords are the search terms people use to locate your niche. So take a while to search directories for relevant keywords.

You’d ideally find some of them you have already claimed appearing in top 10 results. Local keyword searches often lead to:

· Websites, yours or your competitors’,

· Business listings in local directories, and

· Categories on these directories

So, go through the results and see which listings are yet to be claimed. Divide the claiming process into two steps:

First step – claim the directories ranking for competitors.

Second step – claim the directories ranking for categories. You can also spend a little more on paid advertisements and sponsorships, making sure you rank better than your competitors for category.

Directories that rank in mobile search

Now, comes an important part – claiming for mobile searches. 50% of all the mobile searches end up in conversion (customer makes purchase), which means, claiming them is more than necessary these days.

Mobile users may have their favorite business directories to access local businesses. So, conduct a detailed research and try to claim all the directories appearing in mobile searches.

2. How to Claim and Create Local Business Directory Listing

The process is not that difficult but lengthy. Some directories might give you a tough time, but majority of them have straight forward process. Among all the aspects of claiming and creating a listing, verification is considered to be the most difficult part.

· Some networks tend to confirm email addresses,

· Some give you an automated call or send you a verification/confirmation code via SMS,

· Some of them want you to talk to their representative for confirmation. They’ll also offer paid advertising and upgrades.

· Some with really lengthy verification process require confirmation via postal mail. It means, you’ll have to wait for a few days or weeks to claim and complete your business listing.

Things required by local directories include:

· Your business address

· Your phone number, and

· Any extra information they need to verify or update in their listing

While claiming for local listings, you’ll need to contact support team of the local directory and update your information. If you ignore this step, you may not be able to claim your business via email or phone.

3. The Actual Cost

You know the process and you know how to find them. Now, it’s time to calculate the cost. Basically, it should be the step before you start to claim, but by the time you search directories to claim, you’ll also know whether they’re free or paid (for more than basic listings). Paid listings offer you any or all of the following features:

· Opportunity to add web address,

· More than one category,

· Ads-free listing,

· Capability of adding media.

Pricing varies with services, starting from $29 to $500 per year.

Some local directories sell listings alone, while others offer a group of listings on different directories. The latter is more suitable option since it saves time and gives an opportunity to claim more listings than one.

Don’t forget about Facebook, Google+ and Yahoo where listings are available for free. And that’s the best deal you can make.

Now comes the question of determining which listings you should pay for. You also have to figure out your chances of appearing in the first page by claiming these listings. Here’s how you can research about these directories.

1. Check the search traffic on directory.

You can do that by comparing the traffic on two local directories. You can also use Alexa to get an idea about the traffic inflow on these directories. The purpose is to find which directories get the traffic that’s relevant to your local business.

2. Check the reputation of the local directory.

Is it a scam? Is it a real one? If it’s real what’s there in it that appeals to business and customers? Avoid the directories with little traffic and bad user reviews.

3. Check the level of activity in a category specific to your niche.

See whether your competitors or other similar businesses are getting reviews consistently. If Yes, they’re good ones to claim. Category-wise searches are related to the business you’re doing. If it’s a photography business, the traffic will be higher. If it’s an air conditioning business, the traffic will be on the lower side.

4. For free web directories, assess them in the same manner.

Keep in mind that some local directories allow you to list your business for free, but take their commission when you get any leads through them. Be careful of their reputation. If they don’t have a good reputation, the customer they’ll be sending may not buy anything from you.

Conclusion

If you do the basics right and invest your time and money thoughtfully, these local business directories will return you big time. Keep on monitoring reviews and engagement. Keep an eye on stats and analytics and determine which of them is proving fruitful investment.

3 Content Types That Can Boost Your Leads

If you think creating a website is all what you need for lead generation, you should re-think. According to a research, consumers spend 79 days on average just to conduct research before they finally buy online.

Consider your website as a shop and think of all the expenses you need to put just to sell a product. On top of that, the wait for 79 days is seems like an expense. Does it mean that the entire world of online business is vague? Certainly not!

It means there’s a huge room for improvement for those hanging below the average line, especially those just making entrance into online world. It’s good that you have a well optimized content, courtesy well-planned SEO, but is it really salable?

Why are you not getting the leads, even after best SEO company Toronto for content optimization? May be you’re not doing it rightly. Or perhaps, you’re not publishing the content that can give you your share of audience.

Well, whatever the reason may be, you can read further about the three valuable content ideas that are known to boost the leads.

Ebooks

EBook content is more substantial than blog post and it should be easily digestible as well. For eBook as a lead generation tool for business, there are two considerations:

Quality
Promotion

How to Make Your eBook High Quality

You need to invest a lot of efforts and time. The rest depends upon the leads you can get. Here are some tips though:

Do better than what audience expect: The content needs to be comprehensive and the chosen topic should be discussed in great great depth. Push your reader to the point of saying, “This is the real treasure” and the next thing he’ll do is download your eBook.

As it is an eBook, there’s no need to care about the length, but it’s better to keep it long enough, say 5000 – 10000 words.
Include relevant links from reliable resources (outside your website).

Pay attention to design: eBook is the result of your hard work, so it’s design must be appealing and eye-catching. Whether you have an in-house designer or a freelancer, never compromise on layout. The format of your eBook Must be spot on.
- It should be visually engaging
- It should be easy to read
- It should grab reader’s attention instantly and carries it on till the last word.

How to Promote eBook

There’s no better place than blogpost to promote your eBook. Use attractive visuals and include call to action. You can include call-to-action within or at the end of the blog post. Visual plays differently than text. Reader feels more connected to the well-designed button than just a text link.

Other than blogpost, you can do the following to promote your eBook:

Using slide-in sign up form
Email marketing
A landing page designed specifically for eBook
Social media advertising

Tools and Templates

You can convert potential leads by providing them with tools and templates, if they give you their email contact in exchange. That’s an excellent ploy to earn a lead. You can then project your company in much better way.

Here, the approach counts a lot. Big companies may have in-house services to develop their own tools, but small companies rely heavily on your services as they have a fairly small team to manage all the tasks.

So, what kinds of templates should you create?

Checklists: They can be produced with a little effort in a small amount of time, yet they’re quite valuable for consumers. Create checklist of your services with brand name appearing in the header. The layout should be clean.
Cheat sheets: these are similar to checklists. Keep them between 1-2 pages. Cheat sheets should have highly specific topics.
Toolkits: A toolkit can be a compilation of different resources included in one download. They are quite useful for the readers.
Slideshares: You can share knowledge with the help of slides and presentations. They should have attractive visuals and there must be some actionable tips to attract potential leads.
Editable templates: customers find downloadable and editable templates more useful than any other “Content for Free”. They’re also easy to create and share. While creating templates, consider how they can be valuable for the customers and what aspects can customers customize.

3. Reports or Whitepapers

Reports and whitepapers work best for B2B companies – agencies that share industry-specific data and aim for thought leadership. Reports are meant target certain need in an industry, therefore they should be full of facts, in-depth and authoritative.

So, here are the elements of reports or whitepapers.

· Whitepaper should be more than just a guide book. Usually, whitepapers consist of 10 pages.

· You need to dig deeper and draw conclusion from reliable sources. Whitepapers and reports consists of examples, statistics and facts to elaborate the point.

· The focus is important. You need to be very clear about your objective and results that can benefit your audience in any way.

· Layout is important. Include charts, graphs and visuals to elaborate your views and break up dense text.

· Use quotes and views of industry leaders to add credibility to your words. Construct a strong support around your content.

· Grammar, vocabulary and accuracy of words is important to maintain professionalism in tone. Be serious and straight to the point.

How to Utilize Content for Lead Generation

Finally, here are some tips to use content effectively for lead generation.

1. It is vital to understand the stage at which potential lead access to your site. The conversion path needs to be well-planned so that the prospect can become your loyal customer from any stage.

2. Identify the gaps in content after creating and implementing a content marketing plan. Fill those gaps as many as possible.

3. Your content must answer each query your visitors have or could come up with.

4. Try some changes and experiment for a short period. Use results to modify content and its placement.

5. Your content strategy must be flexible and reworkable. Be creative and change your strategy according to trends, latest fashion and demands of your audience.