Introduction to digital marketing:Digital Marketing can be defined as promoting of brands or products and services using all forms of digital advertising. Digital marketing uses Television, Radio, Internet, mobile and any form of digital media to reach customers in a timely, relevant, personal and cost-effective manner.Ways to do digital marketing:1. Search Engine Optimization2. PPC3. Email Marketing (factors such as subject line, quality, and personalization are matters)4. Social Media Marketing5. Digital Display Marketing6. Mobile Marketing7. Content Marketing (It also includes blogs, eBooks, webinars, White papers and a variety of other outlets.)8. Traditional Marketing MethodsStrategies and their Introduction:1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO):SEO helps to make a website to be founded in Search Engine Results Page (SERP) for desired Keywords. SEO helps to build a brand.Process: Measurable link-building and the creation of quality viral content are respectable marketing processes that work.SEO’s return on investment (ROI) fluctuates as PPC (see below) rises and falls, and organic search results are more trusted than paid advertising.That’s why SEO is more worthwhile over time. This includes:• Keyword Analysis• On page optimization (optimizing a website in page level)• Off page optimization (building quality back links to web site and to web pages)• Building authority for brand terms (This includes company profiles in major Social networks)• Website health checkups (checking technical issues)• Analytics Reports (Provides how our campaigns are working by seeing traffic)2. PPC:PPC helps to get traffic from Search Engines for targeted keyword terms. The benefit of this process is that, we are going to pay only for the clicks that we have received.Google AdWords is the most popular PPC program.Strategy: Identifying converting keywords, effective bidding process to keep the costs low etc…PPC marketing provides instant results because it generates visitors quickly and also lets you measure your budget and ROI appropriately. Becoming well-versed in Google AdWords helps your company take full advantage of the potential benefits of PPC marketing.3. Email Marketing:Email Marketing is most traditional form of digital marketing, yet it gives exceptional results if we can personalize every email.Important things to consider:Step 1: gathering email IDs list. (Offering something like a PDF, eBook etc… , at our website, can be helpful to gather recipients email IDs.)Step 2: A service like Aweber.com, mailchimp.com can be handy for instant reply messages and managing newsletter campaigns.Step 3: Personalization is very important for a successful email campaigns. Personalization should be in Subject line, Body of the Message.And the factors like catchy “Subject line” and “brief message” motivates the recipient to visit the targeted page.News Letters: They are a wonderful way to engage with our community by sending weekly or monthly newsletters.4. Social Media Marketing:Social Media is the most and the very cost effective digital marketing strategy to engage with existing customers and to build a brand name across different Social Media communities.First, define your goals. What are you trying to get out of social media?Strategy: This starts with identifying right channels for the type of business we are in.Step 1: creating business profiles on Social Networks: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ & PinterestStep 2: using photo sharing services like Flicker, Instagram etc…using video sharing services like YouTube, Vimeo etc…
using PPTs sharing service like SlideShare…
using PDF sharing services like Scribd.com, SlideShare.com etc…Step 3: Starting activities which represents your company business sector.Step 4: Building a community at these third party Social Sites.Step 5: Develop an editorial calendar to plan when posts go up, or manage your social media content stream through a platform such as Hoot suite.5. Digital Display marketing:• This includes paid advertisements (mostly image banner ads and video ads) on websites, portals, blogs which related to our industry.• This works well because the pages displaying these advertisements are conveying something throughout their website, which is our business industry. So, the rate of converses is good in this process.• With this display marketing we can raise traffic from the ad providing site and thus we might gain some leads with conversion rate strategies.6. Mobile Marketing:Before going to start this campaign we need to be sure that can we offer our services which can be accessible through mobile phones? If yes, then optimize your site for mobile phones.• Optimizing website for mobile is important.Mobile marketing includes… mobile search, content presentation (optimized site), display ads (PPC) and mobile compatible emails.7. Content Marketing:Content Marketing is a popular trend in digital marketing as it includes blogs, eBooks, webinars, White papers and a variety of other outlets.All these are signals for freshness of the website. Google likes the sites which updated frequently and provides great deal of info.The information that we provide should answer some question or show some solutions to a problem. So that it will gain respect and can be shared at online.Note: This content marketing alone will work with almost all other online marketing campaigns.8. Traditional Marketing Methods:Digital marketing not only depends on internet. Apart from that it extends beyond this by including other channels such as mobile phones or cell phones, display banner ads, SMS /mms and digital outdoor etc…
All of these can be effectively used to build a brand name for an organization. Most of these are paid and when we have some campaign regards any public service that we can offer, we can get coverage by the following media for free of cost. In other words, they are earned.Television: Advertisements (paid)Radio: Advertisements (paid)Newspapers: Advertisements (paid) and News created by any activity done by organization (earned).News created by a program which offers some of the services to public for free (earned)Magazines: Advertisements (paid)Conclusion:Strategies made for an organization are completely depends on their business model, the products they offering and the types of services they offer etc… However these are main and most used methods in best digital marketing service and we can inter relate them for any desired results.
Arenas in Digital Marketing
Complete Men’s Skin Care & Shaving Ingredient List Part 1
Acrylates/C10-30, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer – A film forming agent that produces excellent water binding properties. Used as a moisturizing agent.Avobenzone (2%) – Used in sunscreen and sun block products. Doubles or triples their UVA protection. Avobenzone and Zinc Oxide are the only 2 sunscreens approved for broad spectrum protection.Agave Tequilana Leaf Extact (Blue Agave) – A moisturizing agent derived from the Blue Agave plant. Ancient cultures have known about it’s great moisturizing properties for centuries.Akyl Acrylate – A film forming agent that grabs moisture from the air and disperses it into the skin.Alcohol (Denatured) – Also known as SD (Specially Denatured) Alcohol. Used in many skin toners to help break the surface tension of oils and make them easier to be removed from the skin.Aleurities Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil – A moisturizing and skin soothing oil derived from the Candle Nut Tree. Mainly Exported from Hawaii but also found in other tropical regions.Algae Extract – Am extract derived from Algae. Algae has been used for it’s skin healing properties for years. Scientists have recently that found that Algae contains many antioxidants that are easily absorbed into the skin to be in algae.Alkyl Benzoate – is an emollient Ester that provides the skin with light conditioning and leaves the skin feeling silky soft. Alkyl Benzoate is great for men with sensitive skin.Allantoin – is a by product of Uric Acid that is known to be a great anti skin irritant. Allantoin is a great ingredient for men who’s skin is sensitive or easily irritated.Almond Oil (Sweet) – is an oil extracted from Almond Seed. It is considered a non-Volatile oil. It is used as a moisturizer and has great skin softening properties.Aloe Vera – Known for years to have powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial properties. Aloe Vera also contains a large amount of antioxidants and also a water binding agent that helps pull ambient moisture from the air onto your skin. A must have ingredient to help treat sunburns.Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) – is used in skin care products as a thickening agent and also as an absorbent to help other ingredients be absorbed into the skin.Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract (Chamomile) – a potent anti-Inflammatory for the skin. Also has strong anti microbial properties. Is considered an essential oil and is derived from the Chamomilla recutita Plant.Apricot Kernel Oil – is a plant oil pressed from the seeds of the apricot fruit. It is a non fragrant plant oil and is used as a moisturizer in many Men’s skin care products.Artemisia Vulgaris Extract (mugwort extract) – An Anti Inflammatory for the skin.Ascorbic Acid – A form of Vitamin C that is known for its Antioxidant properties.Ascorbyl Palmitate – is the Stable and non acidic form of vitamin C that is known for it’s Antioxidant properties.Avena Sativa Kernel Extract (Oat) – Is an extract derived from the Oat Plant. Avena Sativa Extract has strong Anti Irritant and Anti Inflammatory properties.Avobenzone 3% – is a synthetic ingredient that is used as a sunscreen and sunblock. It is also known by the names Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.Avocado Oil – Is an emollient and also a non fragrant oil. It is used in skin care products for its moisturizing properties and its antioxidant qualities.Azeloglicina – A Chemical compound that is known to moisturize the skin. It is also used as a an anit ance treatment in a variety on men’s skin care products.Azulene – an extract from Chamomile used mostly as a natural coloring agent in cosmetics. It is known to have antioxidant properties.Basil – an herb you usually see in Italian recipes. But it’s oil extract has been used for years in many cultures as a skin treatment. Basil enhance the tone of your skin as well as removing dullness from your hair and skin.Bay Leaf Oil – A very potent Antioxidant rich oil derived from the Bay leaf.Beeswax – A natural wax made by bees in the construction of there honeycombs. Beeswax is mainly used as a thickening agent. Due to this property it is used in many mens hair products such as gels and pomades.Behentrimonium Chloride – is a skin conditioning agent and is often used for its emulsifying properties.Behenyl Alcohol – is used in cosmetics and skin products as a thickening agent. It is not related to the forms of alcohol that can be irritating to the skin.Bentonite – is a cometic grade clay that is used as an absorbent in skin care products. It is usually used in products designed for men with oily skin as it can help absorb excess oil on the male face.Benzocaine – is a anesthetic that is used on the outside of the skin. Benzoncaine is used topically to help relieve the feeling of irritation or burning that some men experience while shaving.Benzophenone-4 – a sun blocking compound found in many sunscreen products. It is mainly used in broad spectrum protection products as it mainly protect the skin from UVB rays. It does block some UVA rays but not as much as other compounds.Bergamot Oil – is a citrus based oil that has a pleasant fragrance and can be used in skin products to soothe the skin.Beta-Carotene – is a compound that helps form Retinol which is a fancy name for vitamin A. It has strong antioxidant properties and can help reduce the visual signs on sun damage and aging.BETA-GLUCAN – is a sugar / starch based compound that is usually derived from yeast. It has mil antioxidant properties, but is mainly used for its anti-inflammatory properties.Bilberry Extract – an antioxidant rich compound.Biosaccharide Gum-1 – is made from fermenting plants. It is a skin soothing and moisturizing agent. It works by pulling moisture from the air into the skin. It is also a mild anti irritant.Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 – is a higher form of lanolin. It has high moisturizing properties. Due to it’s semi solid state it is usually used in lip balms and other lip products.Bisabolol – is used on the skin as an anti-irritant. It is usually extracted from chamomile or created synthetically.Bitter Orange Oil – a fragrant oil derived from the citrus family, mainly oranges. It is used as a natural fragrance for skin products.Boerhavia Root Extract – is an Indian plant extract that has strong anti inflammatory properties. It is used in many men’s skin care products that are designed for men with sensitive skin, but it is mainly used in after shaves and post shave products.BUTYLENE GLYCOL – used in cosmetics to keep products from freezing or melting from temperatures deviating from room temperature. It also helps active ingredients penetrate the skin and is used as a delivery agent.Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – is extracted from the Karite Tree. It is a plant lipid that is rich in antioxidants. It is used as an emollient in many men’s skin care and shaving products. It is a staple in the skin care industry for its great skin moisturizing properties.BUTYLPARABEN – is a chemical compound that is used as a preservative in skin care and shaving products. It is also used as an antifungal agent.C12 15 Alkyl Lactate – is used as a thickening agent in skin products.C12-15, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate – is used as a thickening agent in skin products.Calcium d-Pantothenate (Pro-Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid) – is used as an anti acne compound in many acne or pimple products. It is also known to have mild hydrating properties and wound healing abilities.Calendula Extract – is used as an anti bacterial and anti inflammatory agent in many products. It is derived from the Pot Marigold plant.Calophyllum Inophylum Seed Oil (Tamanu Oil) – is an exotic ingredient that is native Polynesia. It is an all around skin healer. It has been used to treat Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis. It is also know to have anti-inflammatory effects.Camelia Oleifera Seed Extract (Green Tea) – Is known for it’s Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Carcinogen properties the world round. It is also thought to help prevent collegen breakdown and help reduce UV damage to the skin.Canadian Willowherb (Epilobium Angustifolium Extract) – is used as an antimicrobial agent in many skin and shaving products. It is also known as an anti irritant. Commonly derived form the Fireweed or Willow Herb.Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (Hemp) – is used as an emollient in cosmetics and other men’s products. It is also considered a fatty acid. It is derived from the plant genus Cannabis which is also the genus that marijuana is part of, however while similar in shape and color, Hemp contains almost zero THC which is the active ingredient that users seek from the drug Marijuana.Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride – is an extract that is commonly derived from the Coconut. It is usually used as an emollient or thickening agent.Caprylyl Glycol – is a skin conditioning agent that can be obtained from plants or created synthetically in a lab. It is used as a preservative in many shaving, hair or facial products.Carbomer – A group of chemical agents used to thicken a product. This thickening agent is usally used in gel based products such as shaving gels and hair gels.Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract – is commonly used in skin care products as an exfoliating agent. It is derived from the papaya plant and fruit.Carrageenan Extract – is a cosmetic grade gum that is derived from seaweed. It is usually used as a thickening agent, but is also known for it’s moisturizing benefits to the skin.Castor Oil – is a vegetable oil that comes from the Castor bean. Castor Oil leaves a film on the skin which attracts moisture to the skin. Castor oil is used in many men’s shaving products such as Pre-Shave Oils and Pre Shave Sticks and is also used in some shaving creams.Centella Asiatica Extract (May be listed as Hydrocotyl, Gotu Kola or Asiatic Acid) – It is known for having Anti Bacterial and Anti-Psoriatic properties and is also a great ingredient to heal wounds and superficial cuts on the skin.Ceratonia Siliqua Gum – Is derived from the Locust bean. It is used as an emollient and as a viscosity controlling agent.Ceteareth-12, 20 & 25 – Is a family of fatty alcohols that are used in skin care products to thicken the product as well as keep all of the ingredients mixed together.Cetyl Alcohol – Is a fatty alcohol that is usually derived from the coconut tree, but can also be created synthetically. It is used in skin products as an emulsifier, and as a thickener that also delivers other ingredients into the skin.Chlorphenesin – An alcohol used to preserve the ingredients in a cosmetic product.Cholesterol – Helps maintain the skin natural function and well as attract moisture to the skin.Cinnamon Extract – Used for its antimicrobial properties as well as it antioxidant benefits.Citric Acid – Is derived from the citrus family of fruits. It is used mostly to adjust the PH of skin products.Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil – Used in many products to help with preventing and treating acne on the face and body. Lime Oil also has great antiseptic properties.Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil – Used in many products to help with preventing and treating acne on the face and body. Orange Oil also has great antiseptic properties.Cocamide DEA, MEA & TEA – Are a group of chemicals that are used as a foaming agent in everything from shampoos, facial moisturizers, body washes and soap bars.Cocamidopropyl Betaine – A gentle Surfactant or Surface Active Agent is a cleaning agent that helps emulsify fats and oils on the skin in order to rinse them off and remove them from the face or body. It also suspends soils and dirt that it can be easily removed from the skin with water.Colloidal Minerals – Ground up natural minerals that are ground extremely finely and added and suspended in a product solution.Cornstarch – used as an absorbent in many products designed for men with oily skin. Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract – Derived from the Cucumber, which belongs to the gourd family. This extract is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used is spa’s as a treatment for puffy eyes for years.Cyclomethicone – A silicone based compound that has a slightly drier finish on the skin than Dimethicone. Commonly used in men’s shaving products as a lubricant to help glide the blade across your face.DEA Cetyl Phosphate – Commonly used a lathering agent in skin, body and hair products. It is usually paired up with a foaming or detergent agent to get a cleaning and foaming property.Dead Sea Mud – cultures living around the dead sea have used the mineral rich mud from the dead sea as a skin treatment for centuries. It is a well known treatment for Psoriasis as well as dry skin, acne and wrinkles.Decyl Glucoside – A gentle detergent that is commonly used in mens face washes that are geared toward men with sensitive or dry skin.DIAZOLIDINYL UREA – A preservative agent used in many cosmetics and skin products. Prevents the growth of bacteria, mold an fungus in the product.DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE – An Emollient that can be derived from synthetic or animal sources. It spreads easily the leave the skin feeling soft without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin.DISODIUM EDTA – Acts as a stabilizer in skin products and prevents certain ingredients from binding with smaller trace ingredients. Helps prevent the a change in color, texture and consistency over time.DMDM Hydantoin – Preservative agent in many skin care products.EDTA – An Emollient that can be derived from synthetic or animal sources. It spreads easily the leave the skin feeling soft without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin.Epilobium Angustifolium Extract – is an plant extract derived from the Willow Herb or Fireweed. It is used as an anti microbial agent.Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil – used as an anti microbial agent as well as an antifungal and anti viral agent.Eucalyptus Oil – used as an anti microbial agent as well as an anti fungal and anti viral agent.Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax¡V A plant extract that is derived from the Candelilla plane. This wax is used as a base in lip balms. It give the balm or stick its form. It is also used as an emollient.Gardenia Tahitensis Flower – Mainly used as a fragrance in many cosmetic and skin products. It is also a known antioxidant.Geranium Oil – Is a fragrant natural oil that has anti microbial properties.Ginger Oils – Used in men’s skin care products as an anti inflammatory. Used in many after shave or post shave products.Glycereth-7 – Used as an emollient or thickening agent in many skin based cosmetics.GLYCERIN – Click here to read more about Glycerin.Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil – This ingredient is extracted from soybeans. It is an emollient and a natural moisturizing agent.Glycol Stearate – Used as an emollient or thickening agent in many skin based cosmetics.Glycolic Acid – A synthetically derived acid that help break down oil on the skin, exfoliates the skin and can reduce fine lines on the face.Gotu Kola Centella Asiatica Extract – Also known as Asiatic Acid, Gotu Kola or Hydrocotyl. Known for it’s anto-sporiatic and skin healing properties.Grape Seed Oil – Is used for its antioxidant properties and is also an emollient oil.Green Tea Extract – Known for its antioxidant, anti carcinogen effects. Studies have shown the compounds in green tea to help prevent skin cancer in humans. It is also known to reduce collagen breakdown in the skin, which leads to wrinkles and general aging of the skin.Hamamelis Virginia (Witch Hazel) Extract – A potent antioxidant and anti inflammatory. Used in many astringents and electric pre shave solutions for skin cleaning ability and its ability to tighten the skin and raise beard stubble.Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil (Buckthorn Oil) – Known for its anti aging properties and skin healing abilities. A great ingredient to combat wrinkles and dryness of the skin.Honey – While normally consumed as a food, Honey has many healing properties for the skin. It is rich in vitamins and amino acids. Some studies have shown it to reduce the visible signs of aging.Hops – Used for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Also makes great beerºHyaluronic Acid – Is a natural compound found in skin. It is used as a water binding agent, drawing moisture to the skin.Hydrolized Wheat Gluten – A compound derived by hydrolyzing wheat with water. Used in conditioners as a softening and conditioning agent. Also gives hair it’s shine after being applied and rinsed off.Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters – A compound derived from the Jojoba Plant. It is a fatty acid that is used to condition the skin.Hydroxyethylcellulose – A thickening agent derived from plants. Typically used as an emulsifier or thickening agent. Can sometimes be used in men’s hair styling products as a film forming agent.odopropynyl Butylcarbamate – An Anti-Fungal agent that is synthetically derived.Isododecane – Used as a solvent in many men’s skin care products. It enhances the spreadability of the product and has a weightless feel on the skin. It also helps prevent the loss of moisture from the skin.Isohexadecane – Used as a cleansing agent in mens skin care products. It is also used as an emulsifier and a thickening agent.Isopropyl Myristate & Palmitate – Both of these men’s skin care ingredients are used to thicken skin care products as well as emulsify them.Sostearic Acid – Is a fatty acid that is usually used as a thickener and a binding agent.
Traveling To America? New ESTA Registration Mandated January 2009
For years, visitors from certain foreign countries have been able to travel to America without first getting a formal Visa sticker placed in their passport. Implemented in 1998, the “Visa Waiver Program” (VWP) has allowed for visitors of several countries to come to America for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without getting a Visa put in their passport. During 2007, more than 15 million visitors from VWP countries arrived in the United States.As of January 12, 2009 America’s new ESTA program requires Visa Waiver Program visitors coming to the U.S. for tourist or business purposes via a plane or ship to “register” online before entering the United States to see if they pose a law enforcement or security risk to the U.S. ESTA is not required for land crossings. Officials are asking that the ESTA registration be done at least 72 hours prior to leaving, but theoretically it is possible to register at the last minute. An ESTA Travel Authorization is free, valid for 2 years, and valid for multiple entries.Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ESTA Travel Authorization:What Countries Are in the Visa Waiver Program?Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.Where Do I Apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization?A website, operated by the American government, is where you register for ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA information you submit via the computer is compared with certain American law enforcement databases and then either approved or denied. Foreign travelers will not be able to submit ESTA applications at American airports after arriving or at a U.S. Embassy in their country.What if I Don’t Have Plans to Travel to the U.S. Yet?VWP travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization. As soon as VWP travelers begin to plan a trip to visit the U.S., they are encouraged to apply for travel authorization through the ESTA website. Applicants are not required to update their destination addresses or itineraries if they change after their ESTA Travel Authorization has been granted.Does the ESTA Travel Authorization Guarantee Entry to the U.S.?An ESTA Travel Authorization only authorizes a traveler to board an airline or ship for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. After they arrive, travelers who obtained an ESTA Travel Authorization may still be denied entry (also called “admission”) at a U.S. port of entry, such as an American airport. An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of admissibility at an American airport. In all cases, the American airport officers make the final determination whether a foreign traveler can enter the U.S. or not. You still have to establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer that you are entitled to be admitted to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.Can I Change My Travel Itinerary?It is possible to change an itinerary on an existing ESTA Travel Authorization; ESTA is designed so that you can update parts of it at any time. Travelers who did not get an ESTA approval may be denied boarding by the airlines, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission to the U.S. at the American airport.What If I Already Have a Valid B1/B2 Visitor Visa?While the ESTA Travel Authorization is completed online with no interview, there are Visas that require a U.S. Embassy interview. The Visa process has separate procedures, which generally require an appointment, travel to a U.S. Embassy, an interview with a Consular Officer, processing time, and the payment of an application fee. If a foreign national already went to the U.S. Embassy and has a valid B1/B2 Visitor Visa pasted in their passport it is not necessary to get an ESTA Travel Authorization because the traveler will be entering with a B1/B2 Visitor Visa and not through the Visa Waiver Program. Keep in mind that an approved ESTA Travel Authorization is not a Visa.Can I Re-Apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization if Denied?Yes, but you must wait at least 10 days to reapply and your circumstances must have changed. Unless there is a change in a substantive fact, re-application will not change the result. Keep in mind that applying for an ESTA Travel Authorization with false information can cause a foreign national to be permanently barred from ever entering America. The ESTA system is designed to try to prevent individuals from changing and manipulating an ESTA entry until they receive an approval.What If I am Denied an ESTA Travel Authorization and Have No Changed Circumstances?There are three types of responses to an ESTA application; approved, pending or travel not authorized (denied). Applicants who receive a “pending” response are advised to check the website 72 hours later. Applicants who are denied will be required to go to a U.S. Embassy to apply for a formal nonimmigrant visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, which may take months.Can a Traveler Find Out the Reason Why an ESTA Application was Denied?The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has stated that travelers may contact the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP at dhs.gov) but there are no guarantees that information about a denial will be divulged. U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not required to provide details about an ESTA denial nor resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial.What If I Have a Criminal Record?Only those qualified to travel under the VWP are eligible to pre-register through ESTA. Persons who have been arrested and/or convicted are generally not eligible for VWP and probably require a formal Visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, to travel to America. If a foreign national has received tickets for speeding (which don’t usually result in an arrest or conviction) they are probably still eligible for the VWP and ESTA. If a foreign traveler has been denied entry into or deported from the U.S., they require a formal Visa.Do Any Other Countries Have a Similar Program?Australia has a program called the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that mandates travelers to submit an ETA application electronically through a website requesting permission to travel to Australia. Airlines may refuse to accept passengers who do not have either an approved ETA or Visa to enter Australia.How Long Will the ESTA Application Data be Stored? Who Can Access It?The ESTA Travel Authorization is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The American government will maintain the information for at least 15 years to allow retrieval of the information for law enforcement, national security, or investigatory purposes. Information submitted through ESTA can also be shared with any U.S. government organization.What Information Does the Airlines Get?Airlines will receive confirmation of a passenger’s ESTA status visa the “Advance Passenger Information System” (APIS) which shows whether the ESTA authorization has been granted for a Visa Waiver Program traveler. It is recommended that the traveler print out the ESTA application approval in order to maintain a record of their ESTA application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA status.What About Children?Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are required to obtain an independent ESTA Travel Authorization.What if a Mistake was Made on the ESTA Application?The ESTA website will ask applicants to review their application before submitting it. Also, there is an update function for certain information such as email address, telephone number, or flight information. If an applicant makes a mistake that cannot be “updated,” he will need to submit a new ESTA application.What if I Only Have a Connecting Flight Through the U.S.?Visa Waiver Program visitors who have a connecting flight in the U.S. are required to either have ESTA Travel Authorization or a Visa from a U.S. Embassy in their passport to travel through the U.S. even for a one hour stop. If a traveler is only planning to stop in the U.S. en route to another country, the traveler should enter the words “In Transit” and his final destination in the address lines under the heading “Address While In The United States” on the ESTA application.What Are the Questions on the ESTA Travel Authorization Application?The traveler must provide (in English) biographical data including name, birth date, country of citizenship, country of residence, email address, sex, telephone number, passport information, destination address in the U.S., travel information (round trip airline ticket, flight number and city where you are boarding) as well as questions regarding communicable diseases (chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inquinale, HIV, leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis [active], tuberculosis [active], and others), physical or mental disorders, drug addiction problems, arrests, convictions, past history of visa cancellation or denial, and prior deportations from the U.S. The traveler will also be asked whether they are seeking work in the U.S., have ever been deported or tried to get a visa by fraud or misrepresentation. The traveler will be asked if they have ever detained a child of a U.S. Citizen granted custody of the child, and whether they have ever asserted immunity from prosecution.Do I Select “Business” or “Pleasure (Tourist) at the Airport Port of Entry?After the ESTA Travel Authorization is granted, the foreign traveler will be interviewed by government officers at the first American airport they land. The officer will ask what the foreign traveler will be doing in America and the questioning can take up to four hours in a detained setting called “secondary inspection.” The officer may ask the traveler “what else are you doing in America?” repeatedly to try to get “the real” answer. If the traveler is only going to be a tourist, they are not allowed to do any business, including meeting with any attorneys, applying for a bank account, meeting with real estate agents, or other business consulting activities. Even though the traveler is going to conduct just one business meeting while in America, they are required to report it and enter as a business visitor. The business visitor is allowed to participate in tourist activities, but the tourist visitor is not allowed to participate in any business activities. Therefore, if any business might be conducted while in America, it is best to tell the government officers about it at the airport to avoid being accused of lying, put immediately on a plane back to your home country, and barred from America for life.What Else Do Can the Airport Officers Make Me Prove After I Land?The airport officers will ask the traveler proof of a foreign residence (address on foreign driver’s license), whether their intention is to depart at the end of the visit (round trip airline ticket), whether the traveler has a job (letter, paystub, business card) and family in their home country, (marriage certificate, childrens’ birth certificates), and whether the traveler has the money to travel around America (bank statement or credit cards with bank letter showing credit limit). The airport officers are also required to ask where the traveler will stay in America (hotel reservations or friends/relatives’ homes) and have been known to pick up the phone to verify all of the aforementioned information.Can I Be Searched in the American Airport? Am I Entitled to Legal Representation?While being interviewed at the American airport, all luggage (even locked bags) can be searched, as well as the traveler’s body and his/her cell phone (including text messages and phone numbers) and laptop (including hard drive). The officers may “google” a traveler’s name and check out their myspace, Facebook or hyves pages. The traveler is not allowed to be represented by an attorney or even call their attorney while in “secondary inspection.” Bathroom visits, water and food may be limited, so it is best to prepare for such an occasion while still on the plane before landing.Do I Still Have to Go Through the “US-VISIT” Program at the American Airport?Foreign travelers arriving at American airports and seaports must still be photographed and fingerprinted every time they enter the U.S.Who Should I Ask For Help to Fill Out the ESTA Application?The information a traveler provides on the ESTA application can remain in their file with U.S. authorities for a minimum of 15 years – probably longer. If a foreign traveler has some questions about how to answer the questions so as not to be permanently barred from America, it would be prudent to them to pay for a legal consultation with an American Immigration Attorney who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Beware of unauthorized private websites that offer ESTA application assistance for $49.99 – they are usually not authorized to practice immigration law and are asking travelers to pay for a copy of the application questions, which are free on the dhs.gov website.If I Am Denied the ESTA Travel Authorization Will it Effect My Ability to Obtain a Visa at the U.S. Embassy?When the ESTA Travel Authorization is denied, the foreign traveler must make an appointment at a U.S. Embassy in their country to apply for a formal Visa. The U.S. Embassy is operated by the U.S. Department of State and there are no expedited procedures for those who have been denied ESTA Travel Authorization. Because the ESTA program is so new, it is impossible to predict how badly a denial of the ESTA Travel Authorization will impact a traveler’s application for a Visa at a U.S. Embassy or impact their future travel to America in general. American Immigration Attorneys are in close contact with their foreign clients and will share the denial information with each other starting in January 2009. Currently there are no government policies regulating this area of the law, or opportunities to appeal a denial.When Is the a “New” ESTA Travel Authorization Required?A new ESTA Travel Authorization is required during the two years if (1) the traveler is issued a new passport (2) the traveler changes his name (3) the traveler changes his or her gender (4) the traveler’s country of citizenship changes or (5) the circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed (such as a new arrest).Can an American Immigration Attorney, Travel Agent or Employer Fill Out the ESTA Application?A third party, such as a relative, travel agent or American Immigration Attorney, is permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveler. Be aware that the traveler is still responsible under the law for the answers submitted on his or her behalf by a third party.Over 68,000 travelers have already voluntarily registered by using the ESTA online system in the last few months. Applicants are reminded to obtain a new “e-passport” which has an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, as well as other biometric information, when registering with ESTA.