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In the January 2011 issue of Biz Talk, we gave you a little background on QR codes, and showed you five ways to use them to market your business (you can refresh your memory here). QR codes are catching on fast – a recent survey from Mobio revealed a 1200% increase in QR code usage during the last three months of 2010. In this article, we’re going to share some more examples of creative and innovative ways to use QR codes and help you learn more about one of the hottest marketing trends online today! QR codes are showing up in all sorts of new and clever places, like on the back of this t-shirt at the recent MarketingProfs Digital Marketing Forum. It reads “R U Following Me?” with a large QR code printed directly underneath. (Photo courtesy of Aneta Hall’s blog.) |
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Although these codes are popping up everywhere, businesses must think of ways to implement QR codes so they provide something truly valuable to users. A business that simply re-directs a QR code to its website home page is missing the point. Using QR codes gives you a chance to truly impress and engage your users anywhere, and gives them something of value in exchange for interacting with your business.
To help encourage your creative thinking, here are some other clever examples of using QR codes:
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New York City is now implementing QR codes on City building permits. This will enable residents to scan the code on the permit and get instant details on the project, read complaints that have been filed or violations that have been found, or log a complaint of their own. |
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Self-guided tours, walking trails, or historical attractions can be enhanced with QR codes. Scan the code to get more details, watch a video of an expert speaking, or get a special offer on related merchandise or events associated with the site. Image compliments of www.nationalparkinteractive.com |
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At a conference, a QR code at the building’s entrance could deliver the day’s agenda, and QR codes outside seminar rooms could give users access to the start time of the next session, topic details, or a video of the speaker.
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At public transportation stops like train or subway stations and bus stops, QR codes could be used to provide real-time info on current scheduling delays or alternate routes. Image compliments of www.mobilestance.com |
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At a grocery store, QR codes beside a product could give users access to recipes that use that product, or to suggest related items and “go-withs”. Image compliments of www.vestcom.com |
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Add a QR code to your vehicle’s commercial lettering that takes users to a mobile-enabled landing page with online meeting scheduling and other contact mechanisms – much cooler than dialing an 800 number or leaving a voice message! |
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On cocktail napkins at an event, a printed QR code could give users access to digital coupons for drink specials (compliments of your company) that can be redeemed at the event. Image compliments of www.napkinsonly.com |
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Recently on the Jimmy Fallon show, the musical guest was introduced with Fallon holding up a large QR code (instead of holding up the CD or album cover) that when scanned, took viewers to a video clip of the musical guest’s latest release. Image compliments of YouTube |
QR codes are helping users connect the physical world with the digital world. You no longer need to be sitting in front of your computer to access information on the web; you can now access it from anywhere using a smart phone and other mobile devices. QR codes make accessing this information faster, easier, and more valuable for users, and provides businesses with trackable, measurable marketing data.
With the growing popularity of QR codes, now is the perfect time to explore using them to provide real value and convenience to your customers. It’s only a matter of time before these codes are part of our daily lives, so make sure your business is ready.
