Thursday, July 26, 2007

The Sandbox Effect Theory

What exactly is the Sandbox Effect?

The Sandbox Effect is a theory wherein newly registered domains are placed in a sandbox or holding areas of Google indexes, and deferred there for about 6 months to a year until it is considered to be eligible for the ranking process.

It functions like a filter that affects nearly all websites. These sites under “probation” may possibly get into Google’s Search Engine Results Page but will not rank high regardless of its originality, quality, link number, and optimization. This restriction keeps some of the new websites from having success in search results.

It is said they have greater effects on websites containing more competitive keywords. The more competitive keywords you have, the longer you are kept in the sandbox. This explains why there is great commotion over the supposed initiation period.

Sandbox Effect: Does it exist?

The Google Sandbox is one of issues widely discussed nowadays by Search Engine Optimizers and Web Marketers. The sandbox, being a concern or a problem is yet to be answered by these experts and enthusiasts.

The discussions merely evolve around different results coming from varying tests to identify its existence, and if so, its functions.

Why would the Sandbox exist?

Whether it would end as being beneficial or destructive to Google is still a hanging questions for experts. The idea of spending for an optimized site, and being kept in a holding box is not highly appreciated by some, but for Google, it may be a price worth paying over the exploitation of some.

When a new site is created, no matter how optimized it may be for search engines, it does not automatically rank high in searches. In fact, it would have the least possibility of appearing in the search results pages. The reason for this is Search Engine indexing. For most engines, it takes months before new sites are completely indexed for rankings. Google on the other hand, being the prevalent search engine compared to its rivals Yahoo or MSN, have their more proficient way of indexing wherein, instead of months, would take only days for them to finalize indexing of sites.

Some Search Engine Spammers began to take advantage of Google’s indexing promptness, with basic elements of ranking algorithm. The month-long high ranking through excessive link building, would be sufficient to increase profits, and validate the costs of building the sites before they are banned. Once this happens, they need but create another highly optimized site, and continue the vicious cycle.

Google decided to carry on with the indexing pace, but with certain constraints. All new websites now had to undergo probation. Under the circumstances that they would pass the spam filters for the given time, these sites would be allowed to leave the sandbox and join the ranks of established websites.

What are the signs that the site is in the Sandbox?

If the existence of the Sandbox is considered, the first concern is how does one know whether or not their site is in the sandbox.

The signs are easier to identify than the existence of the sandbox itself.

Being in a sandbox does not equate to being banned, it is just being filtered. The two simplest factors are:

  • Ranking higher with non-competitive keywords
  • Ranking higher in other major entries

If the Sandbox truly exists, it is enough to conclude that Google has gone through great lengths to protect their users from irrelevant sites. Skeptics still believe this probation stage have a loophole, or at least, alternatives. And for some, it is enough to sit back, and be patient.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Web Design and Development: Do It Yourself, or Hire?

In the future, it is inevitable that almost all business would want, if not require a website if they want the best out of their investment. Understandably so, they would want the best website possible for their goods or services. The initial reaction would be create the web design themselves, maybe get the cousin to do the technical portions, and stay in control of the entire development.

Web Design Do It Yourself

There are many sites offering tools for the creation of websites. It is not necessary you have complete background on site development in order to make a site. All you need is creativity, or is it a different case?

There are more than several factors to consider in web design, add it to the maintenance of the site. Aside from aesthetics, it has to be search engine and user-friendly, effective, and up to date plus many other factors.

Do It Yourself Websites tend to look either unfinished, or overdone. So, to solve this problem, you hire, but what about your investments? Money is always a consideration when creating a website. The cheapest and most effective way is to outsource.

Outsource Your Site Building and Maintenance

With offshore outsourcing, there are wide cost differences. Thus, the problem of cost is solved. There are also other considerations that might have entered your mind such as:

a. How can you work with them, if you are not visibly with them?
b. How can you trust someone to work on your site, if you have not met them?
c. How can you be assured of you preferences applied on the creation your site?

With the internet age, it is not necessary to be physically with someone in order to be friends, and it works the same for business transactions such as these. Most offshore companies offer communication lines open 24 hours, to cater to your questions, at whatever timezone you may be located. It may either be through e-mail, skype, msn, or any other instant messengers that allow you to chat, and call as well.

These offshore companies are easily searched on the net and provide their background as well as previous projects. In that way, you can easily view if their products are more to your liking or otherwise. Many of them also post their actual managing board and production team, if it may help you deal with them more. Some Outsource Web design and Development companies such as BHI Pro even offer realtime video streaming of your team at work so you can familiarize with the people on your project.

Because of the wide competition in the It Outsourcing Industry, a customer is required a first partial payment, and the full payment only upon completion of the work. Ergo, you pay if, and only if you are already satisfied with the work done for your website. So, you can see the start, and the progress of your Website Design and Development. You can give them the initial guidelines, add in your comments, and agree or disagree with the changes.

When the project is finally completed, you can make payments through credit card or whatever convenient payment method they can offer you.

A Website, perfect for your company, without the hassles and headaches of having to do it, or hiring the individuals yourself.

Services To Look For To Build an Effective Business Website

To build a truly effective business website, you need not merely web design and development. You need other services that not only tag along, but actually serve vital functions to generating traffic, and most importantly, income.

Your IT Outsourcing company needs to have a collective integral experience in Information Technology, Project Management, Media, Sales and Marketing to craft a wide range of solutions for your business or oraganization.

Specific Services to seek in an IT Solutions Provider:

» Web Design and Development
help you design and develop websites that not only will look fresh and feel dynamic but can give you solid support in controlling your business, managing vital data and facilitating the sale of products and services.
[Read more about Search Design & Development]

» Managed Outsourcing
Managed Outsourcing is the process of using third parties to run the development and maintenance of projects to meet time, cost and quality expectations with minimal risk and interference. A ready staff of project managers, web developers, programmers, flash animators, graphics designers, SEO specialists and general support staff who have strong training, motivation and customer service orientation.
[Read more more about Managed Outsourcing]

» E-commerce
eCommerce is about using the Internet to do more business better and faster. It will help you custom build an ecommerce website that will connect your business to a broader audience and give your products and services more positive exposure.
[Read more more about eCommerce]

» Search Engine Optimization
SEO is a service that requires specialized knowledge and dedicated effort. The search engine optimization specialist can help you get your website on the top pages of search engines and directory listings.
[Read more more about Search Engine Optimization]

» Website Maintenance
Web site maintenance service will keep the content and graphics updated on a regular basis consequently improving your site’s search engine ranking. Since many site owners don’t have the time and knowledge to properly maintain their websites, they can take this load off your hands by delivering affordable, professional and secure web site development and maintenance.
[Read more more about Website Maintenance]

» Web Hosting
A company that offers web hosting solutions that suit your needs whether it’s for a basic site, a content heavy interactive site, or a high-traffic and high-interactivity site.
[Read more more about Web Hosting]

Monday, July 23, 2007

Computer Jobs, IT Jobs, Internet Jobs, Tech Jobs on BHIPro.com


This is an excellent opportunity for people looking to build a solid career in I.T. with a leading Web Applications and Multimedia Design Firm with satisfied clients in the Philippines, U.S. and U.K.


BHIPRO
(www.bhipro.com) is looking for the following:

Project Manager/Business Analyst
1. Two to five years experience with project management in an Internet-based software development environment.
2. Prior experience with an I.T. company is preferred, but not a requirement.
3. Complete understanding of project management tools, procedures and overall product life cycle, emphasis on project management skills.
4. Prior experience with rapid software development methodologies.
5. Knowledge of Project Management software and Microsoft Office software.
6. Designs new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity.
7. Examine existing business models and the flows of data in the business. Discuss findings with the client, and then design an appropriate improved IT solution.
8. Draw up and cost specifications and produce outline designs of new IT systems, specifying the data, files and logical operations the system will perform, and the way data will be viewed by the user.

Search Engine Optimization Team Lead
1. 2 years SEO experience including an in-depth knowledge of search engine technologies (algorithms, ranking strategy and industry trends.
2. Experience developing, implementing and maintaining a Link building strategy
3. Strong understanding of technology
4. Experience with SEO reporting and Web analytics tools
5. Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with a variety of departments
6. Strong follow up skills, organization skills and attention to detail

Search Engine Optimization Manager
1. Responsible for day to day account management of our Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing programs.
2. Conducting A/B and multivariate testing and analyzing results to improve web design.
3. Own the customer relationship including all customer interaction and communications from the moment the sale is closed to the successful delivery and launch of our services and on-going support.
4. Develop specifications and plans for design, customization and implementation of the company services and processes.
5. Analyze web analytics reports and make recommendations for web optimization.
6. Develop best practice guidelines for content development and web design to achieve best possible conversion rates.
7. Supervise completion of all projects and tasks to customer satisfaction.
8. Two years experience with the following: Optimization, A/B testing, Multivariant testing, Web consulting, e-eommerce, Online marketing, Online statistical concepts, Analytical tools, Internet technologies, HTML/JavaScript, Web analytics

Senior PHP Developers
1. Must have senior level expertise in PHP, Javascript, HTML, and CSS development.
2. With demonstrated expertise in interactive websites.

Senior eCommerce PHP Developer
1. Must have senior level expertise in PHP, Javascript, HTML, and CSS development.
2. With strong skills in eCommerce systems, Smarty Templates, and site integration to ERP systems.

Senior Flash Developer
1. With demonstrated experience as a senior flash developer.
2. Must have solid understanding of video streaming, CSS usage in flash site, alternative text methodologies and SEO methodologies in flash site creation.

Graphics Artists
1. Must have at least two years experience as graphic artist
2. With strong graphic and html abilities

A competitive compensation (starting salaries are at par with Manila rates) awaits qualified applicants who are hard workers and willing to relocate to Davao City, one of the best cities to live and work in.

Send your application letter and resume to:

The HR Manager
BHIPRO
2nd Floor, Annex 1 - Technotrade Bldg.
R. Castillo, Davao City
E-mail: shane.maxino@bhipro.com

Is Offshore Outsourcing An Effective Retaliation to the ROI ( Return of Investment ) Grind Down?

Amidst astringing market competition and consumers becoming more and more discriminating, product demands decrease and profits grow less. What can merchants do to sustain their business, offer competitive pricing, and still come up with considerable gain? A counteraction is available, and necessary, look upon offshore outsourcing.

Traditionally, businessmen turned to expensive ad campaigns and other marketing strategies that do not necessarily guarantee solid return of investment. Today, the effecting power of the Internet has given rise to the ability to reduce staff, as well as, production expenditure and pump- up company revenues. This ability to apportion staff- intensive servicing functions to lower- cost but equally capable offshore facilities hold a more realistic, and greater promise in terms of better income generation.

Misjudgment of Offshore Outsourcing

Like most anything on the leading edge, there are several issues that needs to be acknowledged with regards to offshore outsourcing.

• Is it Unpatriotic?
It has been implied that offshore outsourcing may become a potential threat to the domestic employment of an advanced country like America.

However, is it truly unpatriotic to want to safeguard a business, preserve affordable rates, and still come up with equitable company profits, and in doing so, provide much needed benefits to less developed countries or global society as a whole?

read more...