Graphic Design

Quick Response (QR) Codes seem to be popping up everywhere. We’ve seen them on business cards, in magazines, even on wrapped vehicles. According to comScore, 14 million mobile users in the U.S. scanned QR or barcodes during June 2011. So it makes sense we are seeing them more, because people are using them more; and definitely talking about them more.

What is a QR Code?
A QR code is a unique 2D barcode that directs the user to a specific mobile optimized, web-based location instantly through the use of a QR Code reader app. Any number of apps are available for download, at no cost to the user, for a variety of mobile devices.

Understanding a QR code and its purpose can be only half the battle. As a marketer, it’s important to understand how to effectively implement these codes into your overall marketing strategy.

Why you should incorporate QR Codes in your strategic marketing campaign:

Control web-based messaging
A QR code is the perfect way to direct the user to specific web-based content. The functionality of a QR code goes beyond directing the user to a mobile-optimized version of your website. Consider the opportunities if you had a code that would do any of the following:

• Add a browser bookmark
• Link to social networks
• Create a vCalendar event
• Generate an SMS text
• Link Geo location and maps
• Purchase items through PayPal BUY NOW software
• Save a MECARD, VCARD, or BIZCARD
• List an email address

Creative platform for consumer call to action
What do you want viewers to do after they’ve scanned the code? Sign up for a newsletter or add contact info. to their phone? Using these codes are a unique way to interact with your audience. Let’s face it, it’s human nature to be curious, when people see these codes, they scan them. Just remember to actually ask the viewers to do something once they are there.

Cost effective to implement
You or your organization could create one or hundreds of QR Codes at little or no cost. Searching the Internet will provide countless software selections to choose from for the creation of your code.

Easily track successes
Setting up a QR Code campaign will allow you to track how many visits to the URL were a result of the code scan. Many QR code generators will offer analytic services that provide in depth information with tracking capabilities.

Growing demographic
Developed in 1994 by Toyota to track the location of parts in vehicle manufacturing, the codes have hit the global mainstream. Remember, more than 14 million mobile codes were scanned in June in the U.S. alone... imagine the impact this is making worldwide.

Versatility
These codes are flexible in size and even color. Depending on where the code is developed, you can include text and imagery. They can also be placed virtually anywhere — pocket folders, t-shirts, we’ve even seen QR code tattoos. The only place (that we are aware of) a QR code is not welcome is on billboards, for obvious safety reasons.

Easily implemented
These codes can be created online at no cost, and just as easily embedded on websites or designed to fit with your current branding and marketing initiatives. Consider adding a code to your tradeshow exhibit. Imagine the buzz you would create if you were selling an item and the consumer could pay through the PayPal BUY NOW functionality of a QR code!

Four QR Code rules to follow:

• Develop multiple codes
  You are not limited to the number of codes you can create, so create away! But make sure each code has a purpose and a place. Consider the ways to implement this into your marketing strategy to gain more exposure and engage your target audience.
• Test on all mobile devices
  Prior to launching any code, be sure to test that it actually leads to where you intended. We encourage you to try it on all available mobile devices, from Apple to Android platforms. Please note, in the past Blackberry’s platform has had functionality issues with QR Codes. Size is another factor to consider. Ensure the 2D barcode is large enough to be read. If you are directing to a URL, we recommend a minimum of 1.25 × 1.25 inches.
• Track Analytics
  Be sure to attach analytics to each code. This will track the success of your QR code campaign. The analytics should provide both a short- and long-term planning tool for further marketing efforts.
• Value for viewer
  Bringing it full circle, there needs to be a reason to send the viewer to this site that will benefit the viewer. Consider promotions, discounts, and giveaways, but make sure it makes sense for your organization. Linking to social media channels or RSS feeds are other options to consider.

Learn More
If you have any questions or want to know how to implement QR codes into your marketing strategy, we would be happy to meet with you. Please call 402.423.5447 or click here to contact us.