QR Codes – Smart Mobile Marketing
The QR code tsunami is here. QR codes are those funny looking checkered square images you see on everything from restaurant menus to tatoos. QR code websites offer free app readers that can be downloaded in a matter of seconds. Just search Google for “QR code generator” to find either android or apple apps. My personal favorite is QRdroid since I have an Android smart phone.
Many websites offer free downloadable QR code readers. Once you have downloaded a reader to your smart phone, you can scan the code with your cell phone. I personally like a reader called QRdroid. With the QRdroid reader you simply tap the app to activate it. The screen will display an area to hover over the QR code, and the app automatically focuses and snaps a picture of the code. The information from the QR code will then appear.
QR codes are used primarily when you have a small space with a larger message. Anywhere you have a printed message you can have a QR code. From business cards to multi-storied buildings, QR codes are used to grab people’s attention and curiosity.
Your QR code message can be as simple as a name and phone number or as complex as showing product part numbers. You can embed links to websites or direct followers to a video of a virtual tour of your latest property listing. QR code uses are virtually limitless and are an extremely affordable marketing tool.
Please note that QR Codes do not have to be the bland black and white version. With judicious application, there is ample room for creative use of color and branding within the QR Code. For example, this QR Code that we created for the PPI Christmas video.
A website called Mobibrix.com is especially useful because for the first time, we are able to change the message of a QR code after it has been printed. This is much more efficient for people who have rotating stock such as real estate agents. Since the QR code information can be changed after print, they do not have to go back and reprint literature after a house sells and a new one is listed. They simply change the QR code links and the new information is current.
I will confess that, as a printer, the prospect of widespread use of QR Codes is exciting because they allow print to be directly and easily integrated with marketing on the web.
If you have not yet explored how your business can benefit from QR codes you are missing out on huge opportunities. The fastest growing sector of people who are looking for businesses on the internet is with mobile devices. In 2010 for the first time the number of people who owned smart phones world wide outnumbered those who owned laptops or desktop computers.
The bottom line is that QR codes are inexpensive to provide and can be suited for any business. If you are not providing them your business is missing opportunities on a daily basis. I go so far as to say that all of your printed material should contain QR codes to engage your customers and attract more people to your business.
Gerald Drumwright has spent 25 years in all phases of the printing industry, currently focused on book, catalog, and magazine printing. Gerald is principal of PPI in Tupelo MS, Total Graphics Printing in Southaven MS, and McNeal Graphics in Memphis TN. Contact Gerald at 662-680-4332.. Check here for free reprint license: QR Codes – Smart Mobile Marketing.
