QR Codes: The bar code's magical cousin
If you haven’t seen a QR code, you will. They’re showing up everywhere and for good reason. QR (quick response) codes are similar to bar codes, but they lead users to more information.
QR codes offer a way to leverage and extend your marketing in new ways. They allow you to pack a lot of information into a small space that can be instantly read by a mobile device. QR scanners are available today for Androids, iPhones, iPads, Blackberries, and other smart phones and will work with most mobile devices equipped with a camera.
The ability to use a QR code to link to a web address offers the potential to promote time-sensitive offers. The promotional offer can work with any permanent or semi-permanent advertising. This includes yellow pages, billboards and other outdoor advertising. Put one on the back of your vehicle for people stuck behind you at a traffic light.
What should your QR code contain? Here are a few ideas:
- Make a special offer
- Tell your company story
- List the products and services you offer
- Share customer testimonials
- Link to articles or reviews written about your company
- Link to your Facebook fan page
- Link to a YouTube video
QR codes offer a lot of potential for trade shows. Hire someone to stand in front of the entrance wearing a sandwich board with a QR code. The message could invite them to your booth for a special offer or gift. It could direct them to an online map of the show, with your booth highlighted. You could ask a question and lead them to your booth for the answer.
Dozens of free QR code generators are available on the Internet. Free QR code apps are also readily available for most smart phones.
QR code usage is growing, but still at the infancy stage for most people. This can work to the advantage of early adopters.
Idea Bank can help you develop and manage QR codes to give you the most impact. Contact us online, or give us a call at 402-463-0588.
We used one in the Idea Bank 2011 Fall newsletter to giveaway a free gift. Use the QR code above and see if more prizes are available. Search your phone’s App Store for a QR reader if you don't already have one. There’s plenty of free ones, so you shouldn’t have to pay for anything.
