As mobile shopping becomes more popular, mobile marketing has become a focus of many PR firms. Aside from building a mobile-optimized site, marketers have discovered a new way to reach mobile users: QR codes.
What is a QR code? Basically, a QR (quick response) code is an image that can be scanned by a mobile device that has a web address embedded in it. After scanning a QR code, the mobile user is taken to a website to get more information. Companies like Best Buy have already employed a QR system, using QR codes in stores, print advertising, swag and more.
The question is, will this new strategy gain traction? And if so, how can businesses implement QR technology successfully? According to the stats, the QR trend has a viable chance of becoming a permanent fixture in our digital world. However, the key is ensuring that customers have a positive experience after scanning the code. Once linked to the mobile site, companies must provide compelling material, like a promotion, giveaway or video content, that differs from information on the company’s regular site. Angie Schottmuller, founder of Interactive Artisan, offers some great tips for businesses to get started with QR codes in her article Top 14 Things Marketers Need to Know About QR Codes.
Image courtesy of Livingstonbuzz.com
Lifestyle companies can use QR codes effectively by enhancing their customer’s experience with a brand. By displaying QR codes on advertisements, promotional material and products, businesses can use the prolonged touch point of the QR to engage customers. The above advertisement from a winery is a great example: through use of a QR code, the winery provides party advice to customers and subtly encourages the purchase of their wines.
If you are not a company or marketer, there are also ways that you can implement QR codes. For example, try creating your own QR code with a code generator and embedding it into your resume. If this video doesn’t entice you to edit your CV, I don’t know what will.
What do you think about QR codes? Will you use them?
I have been seeing QR codes pop up more and more and have never taken the time to actually scan one. They are something that I, as a consumer, am seeing because I am not used to the image, but am not actively engaging in. I personally feel that I do not have the time to stop at an advertisement and scan the code to see what possibly could be in store for me on the mobile site. I think that as a generation, we are numb to new forms of “interactive” media. QR codes are an effort to re-engage consumers with print media, but is not the correct path because of the time and effort necessary to get to the deal or promotion. Thanks for sharing insight and starting an interesting discussion!
Allie, thank you for your comment. I agree that QR codes tend to be time consuming, and require a bit of effort on the consumer’s part. It will be interesting to see which vehicles for displaying QR codes work, and which don’t.
Thanks again!
I think this is a very interesting topic. I find it fascinating that so many organizations are starting to use QR codes with campaigns because not everyone can download these apps still. I have had phones that are supposed to be able to download the app to read the QR codes, but every time I download it (a different one every time) it doesn’t work.
However, what is great about the QR codes (if you have the correct app) is that it gives a chance for the consumer to engage with the the company, which can lead to better campaign awareness results.
Thanks for sharing information about the QR codes and how PR professionals are using them!
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hi – - I found this via Prof Gallicano’s list of “Best Student Blogs” and enjoyed reading it. Beyond marketing and branding, QR codes are generating a lot of interest in cultural institutions such as libraries and museums. Robin Ashford (George Fox University) does a lot of work in this area; see for example
and read her article in College and Research Library News:
Many thanks to you and Prof. Gallicano for making this work available to the community. Best wishes,
Andrew Bonamici, UO Libraries
http://letskeeptalking.wordpress.com