Quirk up Your Digital Marketing with QR Codes
I checked into my Continental flight via my new Droid and discovered something interesting. Rather than having to print out a physical boarding pass, I could flash a Quick Response (QR) Code on my mobile to any and all airport officials. Looks like QR codes (already popular in more technologically advanced countries like Japan and around since 2009) are gaining ground in America. Internet research confirms it—google “QR Codes” and you’ll find several articles on QR marketing campaigns. So, if you haven’t as yet familiarized yourself with them, better jump on the bandwagon asap.
Not Your Typical Barcodes
Visually, a QR Code is a little more intimidating than your standard barcode. Rather than a neat set of lines, you get something much more akin to a “Magic Eye” illustration. But opt for awe rather than fear—QR codes can contain much more data than older codes, and when scanned by QR reader equipped mobile devices can trigger more complex actions like opening a webpage, a coupon or a video download. At this point, most Blackberry and Android phones have QR readers built into their operating systems, and for those that don’t (like the iPhone), there are plenty of free QR readers available for download online.
The Where and Why
Putting aside the tech talk, let’s address where to put your QR codes if you choose to utilize them:
- Identification Materials—if you’re looking to brand yourself as “with it” this decade, try linking a QR code to your contact info, social media profiles and/or personal webpage. You can then stamp that code onto your business card, clothes or wherever else you feel is most visible. Keep in mind, QR codes can also be personalized with images and logos of your choosing (check out some “designer” QR codes here). At the very least, it’s a great conversation starter– the technology still being relatively new to the US, you may be able to teach whoever you’re introducing yourself to something new about their own mobile device.
- Marketing Materials—businesses all over the country are beginning to recognize the value of QR Codes in magazines, on posters and even billboards. As a transition vehicle from the physical ad to the much less limited digital world, QR codes provide a smooth ride.
- Physical Products—link individual clothes items to online catalogs, food items to nutritional facts and recipes, or action figures to promotional webgames and teaser trailers. The possibilities are endless.
Ultimately, it comes down to how and where you want to direct the attention of your target consumer—is your intent purely utilitarian (think QR codes for instruction manuals, translations, product details) or do you want your customers to feel a little more incentivized (QR codes for secret clues and teasers or discount coupons)? Either way, QR codes will allow you to tap into the growing population of smartphone users. Just keep in mind that with the new comes the inexperienced—if you’re going to employ QR codes in future marketing campaigns, be sure to help your clients out with some instructions on how to use them.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Mashable.com’s list of unique uses of QR codes. Got some creative ideas of your own, feel free to post them below… And, to help you get started, visit this comprehensive list of QR code generators.
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