QR Codes: Learning The Basics
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Everywhere you look QR codes are making their way into mainstream marketing. Most recently I was having dinner out at a local restaurant and noticed that the ketchup bottle had a QR code. Out of curiosity, I took out my smart phone and grabbed it - redirecting me to a URL from Heinz. The landing page offered additional information and the ability to sign up for special offers. Can you say direct response?
QR codes made simple
QR codes made simple
In this post I wanted to give you the basics of QR codes to help you get started. If you haven't run any promotions with QR codes, your goal should be to have one up and running in the next week or so. They are extremely easy to implement. Here's how:
1. Develop a QR code strategy. I like to think of QR codes as the means to an end. The functionality of a QR code is to get you to a web page. As a marketer, I always think about the end goal which is to have your prospect complete a transaction of some kind. This could be to provide you with an email address or make a purchase.
What's the goal of your QR promotion? What do you want people to do once they get to your landing page? What's in it for them? Why should they take a snapshot of the QR code in the the first place? One of the best strategies is to offer incentives to people who use the QR code to arrive at your landing page. Have them sign up for special offers or something of value. This is one of the more popular strategies that builds your list and grows your business.
3. Create a QR code. Creating a code is incredibly simple. There are tons of free sites that allow you to punch in the URL you want prospects to visit and spit out a ready-made QR code. The one I like to use is available at http://qrcode.kaywa.com. My recommendation is search "create QR code" on Google and you'll find plenty of resources. Once the code is created make sure to include it on your promotional materials.
4. Promote your QR code. Once you've developed a strategy, created your landing page, and generated a QR code, the next step is to promote your QR code. What's so great about your code is that it works in virtually any format. You can use your QR code on a label, post card, package, in an ad, on your website, email, etc., virtually anywhere an image can appear.
Think through all of your touch points. Can you add the QR code in multiple locations to increase the likelihood that someone will use it? In addition, always use some type of language that encourages your users to access the code. For example, "Scan this QR code with your smartphone to get access to special offers." By adding a reason why consumers should click through, you increase conversion rates significantly.
QR codes are here to stay
The technology of QR codes has actually been around, in experimental formats, for quite some time. They are only now becoming pervasive in all types of marketing from advertisements to packaging. If you haven't already started using QR codes in your marketing, now is the time to start using them. As the number of smartphones begin to expand, as well as the comfort level of those who use them, the ability to connect in new ways continues to grow.
Start planning your next promotion using a QR code. Even if you start small, say putting a QR code on your next post card, you'll not only engage your prospects but improve your campaign tracking and results. The QR code allows you to drive people to an online environment where it's easier to track behavior and outcomes. Let me know if you're using QR codes in your promotions and what type of results you're getting. And as always, have fun marketing!
Marketing Blog founder and top-selling author Michael Fleischner has been featured on The TODAY Show, ABC World News, and Bloomerg Radio. 
3 comments :
"I really think that QR Codes are awesome.... As a way of engaging to ur customers, tracking behavior and results will be better using codes...
Businesses that promote deals(crumblrr.com) and discounted stuffs should really try this out!!!"
Thanks for posting your insights and experiences.
Anybody looking for Promotional Products
Thanks for you great post about the QR Codes.QR Codes are superb and it will be more useful think in near future,I think so. Thanks again for your great posting. It is really usefull.
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