QR Codes - the smart revolution…

Monday, March 14th, 2011 at 9:30 am

What’s the latest buzz in sales and marketing? QR Codes! What are QR codes, how do they work and what can they do? Here’s the quick low down…

This fancy looking monochrome bar code is a QR code (Quick Response Code). All you need to do in order to unlock the code is download a QR code reader app to your Smartphone.

I use “i-nigma 4” – it’s incredibly quick - and it’s free. Download it and scan this code…

Activate the app – point it at the QR code and bingo!

It takes you straight to the page of my website I choose to send you to. You can view the text, watch a video and navigate around my website all on the go and on your Smartphone.

Chances are - you were thinking like so many people - “what are those all about? Just another fancy manufacturer’s type of bar code?” Well you were not too far wrong, but get ready - things have changed.

A QR code is a two dimensional barcode which can now be read by a free app on just about any mobile Smartphone with a camera. Quick Response indicates that the content of the barcode can be quickly and easily decoded.

The QR code was first used in 1994 by a subsidiary of Toyota. The initial usage was for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing.

We’ve moved on!

During the last few years the QR code has slowly found its way into the marketing world due to the connection with mobile phone applications - and now it’s set to explode!

I predict that QR codes will play a significant role in your marketing materials over the coming months - if they haven’t already.

It strikes me that the use of QR codes is only restricted by your imagination.

You point your camera phone to the QR Code, just like snapping a photo. Voilà! The browser on your phone launches, directing you to the webpage or program that was linked to the specific QR code you just scanned!

Creating the codes in the first place also only takes seconds and again can easily be done via a free web site - without any knowledge of coding whatsoever.

You’ve now opened up a whole new world! But it’s not just about pointing you to websites…

QR codes can be used (and are being used!) for;

* Special offers and promotions

* Coupons and competitions

* Maps and directions

* How to guides

* Promotional video

* Sending photographs

* Menus

* Event bookings and registration

* Name badges at seminars

* Estate agent signage… the list is endless.

You can create QR codes for phone numbers, contact details, emails, data lists, or for whatever your mind creates the need for.

I was told by a client of mine recently that they thought this would be going mainstream very soon as they had spotted one on a lamp post in Bishop’s Stortford. I don’t know about you, but sounds like its mainstream alright!! It’s official - QR codes have arrived!

As with all good marketing you must be able to measure the results. With QR codes you can very simply measure the data - based on the number of scans, the number of responses, the dates and times people used them. Using this information you can determine the effectiveness of this exciting new marketing channel.

This is relatively new to lots of people - so as you add this to your arsenal of marketing materials - be prepared to do a little explaining at first.

Like I said, these are cropping up everywhere. Here’s one of the most fun applications I’ve seen so far - “Geek Couture” - go ahead and scan it - it’s not half as frightening as you might imagine.

As ever - just ping me an email if you’d like to know more [email protected]. Or scan this code and join me on Facebook. There’s lots of talk on there about all things sales and marketing.