The hot topic among many marketers these days are QR codes, or quick response codes. In a relatively short time span, they’ve leapt onto the marketing scene and, as recent stats suggest, they’re starting to catch on.
According to figures released from Mobia, QR code scanning grew a massive 1,200 percent between July and December of last year. Even the USPS is encouraging mailers to use the device on mailings. In July and August, the postal service is offering a 3% upfront discount to mailers who include 2-D barcodes as part of their mailing.
Despite this, as marketers you know that industry stats and buzz should never be reason to incorporate a tactic into a marketing program. (After all, we didn’t all jump on the MC Hammer pants trend back in the 1990s because everyone was talking about it, did we?)
As always, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of the QR technology to determine whether it will help you achieve your marketing goals and connect with your audience.
A QR code is a 2-D barcode that can be scanned by the camera on your smartphone and transfer information. Based on the type of code it is, it might link to digital content on the web; activate a number of phone functions including email, IM and SMS; and connect the mobile device to a web browser.
To read a QR code using your smart phone, you’ll have to download a QR code reader. There are many different QR readers available, and it is very quick and easy to download the app on your phone.
If you want to generate your own QR code for a campaign, all you have to do is find a QR code generator and upload your information. We like Kaywa for its simplicity, but others include Zxing, QR Stuff or Sparq.
That, my friends, is the burning question, isn’t it? Some things to consider:
Finally, because we like you and because you’ve stuck with us to the very end of this article, we’ve put together a little treat for you:
If you need more QR code inspiration, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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