Quick Response (QR) codes became a fast spreading phenomenon as soon as the technology was released in 2011. Designed originally for use in the auto industry for tracking vehicle parts, these matrix-style barcodes became popular in printed media for their quick readability and large storage size. A single QR code can store over 4,000 characters (numbers and text) or about 3 megabytes of binary data (such as a jpeg image). Most smart phones have QR Code reading buit in. If not, there are several apps available, such as ScanLife for the iPhone, or QR Droid for the Android.
This technology becomes valuable for tying the real world back to your online marketing strategies. QR codes are useful in printed media as a way to share specific URLs to your QR capable audience. For example, a successful QR implementation might consist of a QR code placed on the back of a printed catalog, with the text, “Scan this code with your smart phone for online-only deals and savings!” The QR code would lead to a special “deals” page on the company’s website.
For a modern customer, QR codes offer the advantage of not having to open up a browser and physically type in a URL. It also imparts a sense of exclusivity. In order to tap into these feelings of exclusivity, it is wise to plan your QR codes around landing pages that are not obvious to regular visitors to your website. For example, an advertisement posted on the wall at a concert could contain a QR code that takes people directly to a landing page which begins, “As a special thanks for attending the event we sponsored, we’re offering a special 15% savings on any online purchase of $50 or more, using this coupon code…” Such a campaign would complete a media circle and help to tie your online brand with a real world presence.
Create Your Own
Want to create a QR Code for your own campaign? There are several free QR generators available online, such as Kaywa QR-Code Generator or QRstuff.com’s QR Generator. QRstuff in particular offers a wide variety of QR generation options. For example, you can embed WiFi logins, calendar events (exclusive event invitations), or Paypal “buy now” buttons. The many options available will surely ignite all sorts of ideas. QR Codes are great for creating unique “printed” social media campaigns to suit any strategy.
Struggling to define a print strategy that builds upon your social media campaign? The professional marketing strategists at Appletree MediaWorks can help you get started. We develop tailored solutions that utilize QR codes as well as dozens of other emerging technologies. Our strategies are designed to attract and maintain a devoted customer base for years to come.
