QR CODE MARKETING
You may have already seen these funny-looking, square barcodes—on direct mail pieces, in advertisements, or even at your local movie theatre. So what are they? QR or Quick Response Codes were originally developed in Japan in 1994. Consumers in Japan are used to seeing fuzzy little code boxes on just about everything—advertising posters in subway stations, McDonald's sandwich wrappers, beverage packaging, receipts, T-shirt tags, and building facades. This scan able code acts like a gateway allowing anyone with a camera phone to easily step between the digital and physical worlds. Even Google Places has started taking advantage of QR technology so consumers can read reviews, leave reviews, or find coupons when they arrive at a place of business.
Think of QR codes in similar terms as a Universal Product Code (UPC), except UPC's can only represent numbers. QR codes can be used to represent text, web addresses and other data. Newer smartphones now include the scanning software necessary to take advantage of this technology, while a quick application download will integrate with older smartphones to enable QR functionality. Aim your camera phone at a QR code, and your smartphone does the rest!
So How Can You Use QR Codes?
Although some people use QR codes in email marketing, on websites and on Facebook business pages, QR codes are most useful in the physical world. This is because a QR code placed in a direct mail piece, on a business, or on a sidewalk sign allows the viewer to quickly connect to the message you wish to relay by simply scanning the QR code.
Here are just a few ideas we’ve employed with some of our clients:
- QR Codes on business cards. Makes for a better follow through and more options. Also sets up a contact card for you!
- Storefront displays. Passersby will be able to scan the code and get information, even if they are in a hurry.
- Promotions, discounts and giveaways. Use as a follow up from a trade show offer. “Scan this and bring it in to receive 25% off for attending the show”
- T-shirts. Great conversation starter! I promise people will ask what it means or they might simply come up and scan YOU.
- Use QR codes to get Likes and Follows. Put on flyers and brochures to increase your social media reach.
- Supplement your retail space. Have QR Codes with products you wish to highlight, maybe sending the consumer to a YouTube video further explaining the product.
- Increase e-commerce sales. Send someone from your brochure or mailer to your online store.
- Build your email subscriber list. Set a QR Code to go to an email form on your website or blog.
- Get the phone ringing. QR Codes can be set up to simply call your phone when scanned.
- Scavenger Hunt – Put together a fun interactive scavenger hunt to win a prize! Have them go to an email form, a facebook page, your Google page for a review, and then back to your store. You have now just got contacts for your email campaigns, a broader reach for social media and a possibility for some great reviews on Google maps!
Here are just a few smartphone QR reader applications:
