Have you tried using QR codes? Not only do they look intriguing but they offer endless new marketing opportunities. If you haven’t seen them yet – look out – they are cropping up on posters, packaging and TV ads and will be coming to a store near you very soon.
Here’s a bit of basic info: QR means Quick Response. They were developed in Japan by Toyota a few years ago, to store information about car parts, apparently. Now, they’re also referred to as Mobile Codes as mobile phones with a camera can be used to store them and scan them in.
Unlike a barcode that gives you a price, a QR code can store complex information relating to products, promotions and weblinks.
Here’s a couple of ways you can use them:
1. Instant weblink
Put one in an ad, magazine article or point of sale and you’ve got an instant weblink to a special URL that could contain unique content, a personalised offer, a movie etc. All you need is a QR code scanner downloaded onto your phone and you’re off. Looking for a new sofa? Zap the QR code and watch the ad right there on your phone.
2. Special promotional offer
Create a promotional offer for your product or service at an event, instore, online or in print with a special QR code. No coupon is necessary – your customer just takes a pic of the code on their phone. Next, they make a beeline for your store/showroom/counter where it can be scanned and redeemed.
To scan them you’ll need a smartphone with QR reader that you can simply download for free, from the App Store or online.
Brands and consumers can have a lot of fun with these – there’s a great sense of empowerment and innovation. We’re working on a few QR code concepts for clients, so give us a call if want to find out how they could work for your brand.
