By Rema Nagarajan
New Delhi --- Internet usage in India has grown more than 11 times over the last seven years. The boom is being driven not by metros, but by smaller and non-metro towns, where the number of users has risen by a whopping 69 times and 33 times respectively since 2000.
The number of users has grown in all socio-economic categories, as well as in all metros and non-metro towns. In absolute terms, the top eight metros still have the largest numbers. However, the growth has been the fastest in the smaller and non-metro towns. In fact, small towns have the second largest number of total users after the top eight metros put together, where the total number has grown by just over five times.
These are the findings of an internet usage survey, done by the e-technology group of IMRB International. The I-Cube 2007 survey was conducted across 30 cities and towns covering 65,000 people.
The usage profile was prepared by studying active internet users, defined as those who accessed the internet at least once in the past one month.
Where do people access the net? Using the internet in schools and colleges is the fastest growth category -- 22 times what it was in 2000 -- indicating increasing computerisation of educational institutions. This is followed by internet access from home computers -- a segment that has grown over 15 times. However in absolute numbers, cybercafes have the largest numbers accessing the internet, about 57 lakh, followed by those logging on from home. Surprisingly, accessing the net at office comes in only third.
In terms of activities on the net, email and information search are still the biggest drivers of internet use. More than 78.5 lakh people use the net for email compared with less than half that number, nearly 37 lakh, for information search. With the highest jump of 27 times in the number of users since 2000, the entertainment segment comprising games, ring tones, music and video downloads has caught up with the chat segment. Both have about 15.4 lakh users followed by e-commerce -- including online travel, share trading, banking and buying products -- which has grown nearly 25 times since 2000.
More than 60% of information seekers look for general information on the net and 45% look for educational information. About 27% search job sites and 17% seek financial information. Interestingly, at 8%, the number of people looking for astrological information is double that of those searching online matrimonial sites, a mere 4%.
Majority of users access net everyday
By Rema Nagarajan
New Delhi --- According to an internet usage survey done by the e-technology group of IMRB International, music and video downloads is most popular category in the entertainment segment, constituting for 26%, followed by online gambling at 23%. The study says that only 12% of the entertainment segment is into mobile ring tone and wallpaper downloads and just 7% into dating on the net.
The majority of active internet users, 38.5 lakh, access the net daily. However, the most significant jump in numbers has been among those who access the net two or three times a month. The number has grown from less than a lakh in 2000 to nearly 18.5 lakh by 2007, showing the fast growing number of new converts to the internet community.
4.11.07
Article from Times of India, october, 2007 - "Small towns drive internet boom in India"
By Rema Nagarajan
New Delhi --- Internet usage in India has grown more than 11 times over the last seven years. The boom is being driven not by metros, but by smaller and non-metro towns, where the number of users has risen by a whopping 69 times and 33 times respectively since 2000.
The number of users has grown in all socio-economic categories, as well as in all metros and non-metro towns. In absolute terms, the top eight metros still have the largest numbers. However, the growth has been the fastest in the smaller and non-metro towns. In fact, small towns have the second largest number of total users after the top eight metros put together, where the total number has grown by just over five times.
These are the findings of an internet usage survey, done by the e-technology group of IMRB International. The I-Cube 2007 survey was conducted across 30 cities and towns covering 65,000 people.
The usage profile was prepared by studying active internet users, defined as those who accessed the internet at least once in the past one month.
Where do people access the net? Using the internet in schools and colleges is the fastest growth category -- 22 times what it was in 2000 -- indicating increasing computerisation of educational institutions. This is followed by internet access from home computers -- a segment that has grown over 15 times. However in absolute numbers, cybercafes have the largest numbers accessing the internet, about 57 lakh, followed by those logging on from home. Surprisingly, accessing the net at office comes in only third.
In terms of activities on the net, email and information search are still the biggest drivers of internet use. More than 78.5 lakh people use the net for email compared with less than half that number, nearly 37 lakh, for information search. With the highest jump of 27 times in the number of users since 2000, the entertainment segment comprising games, ring tones, music and video downloads has caught up with the chat segment. Both have about 15.4 lakh users followed by e-commerce -- including online travel, share trading, banking and buying products -- which has grown nearly 25 times since 2000.
More than 60% of information seekers look for general information on the net and 45% look for educational information. About 27% search job sites and 17% seek financial information. Interestingly, at 8%, the number of people looking for astrological information is double that of those searching online matrimonial sites, a mere 4%.
Majority of users access net everyday
By Rema Nagarajan
New Delhi --- According to an internet usage survey done by the e-technology group of IMRB International, music and video downloads is most popular category in the entertainment segment, constituting for 26%, followed by online gambling at 23%. The study says that only 12% of the entertainment segment is into mobile ring tone and wallpaper downloads and just 7% into dating on the net.
The majority of active internet users, 38.5 lakh, access the net daily. However, the most significant jump in numbers has been among those who access the net two or three times a month. The number has grown from less than a lakh in 2000 to nearly 18.5 lakh by 2007, showing the fast growing number of new converts to the internet community.
New Delhi --- Internet usage in India has grown more than 11 times over the last seven years. The boom is being driven not by metros, but by smaller and non-metro towns, where the number of users has risen by a whopping 69 times and 33 times respectively since 2000.
The number of users has grown in all socio-economic categories, as well as in all metros and non-metro towns. In absolute terms, the top eight metros still have the largest numbers. However, the growth has been the fastest in the smaller and non-metro towns. In fact, small towns have the second largest number of total users after the top eight metros put together, where the total number has grown by just over five times.
These are the findings of an internet usage survey, done by the e-technology group of IMRB International. The I-Cube 2007 survey was conducted across 30 cities and towns covering 65,000 people.
The usage profile was prepared by studying active internet users, defined as those who accessed the internet at least once in the past one month.
Where do people access the net? Using the internet in schools and colleges is the fastest growth category -- 22 times what it was in 2000 -- indicating increasing computerisation of educational institutions. This is followed by internet access from home computers -- a segment that has grown over 15 times. However in absolute numbers, cybercafes have the largest numbers accessing the internet, about 57 lakh, followed by those logging on from home. Surprisingly, accessing the net at office comes in only third.
In terms of activities on the net, email and information search are still the biggest drivers of internet use. More than 78.5 lakh people use the net for email compared with less than half that number, nearly 37 lakh, for information search. With the highest jump of 27 times in the number of users since 2000, the entertainment segment comprising games, ring tones, music and video downloads has caught up with the chat segment. Both have about 15.4 lakh users followed by e-commerce -- including online travel, share trading, banking and buying products -- which has grown nearly 25 times since 2000.
More than 60% of information seekers look for general information on the net and 45% look for educational information. About 27% search job sites and 17% seek financial information. Interestingly, at 8%, the number of people looking for astrological information is double that of those searching online matrimonial sites, a mere 4%.
Majority of users access net everyday
By Rema Nagarajan
New Delhi --- According to an internet usage survey done by the e-technology group of IMRB International, music and video downloads is most popular category in the entertainment segment, constituting for 26%, followed by online gambling at 23%. The study says that only 12% of the entertainment segment is into mobile ring tone and wallpaper downloads and just 7% into dating on the net.
The majority of active internet users, 38.5 lakh, access the net daily. However, the most significant jump in numbers has been among those who access the net two or three times a month. The number has grown from less than a lakh in 2000 to nearly 18.5 lakh by 2007, showing the fast growing number of new converts to the internet community.
Understanding the culture of India is a key to successful business relationships.
Indian states can be distinguished by many factors, one of which is on linguistic basis, and there are 26 states in all. Apart from these local languages there are innumerable dialects specific to each ethnic group. Hindi is the most common national language spoken, though that is mostly in the north, making English a neutral-link language.
However, along with globalization has come not only the call center culture where young professionals are well versed with American and British English and accents, but a also a new confidence in the way Indians have tailored the English language to suit their own culture. This occurs mostly in urban areas but is spreading fast to the rural areas as Indians have improvised in order to make English a part of their identity. So it is common to hear “Hinglish”, a combination of Hindi and English, where local terms are combined through English sentences. This usage is not only reflected in advertising, but also in television shows, movies, and even in Indian writing in English, mainly due to the inability of the English words to convey the correct experience or meaning.
Nonverbal communication is also extremely important in every society, especially when doing business as it may be easy to unknowingly offend the practices or beliefs of another culture. Problems arise when two cultures meet, and the physical nonverbal signal means one thing in one culture and has an altogether different meaning in the other culture. for example, many Indians bob their heads up and down when affirming something and from side-to-side when conveying a 'No' shaking the head from side to side is a visual way to communicate to the speaker that you understand what they are saying and in many cases that you agree with them. On the other hand, in western cultures, this is how disagreement or a "no" is conveyed. Women prefer to be greeted with a simple verbal greeting, but, in urban cities, handshakes between both sexes are quite common. Any other exhibition of public affection is usually looked down upon in India
It is important to know that “no” is a selective word in the Indian dictionary for instance, if you ask someone for directions, whether they know the way or not, they do not want to disappoint you, so they go ahead and give you directions anyway. There is nothing in their manner to give you a clue that they have no idea where the place is. Another example during business, of their inability too say “no” is at a store, even if the product you requested is not available, the store-keeper would show you several options, without definitely telling you he doesn’t have your product.
Time management is an important consideration for those dealing with Indian businessmen or people in general. Indians are very different in that they would rather please someone by saying they would be at a certain place at a certain time or have something sent but it may take numerous phone calls and several hours before that actually takes place.
Some other important points are that the right hand is usually used for cash transactions because it is considered auspicious. Touching the feet of the elderly is a way of showing respect. Indians place a premium on family relationships, and usually live and socialize within extended family units. Hospitality is second nature to any Indian. Even if conducting business matters, if they take a liking to you, you will be invited to their homes, to attend their weddings and they would expect to be invited in return. Dining at an affluent and educated Indian's home is not very different from the western way. However, in a traditional middle-class home, one may be expected to sit in a cross-legged position on the floor and eat with the right hand from a banana leaf. It is customary to leave one's footwear outside the door to the house.
Overall, doing business in a particular nation requires a focus on a multi-dimensional understanding of its culture and business practices. Understanding those differences and adapting to them is the key. India is a complex country, and those arriving here to do business will discover that the path to success is often, not very smooth.
Sharri whiting wrote a useful article on “Doing business in India: A marketplace shifting to high speed”which has been pasted below, click here to read the whole article.
Indians in general are very polite, with the "namaste", a gesture with hands folded as in prayer, a respectful greeting. Shaking hands is also acceptable. Be aware that there are cultural differences regarding food: Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarian, while Muslims do not eat pork. Many more conservative Indians do not drink alcohol. Says Misri, "Though pork, beef and alcohol is readily available in all towns and cities, especially the four main metropolises."
Avoid commenting upon the Indian caste system or poverty. Learning something about the history and culture of the country helps build understanding.
Women should consider dressing conservatively when going out in public. For example, shorts are not usually worn in public. ..However, as Misri points out, "In today’s India, especially in the major cities, you can wear whatever you feel like especially the foreigners. Conservative dressing is advisable while travelling by public buses or visiting city suburbs or in certain cities in the Muslim-dominated areas."
Be aware that relationships between family members and caste distinctions are hierarchical। The importance of these relationships must be considered when working with Indians. Misri adds that "Caste systems are left behind within the premises of ones home if an individual practices it. Even an averagely educated person doesn’t bring it or practice it in any form at his or her work place."
In some cities, dinner parties start very late and guests arrive long after the hour mentioned in the इन्विटेशन
Medical doctors are considered to be excellent, while nursing care and hospitals often fall short of western standards. Misri adds that there are private clinics, hospitals or medical centres, which do not fall short of any standard but they cost a lot as per Indian standards but not European. "Government hospitals and clinics surely are of very poor standards and always overwhelmed by queues of patients," she says.
Care should be taken to avoid malaria and other diseases more in humid areas। (Banglore, for example, is a less humid, higher-altitude city than some other major cities in India, which may explain in part its attractiveness to multi-nationals।) Drinking water is a major problem and care should be taken to consume bottled water only.
Pollution, though improving, can be a problem in the large cities.
Traffic is so bad that many expats hire drivers to negotiate the crowded streets। Misri confirms, "Traffic is extremely unruly and in many places the rules are just not followed. When there are no sidewalks pedestrians use the roads making it very dangerous to drive. In shopping areas and market places one can be easily cheated in terms of price and quality, it is advisable to take help from a local.
Business etiquette
One of the effects of the British Raj was that English has remained the primary language in business and government, though accents and word usages differ from region to region. The Indian business culture is hierarchical, with respect for age and status affecting all business interactions. This is something you can find in family businesses not within a corporate culture. Decisions will only be made after they have been sent up the chain of command; don’t expect immediate answers। Everywhere in the corporate world there are definite positions for decision making. Do not force lesser-ranked executives into giving concrete answers, as that will embarrass them in front of the group.
Reconfirm all appointments। Depending upon industry or region, punctuality may not be an important issue. You should be aware that the left hand is considered unclean. Although, Misri observes that nobody bothers whether you eat or write or distribute visiting cards with it. "It is considered unclean when performing religious ceremonies." She says.
Never use first names with business superiors, as India is a more formal culture.
Ask for input from participants in a business meeting. Don’t take a "yes" at face value and don’t push for a final yes or no at a meeting। People's attitude is to "ponder over" something before taking a decision
Negotiation on price and terms is normal; you should both offer and expect concessions when making a deal. Bureaucracy is rampant and can be extremely depressing to handle observes Misri. "Needless to say bribing is prevalent especially when dealing with the government," she says. Follow up meetings with a written overview of what was on the agenda।
Something very alarming for a western expat will be the total lack of respect for labour, the unskilled or semi-skilled labour force।
March 2004
She also writes the following about the IT industry :
According to Fortune magazine (November 2003), there are more than 350,000 people working in the high tech service and outsourcing segments in India, with the number predicted to top one million before 2008. Much of this activity is taking place in Bangalore, the centre of information technology industry in India today, with IT companies occupying several million square feet of office space and employing 110,000.
Adding to a roster of Indian companies, such as Infosys, are Microsoft, Dell, CitiCorp, Oracle, Sun Micro Systems, SAP, Cisco, Philips, GE, AOL, Motorola and Texas Instruments and, soon, IBM, which will hire several thousand employees. These organizations not only find the cost savings here important to their bottom lines, they welcome the large pool of educated high tech labour, young people who have chosen to stay in their home country when offered opportunities from incoming multi-nationals.
According to Indian-born Shayonti Misri, who currently lives in the Netherlands, "Another very important factor is the proficiency of the educated labour pool, in the English language. It enables the successful operating of all call centres and makes outsourcing from India much easier and acceptable for European and U.S. companies."
Add to them the tens of thousands of Indian engineers and managers who have returned home from Europe and the U.S., and it is easy to see why the population of Bangalore is expected to rise to seven million by 2011, from 4.8 million in 1991.
Of the other cities in India, Delhi is the centre of government and diplomacy, as well as a growing back office IT centre, while Mumbai (formerly Bombay) has been considered the New York or Los Angeles of India and possibly the easiest city for expat living. Mumbai is home to India’s largest conglomerate, Tata.
Relocating IT jobs to India is not without its problems which are principally power outages (requiring back-up generators), inadequate roads and airports, and widespread poverty. Still, the companies come, learning as they go how to make it all work.
Misri points out, "It is important to note that the call centres work 24hrs to cater to the European and US clientele, in spite of using labour and over and above normal working hours, which includes the night, the multinationals are able to get away without compensating the employees due to the lack of stringent application of labour laws and rights. Something which would not occur in Europe."
However, along with globalization has come not only the call center culture where young professionals are well versed with American and British English and accents, but a also a new confidence in the way Indians have tailored the English language to suit their own culture. This occurs mostly in urban areas but is spreading fast to the rural areas as Indians have improvised in order to make English a part of their identity. So it is common to hear “Hinglish”, a combination of Hindi and English, where local terms are combined through English sentences. This usage is not only reflected in advertising, but also in television shows, movies, and even in Indian writing in English, mainly due to the inability of the English words to convey the correct experience or meaning.
Nonverbal communication is also extremely important in every society, especially when doing business as it may be easy to unknowingly offend the practices or beliefs of another culture. Problems arise when two cultures meet, and the physical nonverbal signal means one thing in one culture and has an altogether different meaning in the other culture. for example, many Indians bob their heads up and down when affirming something and from side-to-side when conveying a 'No' shaking the head from side to side is a visual way to communicate to the speaker that you understand what they are saying and in many cases that you agree with them. On the other hand, in western cultures, this is how disagreement or a "no" is conveyed. Women prefer to be greeted with a simple verbal greeting, but, in urban cities, handshakes between both sexes are quite common. Any other exhibition of public affection is usually looked down upon in India
It is important to know that “no” is a selective word in the Indian dictionary for instance, if you ask someone for directions, whether they know the way or not, they do not want to disappoint you, so they go ahead and give you directions anyway. There is nothing in their manner to give you a clue that they have no idea where the place is. Another example during business, of their inability too say “no” is at a store, even if the product you requested is not available, the store-keeper would show you several options, without definitely telling you he doesn’t have your product.
Time management is an important consideration for those dealing with Indian businessmen or people in general. Indians are very different in that they would rather please someone by saying they would be at a certain place at a certain time or have something sent but it may take numerous phone calls and several hours before that actually takes place.
Some other important points are that the right hand is usually used for cash transactions because it is considered auspicious. Touching the feet of the elderly is a way of showing respect. Indians place a premium on family relationships, and usually live and socialize within extended family units. Hospitality is second nature to any Indian. Even if conducting business matters, if they take a liking to you, you will be invited to their homes, to attend their weddings and they would expect to be invited in return. Dining at an affluent and educated Indian's home is not very different from the western way. However, in a traditional middle-class home, one may be expected to sit in a cross-legged position on the floor and eat with the right hand from a banana leaf. It is customary to leave one's footwear outside the door to the house.
Overall, doing business in a particular nation requires a focus on a multi-dimensional understanding of its culture and business practices. Understanding those differences and adapting to them is the key. India is a complex country, and those arriving here to do business will discover that the path to success is often, not very smooth.
Sharri whiting wrote a useful article on “Doing business in India: A marketplace shifting to high speed”which has been pasted below, click here to read the whole article.
Indians in general are very polite, with the "namaste", a gesture with hands folded as in prayer, a respectful greeting. Shaking hands is also acceptable. Be aware that there are cultural differences regarding food: Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarian, while Muslims do not eat pork. Many more conservative Indians do not drink alcohol. Says Misri, "Though pork, beef and alcohol is readily available in all towns and cities, especially the four main metropolises."
Avoid commenting upon the Indian caste system or poverty. Learning something about the history and culture of the country helps build understanding.
Women should consider dressing conservatively when going out in public. For example, shorts are not usually worn in public. ..However, as Misri points out, "In today’s India, especially in the major cities, you can wear whatever you feel like especially the foreigners. Conservative dressing is advisable while travelling by public buses or visiting city suburbs or in certain cities in the Muslim-dominated areas."
Be aware that relationships between family members and caste distinctions are hierarchical। The importance of these relationships must be considered when working with Indians. Misri adds that "Caste systems are left behind within the premises of ones home if an individual practices it. Even an averagely educated person doesn’t bring it or practice it in any form at his or her work place."
In some cities, dinner parties start very late and guests arrive long after the hour mentioned in the इन्विटेशन
Medical doctors are considered to be excellent, while nursing care and hospitals often fall short of western standards. Misri adds that there are private clinics, hospitals or medical centres, which do not fall short of any standard but they cost a lot as per Indian standards but not European. "Government hospitals and clinics surely are of very poor standards and always overwhelmed by queues of patients," she says.
Care should be taken to avoid malaria and other diseases more in humid areas। (Banglore, for example, is a less humid, higher-altitude city than some other major cities in India, which may explain in part its attractiveness to multi-nationals।) Drinking water is a major problem and care should be taken to consume bottled water only.
Pollution, though improving, can be a problem in the large cities.
Traffic is so bad that many expats hire drivers to negotiate the crowded streets। Misri confirms, "Traffic is extremely unruly and in many places the rules are just not followed. When there are no sidewalks pedestrians use the roads making it very dangerous to drive. In shopping areas and market places one can be easily cheated in terms of price and quality, it is advisable to take help from a local.
Business etiquette
One of the effects of the British Raj was that English has remained the primary language in business and government, though accents and word usages differ from region to region. The Indian business culture is hierarchical, with respect for age and status affecting all business interactions. This is something you can find in family businesses not within a corporate culture. Decisions will only be made after they have been sent up the chain of command; don’t expect immediate answers। Everywhere in the corporate world there are definite positions for decision making. Do not force lesser-ranked executives into giving concrete answers, as that will embarrass them in front of the group.
Reconfirm all appointments। Depending upon industry or region, punctuality may not be an important issue. You should be aware that the left hand is considered unclean. Although, Misri observes that nobody bothers whether you eat or write or distribute visiting cards with it. "It is considered unclean when performing religious ceremonies." She says.
Never use first names with business superiors, as India is a more formal culture.
Ask for input from participants in a business meeting. Don’t take a "yes" at face value and don’t push for a final yes or no at a meeting। People's attitude is to "ponder over" something before taking a decision
Negotiation on price and terms is normal; you should both offer and expect concessions when making a deal. Bureaucracy is rampant and can be extremely depressing to handle observes Misri. "Needless to say bribing is prevalent especially when dealing with the government," she says. Follow up meetings with a written overview of what was on the agenda।
Something very alarming for a western expat will be the total lack of respect for labour, the unskilled or semi-skilled labour force।
March 2004
She also writes the following about the IT industry :
According to Fortune magazine (November 2003), there are more than 350,000 people working in the high tech service and outsourcing segments in India, with the number predicted to top one million before 2008. Much of this activity is taking place in Bangalore, the centre of information technology industry in India today, with IT companies occupying several million square feet of office space and employing 110,000.
Adding to a roster of Indian companies, such as Infosys, are Microsoft, Dell, CitiCorp, Oracle, Sun Micro Systems, SAP, Cisco, Philips, GE, AOL, Motorola and Texas Instruments and, soon, IBM, which will hire several thousand employees. These organizations not only find the cost savings here important to their bottom lines, they welcome the large pool of educated high tech labour, young people who have chosen to stay in their home country when offered opportunities from incoming multi-nationals.
According to Indian-born Shayonti Misri, who currently lives in the Netherlands, "Another very important factor is the proficiency of the educated labour pool, in the English language. It enables the successful operating of all call centres and makes outsourcing from India much easier and acceptable for European and U.S. companies."
Add to them the tens of thousands of Indian engineers and managers who have returned home from Europe and the U.S., and it is easy to see why the population of Bangalore is expected to rise to seven million by 2011, from 4.8 million in 1991.
Of the other cities in India, Delhi is the centre of government and diplomacy, as well as a growing back office IT centre, while Mumbai (formerly Bombay) has been considered the New York or Los Angeles of India and possibly the easiest city for expat living. Mumbai is home to India’s largest conglomerate, Tata.
Relocating IT jobs to India is not without its problems which are principally power outages (requiring back-up generators), inadequate roads and airports, and widespread poverty. Still, the companies come, learning as they go how to make it all work.
Misri points out, "It is important to note that the call centres work 24hrs to cater to the European and US clientele, in spite of using labour and over and above normal working hours, which includes the night, the multinationals are able to get away without compensating the employees due to the lack of stringent application of labour laws and rights. Something which would not occur in Europe."
16.9.07
Internet Marketing in India - promoting your business online.
Competing for a top spot in a marketplace like India where survival of the fittest is the law – companies need to come out with various evolving innovative strategies to capture a place in the market. While many companies are looking to China as the next growth market for online marketing, Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, predicts India will be the country to watch as it will become the largest and fastest growing internet market.
The process of Internet marketing itself is vital in today's business society in order to not jus keep up with, but be ahead of all others, they must undertake this new media avenue which has overtaken Indian markets.
Internet online marketing in India have helped multitude of website owners to boost traffic, gain higher rankings and increase ROI. There are many strategies to successfully market your product online if you have a well-researched plan based on your specified target market in India. Examples include link building which is one of the most popular services that helps increasing the web traffic towards your website and enhances rankings in Google. Linking marketing strategy is a type of “relationship marketing” where your site is listed on other complimentary sites linking it to them which cater to more traffic and higher perceived popularity. It requires a perfect link building campaign which gets good results when undergone the professional way. Search engines are another advantage that can be made full use of. Internet promotion can be done in various other ways such as paid advertising; this is where advertisement banners are paid to be put up on certain websites. Where a viral marketing strategy is designed, it that encourages others to carry your marketing message preferably by their own network relationship similar as to how a virus would work.
Website designing is an art and the design of your website marks your first impression on its visitors, thus the features of the site must be clear to the average Indian consumer. Many people use search engines to get what they need or what they are looking for therefore an indexed website will help promoting it. Networking helps growth of business, and is initially done amongst new groups and would help build a base around similar sites in India in order to be successful. Getting media attention is vital step in site promotion thus public relations are also an important aspect to consider. While you get media attention and press coverage, you will definitely experience quality traffic. With India still using traditional media as a major advertising, in order to promote your side it may be important to consider placing promotional material on traditional media to reach your target market.
Internet marketing helps you explore new market segments and generate leads you may have not considered. It is also much more cost-effective than maintaining a regular sales force. With Internet based product promotion, your links start come up on more web sites, also having many other options flash banners and contests which are new to the Indian online market. Bulk emailing, video, sound, and better accessibility are some of the other strategies that could be used in order to promote innovatively.
All in all a successful Internet marketing campaign will improve your search engine rankings, bring targeted 'qualified' visitors to your site and convert more of your visitors to customers.
The process of Internet marketing itself is vital in today's business society in order to not jus keep up with, but be ahead of all others, they must undertake this new media avenue which has overtaken Indian markets.
Internet online marketing in India have helped multitude of website owners to boost traffic, gain higher rankings and increase ROI. There are many strategies to successfully market your product online if you have a well-researched plan based on your specified target market in India. Examples include link building which is one of the most popular services that helps increasing the web traffic towards your website and enhances rankings in Google. Linking marketing strategy is a type of “relationship marketing” where your site is listed on other complimentary sites linking it to them which cater to more traffic and higher perceived popularity. It requires a perfect link building campaign which gets good results when undergone the professional way. Search engines are another advantage that can be made full use of. Internet promotion can be done in various other ways such as paid advertising; this is where advertisement banners are paid to be put up on certain websites. Where a viral marketing strategy is designed, it that encourages others to carry your marketing message preferably by their own network relationship similar as to how a virus would work.
Website designing is an art and the design of your website marks your first impression on its visitors, thus the features of the site must be clear to the average Indian consumer. Many people use search engines to get what they need or what they are looking for therefore an indexed website will help promoting it. Networking helps growth of business, and is initially done amongst new groups and would help build a base around similar sites in India in order to be successful. Getting media attention is vital step in site promotion thus public relations are also an important aspect to consider. While you get media attention and press coverage, you will definitely experience quality traffic. With India still using traditional media as a major advertising, in order to promote your side it may be important to consider placing promotional material on traditional media to reach your target market.
Internet marketing helps you explore new market segments and generate leads you may have not considered. It is also much more cost-effective than maintaining a regular sales force. With Internet based product promotion, your links start come up on more web sites, also having many other options flash banners and contests which are new to the Indian online market. Bulk emailing, video, sound, and better accessibility are some of the other strategies that could be used in order to promote innovatively.
All in all a successful Internet marketing campaign will improve your search engine rankings, bring targeted 'qualified' visitors to your site and convert more of your visitors to customers.
Innovative Marketing strategies in India: PCC marketing and joint ventures as innovative entry-strategies into the Indian market
India is a country that is rapidly undergoing changes as there have been transformations in the national economy as well as the marketplace. A reason for this change in the Indian market scenario is due to technological advancements and the competitiveness of the industry is not only within India but the within the global marketplace The internet has transformed the business scenario ensuring that anybody can make money online therefore a good internet marketing strategy is the key to a successful online business. Marketing through the Internet has enlivened the competitive scenario in the Indian market further as E-commerce has enabled services previously unimaginable, for, B2C and B2B are proving to be powerful tools. One of these innovative stratagies that have recently come into play in the Indian internet marketing scene is PPC (Pay per click) marketing.
PCC is advertising model which has taken the world by storm – it is used on search engines, advertising networks, and content websites, where advertisers only pay when a user actually clicks on an ad to visit the advertiser's website. It has a number of advantages that are required for businesses of all sizes. It only requires a small investment and the companies are not charged for advertising on the search engine until someone clicks on the ad. The sales you desire can help decide the level of investment. PCC creates space for all on the World Wide Web but careful selection must be made in choosing the right keywords. The advertisement itself should be attractive and clear enough. In India as it is such a vast country with a variety of segments it is very important to choose your target market correctly. A sharp, analytical portrait of the target market will help immensely in planning of your marketing strategy. The best part of PCC is that you receive immediate results, there is no other investment, right after your ad is aired it generates sales by itself.
Doing business in India is quite different than doing business in the other countries around the world: It is a large country, with different climatic conditions in different regions, India has a variety of languages spoken in different states, a mix of cultures, and a different pattern of social, family and personal lifestyle. India as a market place is not confined to few metros and cities but spread across urban and rural areas, its Urban & Rural market offers altogether different challenge, with great potential and offers greater opportunity to global marketers. Therefore it is important to define market place (Opportunity, Reliability, Practicality), conduct market observation and scope using market chance & risk and through evaluation of your products and services for customers in India and make proper use of national or local marketing and customer specific information according to your needs. Conducting systematic search for your buyers and channel partners and looking for possible marketing or joint venture partners with those who know the workings of the country will be useful. Winning in the Indian markets focuses primarily on innovative business strategies and decision-making as it relates to India’s consumer markets so knowledge from local businesses will increase chances of success. Many international companies have in recent years successfully competed in the indian marketplace due to partnerships with local/national companies.
Other strategies could also be used such as the porter generic strategies which are strategies based on the dimensions of strategic scope and strategic strength. Strategic scope refers to the market penetration while strategic strength refers to the firm’s sustainable competitive advantage. This includes strategies like cost leadership, market segmentation and market penetration. Growth strategies could also be put to use. Even though there is a lot of vertical integration, India lacks horizontal integration and diversification. Promotional advertising also needs to be given adequate attention.
The Indian system with all its potential still has inherent difficulties and uncertainties regarding its functioning. Entering India’s marketplace requires a well-designed, thought-out and well-researched plan. But despite its political uncertainty, bureaucratic hassles, shortages of power and infrastructural deficiencies it is believed to be a good investment by overseas investors. India is encouraging the entrance of foreign players and has potential for overseas expansion. This country is expected to become one of the top three emerging economies meaning is potential for long term growth and not just short term profits.
PCC is advertising model which has taken the world by storm – it is used on search engines, advertising networks, and content websites, where advertisers only pay when a user actually clicks on an ad to visit the advertiser's website. It has a number of advantages that are required for businesses of all sizes. It only requires a small investment and the companies are not charged for advertising on the search engine until someone clicks on the ad. The sales you desire can help decide the level of investment. PCC creates space for all on the World Wide Web but careful selection must be made in choosing the right keywords. The advertisement itself should be attractive and clear enough. In India as it is such a vast country with a variety of segments it is very important to choose your target market correctly. A sharp, analytical portrait of the target market will help immensely in planning of your marketing strategy. The best part of PCC is that you receive immediate results, there is no other investment, right after your ad is aired it generates sales by itself.
Doing business in India is quite different than doing business in the other countries around the world: It is a large country, with different climatic conditions in different regions, India has a variety of languages spoken in different states, a mix of cultures, and a different pattern of social, family and personal lifestyle. India as a market place is not confined to few metros and cities but spread across urban and rural areas, its Urban & Rural market offers altogether different challenge, with great potential and offers greater opportunity to global marketers. Therefore it is important to define market place (Opportunity, Reliability, Practicality), conduct market observation and scope using market chance & risk and through evaluation of your products and services for customers in India and make proper use of national or local marketing and customer specific information according to your needs. Conducting systematic search for your buyers and channel partners and looking for possible marketing or joint venture partners with those who know the workings of the country will be useful. Winning in the Indian markets focuses primarily on innovative business strategies and decision-making as it relates to India’s consumer markets so knowledge from local businesses will increase chances of success. Many international companies have in recent years successfully competed in the indian marketplace due to partnerships with local/national companies.
Other strategies could also be used such as the porter generic strategies which are strategies based on the dimensions of strategic scope and strategic strength. Strategic scope refers to the market penetration while strategic strength refers to the firm’s sustainable competitive advantage. This includes strategies like cost leadership, market segmentation and market penetration. Growth strategies could also be put to use. Even though there is a lot of vertical integration, India lacks horizontal integration and diversification. Promotional advertising also needs to be given adequate attention.
The Indian system with all its potential still has inherent difficulties and uncertainties regarding its functioning. Entering India’s marketplace requires a well-designed, thought-out and well-researched plan. But despite its political uncertainty, bureaucratic hassles, shortages of power and infrastructural deficiencies it is believed to be a good investment by overseas investors. India is encouraging the entrance of foreign players and has potential for overseas expansion. This country is expected to become one of the top three emerging economies meaning is potential for long term growth and not just short term profits.
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