What is a QR code anyway?
A Quick Response code (QR) is a two-dimensional barcode, read by smartphones and other camera phones or by dedicated QR code readers. The codes are encoded with text, URL, phone numbers or other data. The QR code technology is already pretty common overseas (imagine that!), especially in Japan where it originated. The concept is still emerging here in the States as a new marketing trend, but seems to be catching on quickly. The use of QR codes is free of licensing, so the technology is available to use by any company. The codes are being used on menus, magazines, business cards, coupons, t-shirts- basically anything that can be scanned. The user scans the QR code and, through their phone, can automatically dial a phone number, visit a specific social media site or home page URL, set their phone calendar with an event (complete with alarm for a reminder), set the phone GPS with a physical address, just to name a few ideas. I love the concept because it incorporates design with technology and has a specific, user-generated purpose.
How are they being used?
These codes are popping up in marketing campaigns, both in traditional and interactive media partly because they allow marketing professionals to easily track response rates. They are being used in tradeshows, billboards, direct mail pieces, coupons and contests, and in guerrilla marketing campaigns. Use these codes to drive traffic to exclusive online content, offering prizes or other incentives. The majority of consumers may not being using these codes on a regular basis yet, but curiosity will make them check it out. Those that are already using them will be tech-savvy and more likely to visit your website, or be influenced by your social media campaign.
Well-known companies are using QR codes in various ways. Pepsi prints QR codes on bottles to direct customers to their website. Designers are using them on their mailers to give customers exclusive online content like runway videos and limited edition collections. Restaurants are using QR Codes to list product nutritional information on its packaging. Real Estate agents are using them on signage to provide details about the house for sale. The codes are also being used in unusual ways-food suppliers are using them to show where their product is grown and when it was harvested, an English version of "The Amazing Race" reality TV show is using the codes as part of the treasure hunt, and Japan has even put them on tombs to give background on the interred (creepy!)
So how can you use these codes for your small business?
You can drive traffic to your website by offering exclusive contests or discounts for QR code users. Track traffic to your website by using different codes on different marketing pieces, therefore knowing which piece has the best ROI (return on investment). Thank customers for their patronage and put one on receipts to offer a discount on their next purchase. Encode one with a Google map for your store location. Encode one with product reviews and information or price comparisons. Send the user to YouTube to see your online commercial. You can make it part of your campaign by placing them on t- shirts, business cards, billboards, or magnets. Or get creative, like Lego who made one out of lego blocks, and make the QR code the central part of your campaign.
If you still aren’t convinced about the future of QR Codes in your business marketing, let your customer tell you- In a recent study commissioned by ad agency MGH, 72 percent of smartphone users indicated that they would be likely to recall an ad with a QR code. Check out the whole study here: http://mghus.com/qr-code-survey-results. You can generate a QR code using a site like Kaywa.com, iCandy, or Stickybits. Kaywa.com will also provide the code reader for your phone, so will Barcode Scanner. You can install the app on your phone with ease.
KC Hart is the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Asheville Home Builders Association.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time to renew your 2011 PRAWNC membership!
Hi! Sherri McLendon here, with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, reminding you it's time to renew your membership in our organization for the 2011 term.
NEW! In 2011 – Members who renew prior to the March 31 deadline will receive a FREE directory listing on the PRAWNC website. This listing includes your business name with link, description, and an individual link to you – an additional $97 annual value!
Existing benefits of membership include:
Currently, membership is $50 for practicing members, and $25 for student members. To renew, simply choose a preferred payment option. Thanks to electronic data submission, renewal is almost instant.
For more information or to fill out a new member form, industry professionals are encouraged to visit www.prawnc.org.
Thank you for your early renewal, and a brilliant 2011.
Best wishes,
Sherri L. McLendon, MA
2011 President, PRAWNC
www.prawnc.org
PRAWNC presents "Cooperative Marketing Strategies"
Please join Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina as we welcome Marilyn Ball with 12TwelveCollaborative Marketing Solutions as our guest speaker for the March quarterly membership luncheon on Friday, March 25, 2011. The program is "Cooperative Marketing Strategies."
How do you create strategic, cooperative programs allowing partners to make the most of their advertising budgets? By bringing collective resources to the same table, you not only foster a spirit of mutual cooperation and purpose, but you also discover more effective and focused strategies to develop your brand. Learn how to expand viable partnerships for enhancing and expanding your brand while maximizing media efficiencies.
About the Speaker
Marilyn Ball, owner of 12Twelve Collaborative Marketing Solutions, is a leading expert in creating partnerships through cooperative marketing strategies.
Marilyn's extensive experience in media and public relations campaign development supports her ability to guide clients in the most efficient use of marketing funds, yet it is her keen instinct and vision that business leaders recognize as her most valuable asset.
Not only does she demonstrate an impressive record of creativity and problem solving, it is her gift to motivate and inspire that makes her a sought after strategist and mentor.
Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts Marilyn Ball and "Cooperative Marketing Strategies," at the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina quarterly luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Members $15; Non-members $25. For more information or to RSVP, go to http://www.prawnc.org/, or email finance@prawnc.org.
Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, or PRAWNC, is the region's premier professional organization for public relations, marketing, advertising and communications professionals since 1983. Learn more about PRAWNC at http://www.prawnc.org/.
PRAWNC is a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation providing practitioners with opportunities for education, collaboration, networking and professional excellence.
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