How to effectively use QR codes. . .

QR Codes - How to Use QR Codes to Promote Your Business

By Mark John Watts

Even if you haven't heard of the term 'QR codes' before, you have probably seen them. These codes, or rather barcodes, are cropping up on consumer products, in major publications and even on advertising hoardings. Invented in Japan, the QR code consists of a square pattern made up of black modules on a white background. They can be used to encode a URL, text or other data and can be decoded quickly by dedicated barcode readers and more recently camera phones. QR stands for quick response and allows consumers to access information about your company and products quicker than ever before.

The Latest in Online Promotion

If you are looking for an innovative and completely new method of promoting your business, QR codes are the way to go. A simple QR code on an advert, in your brochure or on your products can direct your audience and customers to a specific area on your website, give them access to discount codes or give them information that will help them to use your products. The possibilities are endless and as they become more and more popular with consumers it is a good idea to get ahead of your competition and start using this marketing method.

Get Ahead of Your Competition

Advertising your code is easy. Basically, anywhere where you would normally advertise or place text or images can be used to place a QR code. Using these codes will give your customers and potential customers a convenient and quick method of finding out more about you and the perfect opportunity to show off the functionality of their mobile phone. These days, consumers want information on the move and they want it fast. QR codes can be scanned on the fly whilst on the train, in a shop or at home and stored much like contacts so they can be referred to when needed.

Your QR code will be unique to you and can be embedded with whatever information you would like to make available to your target audience. If you need some inspiration on how best to use QR codes to promote your business here are just a few ideas:

* Business Cards - Include a code on your business card that directs your contacts to a specific web page or a video presentation.

* Press Releases - A code on your press releases can give readers more information about your products or services.

* Product Packaging and Literature - It's easy to include a code on these items and this is one of the most popular uses of them today.

* Websites - More accessible than a simple URL. Use a code to direct consumers to your home page or specific pages of interest.

* Promotional Material - Use on any form of online or offline advertising to give users easy access to additional information about your products or services.

When used in conjunction with your other marketing processes, QR codes can be highly effective and look set to become a standard method of online promotion.

For more information about Promoting QR Codes visit http://www.seomanchester.org.uk

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Great article for growing your Green business!

The LOHAS Market - 5 Copywriting Tips For Piqueing Their Interest
By Sarah Clachar

Author of ebook, "Writing Irresistible Copy for Nutritional Supplements," and a contributing editor for trade magazine, Nutrition Business Journal, Sarah specializes in copywriting for the ... No question about it: A truly Green Revolution is occurring. Increasingly people are including green criteria in their buying decisions.

A NPD poll cited by Marketwatch.com in 2007 reported that 18% of Americans said they are interested in purchasing "green, organic or eco-friendly products".

Venture capitalist, Stuart Rudick form Mindful Capital Partners reported to me with glee that in every category - whether it be household furnishings to personal care to energy - green products are outpacing their conventional counterparts in sales growth.

And while many retailers and manufacturers are embracing green because of the growing market, it makes sound business sense as well. Sophier Collier, green investment pioneer, demonstrated with the steady returns of Working Asset's mutual funds that sustainable businesses are often inherently solid businesses because of their sustainable practices.

And finally, many green business people I work with report that bottom line it's just nice to feel so good about what you're doing each day. As someone who fits into the LOHAS market, I understand deeply the appeal of these products and I can't help feeling excited by the larger, global, non-commercial implications of these changes.

But if you are going to tap into this excitement, you have to market the right way. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Greenwashing has its limits. To tell the truth, I don't really mind greenwashing so much. To me, any step, however slight and even if it's dragging the other foot, is a step towards a better future. I'm glad to see that the pressure is on.

But truth be told, the LOHAS market tends to be a skeptical group - lead by authority-questioning baby boomers. So don't just put out green messaging to win over the market without doing some real work in the background. If you're environmentally-friendly promotion is insincere, you'll find yourself with lots of free, unwanted publicity on blogs, through boycotts and more as this highly engaged market corrects the misconceptions.

2. Tell stories. One of the reasons behind green product's success is people's thirst for authentic products. What do I mean by authentic? I mean products that are not mass-produced, are rooted in a culture, a craftsperson's skills; products that are built to endure and reach back into legacies.

Tell about how your product was produced - the people involved. Talk about the location where the raw materials are sourced. Talk about the communities involved with the production of your product. Now this doesn't mean to get technical. What people are seeking often is a connection to other people, other communities.

Interestingly enough, when asked about the importance of local foods, many consumers expressed great interest but further questioning revealed that "local" didn't necessarily mean coming from nearby. "Local" simply meant the product had to be rooted in a place - a local specialty.

3. Be specific about features. LOHAS consumers are label-readers and spec-comparers. Give them the information that helps them know for sure they are buying a decent product. LOHAS consumers are willing to pay premium for environmentally-sound products, but they want to be sure that they are not being duped and paying extra simply for a label with pictures of trees on it.

4. Be clear about the larger benefits. As I mentioned in the headline, LOHAS consumers are purchasing more than a bottle of shampoo or a new mattress. They are consciously using their purchasing power to help shape the world they dream of. Make it clear how your product is connected to a larger, positive, global change.

5. Use third party authentication. The USDA seal for organic certification is probably the most widely recognized example of this. And in fact, this seal even supersedes brand in how consumers rely on it for quality. Find ways to communicate that your products are really green - whether it be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Energy Stars, the Forest Stewardship Council or the Marine Stewardship Council. Get your product certified and show it.

Want some great health copywriting and marketing tips? For a free report on 5 online health marketing mistakes and how to fix them, go to www.healthymarketingideas.com.

About The Author Sarah Clachar is a freelance natural health copywriter and author of the ebook, Writing Irresistible Copy For Nutritional Supplements, edited by Bob Bly. She writes direct response and SEO copy for both B2B and B2C companies.

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The LOHAS Market - 5 Copywriting Tips For Piqueing