If you’re looking to get the inside scoop to help expand your business internationally, blogger Manoj Jasra has a new site for you – GlobalThoughtz.
Building on the blog model he established with Web Analytics World, Manoj’s team is looking to become the central place for localized online marketing strategy in a variety of countries.
I asked Manoj a few questions about his new venture.
Global Thoughtz by Manoj Jasra
1. Why did you pick Global Thoughtz as your next blogging project?
We wanted to fill a need. We felt that there had to be some better resources on the internet where people can find marketing strategy/information in one central place. There are many blogs/portals which do this very well but we wanted something that could be applied globally rather than just to Canada or the US. (PS by we, I mean Jody Nimetz and myself)
2. What are your blog strategy and goals?
We are hoping to create a community where there are numerous bloggers per country (right now we sit at 20 bloggers total). We hope that these bloggers can share insight about their region so that people looking to market in these regions can have some first hand knowledge going in.
We would like visitors to the site to be really engaged with the information by communicating with our bloggers, subscribing to our site or becoming bloggers themselves. People who are interested in contributing can email us at globalthoughtz@gmail.com.
Statistically we eventually want to have hundreds of thousands of visitors and subscribers – but doesn’t everybody?
3. What lessons did you learn from building Web Analytics World that you’ve incorporate into GlobalThoughtz?
Many tactical things have been applied such as hosting on my own domain, the location/use of feeds, various SEO friendly plug-ins, creating relationships with other bloggers in the industry, as well as design elements. I am using WordPress for Global Thoughtz which I think is actually superior to Blogger, additionally after doing numerous WordPress installs I am now offering a new blog setup service – more information about that can be found here.
4. What’s different about social media in the US vs. the rest of the world?
At the lowest level I don’t think there is much difference because everyone is now sharing information and communicating like they never have before. Some parts of the world maybe further behind as well as further ahead of the US but fundamentally we are all heading towards the same direction. The methods used within Social media are the biggest difference such as My Space vs. Orkut vs. Facebook or Digg vs. Reddit or YouTube vs. MetaCafe.
5. If you had one piece of advice for aspiring bloggers out there, what would it be?
I have spoken to a lot of people on the topic of blogging and I think the biggest issue people have is getting started. I think at some point people need to get over this fear and understand that it’s OK to get your opinion out in the open and if your writing addresses a need, the visitors won’t be far behind. There will be people who don’t necessarily agree with everything you have to say but that’s ok too, disagreeing leads to communication and eventually better tactics and strategy.
