Monday, June 25, 2012

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. KnowledgeBe 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 valueI 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. InformSome 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 codeIf 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.



Wednesday, June 6, 2012

What Are Mobile Websites


  
We are a technology driven society and so it is no wonder that many people will visit your site first from their cell phones.  If you don’t already have one, you are going to need a micron representation of your website: a mobile website.  What is that?  
The mobile web uses a browser based internet service from a handheld device like a smartphone or a tablet computer and connects from a wireless network such as the free wifi you absorb at that coffee shop on your cell phone.  
If you have a website then it can be accessed by cell phones but most of the time regular websites look awful, they are suddenly overwhelming and take much too long to load on a little cell phone.  If you also have flash movement and bells and whistles and hoops for visitors to jump through, people can’t get the best experience visiting your site from their cell phones.
Why do you care?  People should just access your website from a computer like everyone else.  Ok. o_0 You don’t get it yet.  People don’t always carry around a computer in their pockets and purses.  Oh, wait, yes they do.  They carry around a portable cell phone and it takes 2 seconds to go to your website.  If your site looks like shoot and shinola on their cell phone, they are probably going to forget you.  But you, no, you don’t like change... you are going to like irrelevance even less, my friend.
Add a mobile website to your line up or contact me for another comparable micro solution which saves time and expense.  Then you can get some of that custom QR code I told you about and then the walking past your shop can scan your window sticker to see what’s on sale, or when they’re waiting in the dentist’s office they come across your business card or ad in a local publication, they will see your intriguing QR code with its graphically enhanced flair and believe you me, they can’t wait to scan it and see what’s inside!
Did you get that?  Here it is again:
  • Get a mobile website so people on cell phones can experience your online offerings without cringing
  • Or get an alternative to that which I can tell you about
  • Get custom QR code which launches your website or video or event information or...you decide
  • Get all of this from QRCodesOfNote.com
Namaste,
Olive

Saturday, June 2, 2012

QR CODES for PEOPLE

 So this is a QR code.  

You see them and maybe you don't give them a second thought.  You should.  Everyone should.  QR codes hold the magic fun of secret messages, remember, from your childhood?  Oh, you're that old?  Well, these have to be decoded with a Smart phone.  With QR codes businesses share savings, directions, contact information, videos... but first you download a scanner app, point your camera at the code and then check out the QR code message.

You can also scan this with any device equipped with a camera that can download a scanner app, such as a Blackberry or an iPad.

QR codes: NOT Just For Businesses 

Look at this image, the QR code has bee colored to match the graduation announcement and it launches a video of dear Melissa walking across stage.  Included is a message to scan this code and see this special moment.  I think this is just wonderful use of QR code.  If you can not make this type of invitation yourself, there are QR code artists who will create the code and the invitation for a small fee.  QRCodesOfNote.com

QR code can also be used to keep track of valuables like with this (found this here), just print a page of QR code labels and affix to your personal items.  Yes, yes, of course you could just be old school and write your name and number on a label.  Yawn.  Why do you even have a phone?  For calling people?!  You are under using your technology, smart guy.  Got to QRCodesOfNote.com and they can create very attractive labels for your inventory.


Jessica and Terrance, a lovely couple, used QR code as part of their wedding journey.   With QR code, you can launch a map with preloaded directions, include a phone number in case your guests are running late and want to call ahead.  A QR code could also be used to save the date in calenders with a quick scan.  In time, the happy couple could use QR code to share the birth of their little one, or invite you to their new annual holiday party.
  
Hopefully, now I have you thinking about QR codes.  Use them in your life and be sure to include a written website address for all the people you know who aren't yet QR code savvy.  Since you're cool now and know, "Hey, I could use some some QR code in my life" or if you are only moderately cool and want to appear even more so, just contact QRCodesofNote.com to help you come up with a custom design that flatters your special event to full effect.


Where image sources are not included,  just scan the QR code =)


Questions? Comments?