SoLoMo and QR Codes

SoLoMo is the new buzz word for to pay attention to if you want to engage consumers.  SoLoMo refers to the American shopping trend.  Shop socially, search locally and do it all using mobile devices (smart phones, iPads and tablets).  

If you are not tuned in to the SoLoMo thing you will quickly be left behind according to current (2013) research by Eventility, and event promoting entity. 

• Eventility highlights 97% of consumers now search for local businesses online.  Remember, smart phones are used for online searches. 
• 72% trust online reviews, 61% of younger demographics refer to social media to choose dining locales. 
• The biggest attention getter: 78% of small businesses now receive 1/4 of their new customers from social media.

Let us talk about the oft misunderstood QR codes.  I read the current press from self-proclaimed marketing experts that QR codes are dead.  These little blog reporters don’t quote sources or provide numbers.  They seem to tell you what to think about QR codes.  

This article aims to respect your intelligence, rather than telling you what to think, here are numbers and sources to help you decide for yourself.  

To quote Mark Twain: 

"The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

The May 2013 Entrepreneur magazine, a credible source, in their SoLoMo print magazine article, reports that Apple and Starbucks are using currently harnessing QR codes for purchases.  When big names talk, they lend cred to QR codes because these generally do research on their own and determine what is effective and therefore relevant.

My source, the Chief Marketer, in a 2012 mobile marketing survey determined: 51% of all print ads contain a QR code.  Below are examples of QR code use by big brands in 2013.

26 Mar 2013 Gillette ad using QR codes (and Kate Upton)

20 Feb 2013 Wal-Mart Self-checkout stores use QR Codes

Swimsuit Models Come to Life Via QR Codes in Lexus Print Ad

Maserati enhances print ad with optimized QR code content

 Back to SoLoMo: regarding the QR (quick response) route, do you know that 129 million Americans own a mobile device ? They are using their mobiles recreationally and because they are fun toys.  If you have an attractive and prominently placed QR code that makes an offer, you compel the consumer to take out their beloved toy and investigate.  If you hide some generic, selfish QR code in a bottom corner with no offer besides the joy of visiting your website, well, frankly you deserve to go overlooked.  When people tell me QR codes are not effective, and I consider myself an expert, I can quickly sum up the problem: it is not the QR code that is the problem it is the marketing that is the problem.  If you want a fish to ride a bicycle and it can’t, is something wrong with the fish? It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure that out.  

SoLoMo.  Social networks are accessed by mobile media to dine, purchase, hire and shop locally.  I bet you feel smarter about your marketing.  Bank on boosting your SoLoMo with a branded QR (quick response) code created by a professional to get the intelligent marketing your business deserves. 

The next time some rigid oldster tells you that QR codes are dead, be sure to help him or her across the street.  Or if it is some microscopic blogger telling you QR codes have faded, ask them for the facts that support their article.  We all know that a lie can get halfway around the world before the truth even puts it's pants on and opinions are not facts.

QRCodesOfNote.com brings you this intelligent article.

Some big brands and how they are using QR codes in 2013:

DISMISSED?

    While having a debate over QR codes with a witty, albeit unarmed nay sayer, I learned some opinions against QR codes.  Chris was his name and he pronounced vehemently that QR codes “blew it!” and that people don’t scan them anymore.  He even backed this up with facts that he collected from an entire one person: himself.  I listened and took mental notes because Chris’ boldness represents the polite folks who may be thinking what he is thinking.  I recognized that Chris and others have been unimpressed with prior QR code experiences but were very aware of their potential.  If he were indifferent with QR codes I would have believed him a degree more but it seemed to me that he wanted to like them.  I agreed with Chris on some things, such as: who wants to scan a code just to visit a website?  I wouldn’t necessarily feel compelled to do that.  I also tend to ignore QR codes that hide in the bottom corner and don’t provide a call to action.  QR codes, in general, remain rock stars even if they aren’t largely being strategized effectively.  The disappointment reminds me of this comparison: if you have an awesome Smart phone and only use it for calls; the phone is still great but you, you need to take advantage of the phone’s potential.

I showed Chris some branded QR codes with great calls to action that linked to engaging content.  I wasn’t merely trying to shut him down, I wanted him to respond about his experience because I knew I could count on him to be honest.  I put a custom QR code in front of him and I did not ask him to scan it.  He could not resist.  He said “Do you want me to scan that?” and I said “If you want to” and he was noticeably eager to.  He proclaimed that if more QR codes were customized like this one, he would be curious about scanning.  The good looking QR code contained catchy music and an inspiring ski video.  The video was somewhat long, at 5 minutes, but I could not get Chris’ attention until it was over.  I enjoyed chatting with Chris and I don’t think he minded having his negative opinion about QR codes shut down.  I would have asked him if he minded but he was busy scanning all of the QR codes in my portfolio.

Check out this QR code by Swanson Flavor Boost  http://bit.ly/VulQa0 .  The actual black and white QR code still lacks visual appeal from multimedia graphics standpoint, the call to action doesn’t whet the whistle alone but once scanned, the QR code does not disappoint.  Strategize with a professional today on a graphic QR code with a video embedded, branded QR code is a great ROI from which you benefit from measurable mobile engagement with your consumers.  Professional QR codes offer quicker scanning, measurable scan tracking, and even the potential of changing the message in the code without reprint or redesign.

QRCodesOfNote.com

image source

5 simple & effective things you can do with gorgeous, graphic QR codes:

QR Codes are the matrix squares embedded with information that can be read with a quick scan from a smart phone ap.

1. Transform Your Business Card Into a Sales Tool. With a graphic QR code, color, images and brands can be incorporated into the generic looking QR code along with your embedded message which could be contact information, a video of your product, a map to your location, or even go to an online scheduler which allows new contacts to sign up for a 15 minute appointment*.
2. Screen Saver. Once you have a branded QR code image file, put it on your smart phone as a screen saver, that way you always have a business card on hand to share.  You take your phone with you and so does just about everyone else you want to know.
3. Email.  Your email signature line may already include where to contact you.  People see signature lines so often that they don’t see them anymore unless you do something noteworthy such as add an interesting quote.  That single line wrapped in quotes has the reputation of being a fortune cookie for the mind so people read it.  With a call to action inside of quotes placed above QR code in your email signature area, you can capture that same short span of attention that would be given a quote because your contact wants to know what it says!  Yes, you can scan QR code from a computer monitor as long as the screen isn’t creating glare at the QR’s location.
4. Mailing label. Mailing labels are just stickers waiting to happen.  Add your QR code image to mailing labels templates and print.  Use the “stickers” by affixing them to newspapers and distribute the papers complimentary to your favorite coffee shop or other places that people gather.
5. Job Boards. Job boards offer a chance to post your business card with a tear-off edge and when they’re gone, they’re gone.  If you add a colorful, graphic QR coded message to your top sheet and when the tear-offs are finished, your message still has staying power! 

*QRCodesofNote.com designs eye-catching QR code!  Their professional level graphic QR codes scan quickly due to their process, are trackable for number of scans, and can change your embedded message without recreating the code.  QR Codes of Note™ can provide suggestions that will make your advertising campaign get the types of response you seek.  Schedule a 15 minute appointment and ask what QR Codes of Note

Questions and comments are always welcome!  

Namaste,

Olive

Savvy Marketing Today

Word Of Mouth...

    Word of mouth is the absolute best advertising available: it is trust worthy, personable familiars providing feed back on their actual experiences with a product or service.  This ideal goal is called a “direct marketing” because selling points are spoken directly to the consumer.  Today's marketing and advertising has gotten quite sophisticated with social networks and strategies providing a platform that exposes messages to the masses who incorporate high technology into their lives.  With advertising messages inundating consumers, one has to wonder if people are becoming oblivious to the steady presence of online ads and scrolling past, not grazing any ads except the savviest eye catchers.

(Scan the QR code using free app RED LASER)

With marketing: aim out of the ballpark, right?  Absolutely.  Your marketing goal should be to be that savvy add that doesn’t get overlooked as well as one that taps into word-of-mouth advertising.  For those reasons, a smart marketing plan will include branded QR codes.  QR codes are square matrices scanned by mobile technology such as a smart phone or iPad that puts your information directly into the consumers phone or tablet which can then be easily shared by word of mouth and even a cool show-and-tell.

    While Americans are slowly getting on board with QR codes potential, impressive financial increases are being realized from QR code use around the globe.  In  crawl-before-you-run-style, QR code advertising in the US is largely through the incorporation of the black and white message embedded squares tucked into corners and embedded with URL’s.  That recipe will get you overlooked.

Consumers will whip out their phone to scan the attractive ad that answers the question: what’s in it for me?  Be the gold standard advertiser and have a branded QR code designed that answers the big consumer question by offering an incentive such as "Scan for your...", "A gift...", "Play to win...".   Suddenly you’ll have attention and you are portable enough to be shared and even displayed through the interactive word of mouth and mobile technology combination.  Aren’t you clever?

QR Codes of Note™ can provide your QR code marketing solutions.  Ask about a mobile friendly website.

Comments about QR codes? Questions abut how you can use QR codes in your advertising plan? Your feedback is always welcome. 

5 Ways to Promote With QR Codes

QR codes (Quick Response codes) are the dot matrix squares you have noticed showing up in print advertising (magazines, newspapers, billboards).  These squares actually contain messages that can be read with a scanner.  A quick scan using an app (application) like Red Laser from an app store and instantly, the embedded message is experienced on the mobile technology.  Yes, mobile technology, not just a cell phone.  Tablets, iPads, iPods and any mobile technology equipped with a camera that can download an app can scan and read a QR code.  Therefore the reach of QR codes encompasses the great majority and so those little squares can pack an big profit jump.  Remember the fun of finding a prize in the cereal box or the Cracker Jacks?  Remember the thrill of finding Waldo?  Well, just imagine the fun has grown-up and you are half-way there regarding both the thrill and the potential of QR codes. 

1. Knowledge.  Be aware of some of the many actions QR codes can produce; QR codes can send a text, make a call, play a video, offer a discount, add you to contacts, launch an app, make a donation, have a competition, refill a prescription, provide map directions to your location, or hey, here’s a fun idea: add a QR code on the label of your free samples of wine, music, magazine, book excerpt or product and the consumers enjoying the fruits of your labor will want more information.  Partner your QR Code campaign with another professional group to provide a free item (such as free music), place the QR code on a flat surface (bag, cup, business sized card) and when consumers scan your code everyone wins.  
2. Add value.  I can not think of anything more anti-climactic than scanning a QR code and arriving at a landing page full of words, more words, and even more words about you and none of them saying “win”, “prize”, “just for you”, “to thank you...”, “free”, “gift”.  While that level of let down may be a slight exaggeration, I hope it illustrates the fact that the URL you worked so hard to develop can be overwhelming and go overlooked when loaded on a cell phone or the small screens of hand held technologies.  People are largely motivated to scan QR codes because they believe they are going to receive something of value.  The mere pleasure of visiting your blog from a mobile technology is a little flat, especially since if you have FLASH on your URL, mobile technology can not load it (*get a mobile website).
3. Add a grain of boldness. Yes, many consumers notice the QR code squares but they can hold little interest when they consist of boring black and white blocks hidden in corners seemingly for some purpose not related to the general public.  When you incorporate your QR codes into your marketing, be bold! Do it in a highly visible manner so that people know your QR code was meant for them.  Include a call to action with “scan for...”, “Like us on facebook...”, “scan to follow us on twitter”.
4. Inform.  Some people, even those who have all the latest great tech toys are still not in the know about QR codes but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a scan.  Include a little information to give them a nudge such as: 1. Download a scan app such as Red Laser 2. Scan and enjoy!  It’s cool to find a new use for your favorite toy.  You remember how thrilled you were to discover you could play word games and with mad birds or whatever distraction app you downloaded.  It’s no different when people are encouraged to discover what lies embedded in QR codes.
5. Get branded QR code.  If you do any print advertising or use email, blogs, social networks or cell phones, this is probably the most important thing to note: A multimedia graphic artist can transform a plain, black & white qr code square into an extension of your brand or service.  Use that logo you developed and add have your image and company name customized into your QR code message.  You are more likely to get  scan if your QR code is attractive and professional in appearance.  There is power in beauty!  A consumer will say “oh, a QR code from my favorite insert your name profession here. I wonder what it contains.”  

Oftentimes, the person developing your branded QR code can also produce a mini-me version of your website that can be visited with a smart phone or other mobile technologies.  Having a mobile site does not diminish your great web page.  It is just that people are not always being introduced to you from their desks and that is a reality you should embrace.  I realize that you don’t always like change but this QR code business is powerful and it can work to your great benefit no matter what your industry is.  Add your branded QR code to your email signature, screen saver, facebook banner, blog, etc.  

This information brought to you by http://QRCodesOfNote.com ,  a multimedia design source offering branded QR code marketing solutions, facebook banners, mobile websites and website re-design.  If you benefitted from this information, be sure to LIKE us on facebook. Thanks.

Comments and questions always welcome.