M a r k e t i n g t i p
Easily add valuable content to your site to improve your Web site's marketing results
Part one of a two-part series on employing RSS feeds in your marketing
RSS feeds are a relatively new resource in Internet-based publishing and marketing. Simply put, an RSS feed automatically streams content from one Web site to another [more on RSS feeds]. For instance, the Trucks at Hand RSS feed can stream listings of our off-lease inventory from the CurrentInventory.net site straight onto your site without you lifting a finger after it is set up. But the value of RSS feeds to your marketing efforts goes beyond just listing Trucks at Hand's inventory.
You can add RSS feeds to your site in order to include content relevant to the people who visit your site - especially end-users. There are RSS feeds that stream news and other information about the construction industry, transportation industry, related job and contract postings, and much more. Your site can display up-to-the-minute news from well-respected media outlets without any effort from you or your Webmaster once you have it set up on your site.
How does this add value to your Web site and marketing efforts? There are three ways. First, the content being streamed into your site is often considered part of your site by the search engines. This means you get credit for the content and links in the eyes of search engines, thereby improving your search engine rankings (read: more free traffic). The best way to improve search engine rankings by including RSS feed content is to integrate the feed with your site's HTML. Second, including valued content on your site adds credibility and a reason for visitors to spend more time on your site. Finally, most RSS feeds are free. Other than any cost you might incur to have the RSS feed connected to your site, it is free with little or no ongoing maintenance.
Incorporating RSS feeds into your site does take a little technical know-how, but if you have basic Web publishing skills or a Webmaster, it's a cinch. Below are some resources to consider as a jumping off point...
Spring Widgets offers a simple and free tool to display RSS feeds on your Web site, find them at www.springwidgets.com. (Using a widget will not improve search engine rankings.)
McGraw Hill construction news - one of the leading publishers on the subject - has an RSS feed. Access it at www.construction.com/NewsCenter/RSS/default.asp.
The New York Times offers an RSS feed specific to trucks and trucking. Scroll down and look on the right-hand side of this page: New York Times trucks and trucking.
2RSS.com provides a directory of RSS feeds that you can choose from. This directory shows available feeds you can use to put construction industry news on your site: http://www.2rss.com/cat2_23.html.
Trucks at Hand offers an RSS feed from the CurrentInventory.net site. This allows you to show off-lease trucks, trailers and equipment directly on your site. Access it from any of the subordinate pages linked to www.currentinventory.net.
Take a look at the RSS feeds available; there are literally thousands of them you can find with a Google search. Consider adding them to your site for better search rankings and a more information-rich site.
Want more marketing tips? See more.
S a m p l e d e a l o f t h e w e e k
Customer obtains equipment with minimal due up front; broker earns strong commission
SunBridge Capital's pricing strategy rewards strong credit applicants and the brokers who present the deal. The transaction below funded earlier this week:
Average Trans Union FICO: 722
Verified time-in-business: 3 years
Asset: 2002 Rough terrain forklift
Amount financed: $38,000
Documents needed for credit decision: online application
Monthly payment: $1,105
Total due before funding: $1,877 (no capital cost reduction)
Requested broker commission: 9.25 points = $3,515
Funding status: Booked
More information on SunBridge Capital's credit programs.
Want more sample structures? See more.
S t a t e o f t h e i n d u s t r y
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P r o g r a m a d v a n t a g e
Three additional asset types now eligible for financing from SunBridge Capital
Last week SunBridge Capital added three asset types to the list of eligible assets. Applicants must meet our standard criteria to receive an approval on these assets. The new asset types are:
- Cable placer trucks, typically used for utility line installation or replacement
- Trenchers, digs trenches, often for installing utilities
- Street sweepers, used for cleaning concrete and asphalt surfaces such as roads and parking lots
