The holidays may or may not be important to you, but they can certainly be important in internet marketing. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aside, are you taking advantage of the holiday shopping, while at the same time ensuring your websites and businesses are optimized for the New Year?

More Shopping
Based on estimates from the first few days of the season and the entire year, holiday shoppers are expected to spend 21% more between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is an extra week of shopping due to the positioning of Thanksgiving this year, but that increase also reflects higher incomes, more enthusiasm, and better response to marketing. The money will be spent both off and online.

Online Shopping and Increased Traffic
11% of shoppers will be doing more than 75% of their shopping online this year. Many more will be doing up to half of their shopping online. 72 million Americans are taking to the internet in search of holiday gifts. This is an increase from 60.7 million surfers in 2007. This traffic may be searching out holiday gifts, but all facets of the internet can benefit.

This shopping traffic means something to everyone in internet marketing – not just those with ecommerce sites. The sheer numbers of people online will have an impact on the whole of the internet. Directories, advertisements, ezines, newsletters and more all have meaning and impact with shoppers, especially women who will search for better deals and try and find related items.

Take Advantage of the Season
If you run any sort of online business, this increased traffic and increased spending can make a difference. Want to take advantage of the season? Here are a few suggestions: (more…)

There is no doubt that global tension is on the rise. The wars fought in various parts of the globe are stirring up strong emotions for many, and sanctions seem to be discussed on a fairly regular basis. There is always a fight brewing and War on Terrorism has taken some unshaken turns – at least according to some.

The Cold War
The last round of global tensions resulted in a couple of World Wars followed by a cold war that stretched out for decades. The arms race between the United States and the USSR put the whole world on edge as everyone waited and watched to see who would be the first to attack and what the impact would be worldwide.

There is another cold war brewing, but this time the players aren’t just the richest counties in the world – everyone can play, and only the technological advancements in that country determines who the most powerful nations will be. (more…)