Big Brands and QR Codes 2014

At QR codes of Note, we have long forecasted that when smart phones and tablets reach saturation levels in the public format, marketing with QR codes will get a serious and closer look.

QR codes can perform many tasks, not just a simple visit to a mobile site.

In 2014, big brands like PayPal have already invested in research and development and are now embracing QR codes in a big way: point of sale (POS) transactions by a quick scan of the featured PayPal QR code. 

Notice this code is not the stand alone, black and white edition standard in marketing in years past. QR code in North America are moving in the direction the rest of the world is already in, and that is, a more visually appealing design and compelling call to action.

When are you getting onboard with QR codes? Are you going to let your competitor beat you to it?  

BIO: Written by branded QR code strategist: Rhonda Smolarek from QR Codes of Note, an industry leader in mobile marketing. Your customer has smart technology and takes it everywhere, you brand message should be easily accessible. For QR designs and their marketing strategy, you may reach Ms. Smolarek at info@QRCodesOfNote.com.

• What is a QR (quick response) Code?
• Time to Get Your Head Out Of The Sand About QR Codes
• 5 Ways to Market with QR Codes

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

ONE SIZE FITS ALL represents that range called “the majority” and is therefore the desirable zone which retailers of all kinds pursue. The common belief is that if you appeal to the average guy and you will sell more stuff. Image source.

Let us consider for a moment that the average guy isn’t all that tech savvy and you have a tech product to promote because you are, well, a tech nerd.  Do you make a product that appeals to the technologically dim, but massive in terms of the population demographic or do you design a more fun tech oriented product that would have great success if only consumers “got it”?  Pretend you are a passionate, forward thinking QR code nerd and you can not bring yourself to dull down your creativity.  Then you must raise the level of QR code awareness for that average guy. Apply what thinking Henry Ford (Image source) shared about his automobile,  

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

I suggest that those using QR code generation rethink the notion of aiming for ONE SIZE FITS ALL QR code leveraging and put our money on the awesome sauce of fun products that a tech savvy consumer would enjoy.  When I design a QR code product and discuss it among my QR code enthusiast peers, I immediately hear the response “but most people don’t know how to use a QR code”.  And your point is?!!

QR codes do not require quantum physic knowledge and getting people on board with their crazy, fun potential doesn’t mean we have to be super mindful of the audience that isn’t in the know.  Not directly anyway.  Techies have smart phones.  Lots of non-techies have smart phones.  QR codes are launched by tech phones (and tablets).  If you want to increase the QR code product’s potential, design a common interest product and include a QR code.  The techie will “get it” and want it if the product is pretty cool.  His friend, Average Joe will see the cool product and want to keep up with the Joneses and he will figure out the QR code thing.  Which again, is not an advanced rocket science brain application and we can do better than simply using QR codes to go to an URL.  Especially a non mobile friendly URL which is even worse than going to an URL that lacks value for the scanner.

So can we stop treating QR codes like the public can’t figure them out?  The average guy may not get them right away, but this doesn’t mean he can not understand them.  Attach a QR code to something wonderful and let the games begin!

By the way, here is my “something wonderful” product with a QR code on it.  If you are an average Joe and haven’t figured out a QR code yet, download any scan app, they are FREE, and watch The New Holiday Card.  It is not a ONE SIZE FITS ALL product but it does come in a size that I believe a mind can stretch to fit. 

Follow our RSS or connect social media-ly, we welcome new friends.  We also have other products coming soon which feature QR codes and memories.

Written by: Rhonda Smolarek; QR code designer, social media coach, strategist, technology nerd.  Find her online at QRCodesOfNote.com or Facebook.com/QRCodesOfNote or LinkedIn.com/in/RhondaSmolarek or AlphaSutraPress.com or at Etsy.com where you can purchase a holiday card like this featuring your own memories: Epifanies

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:

TIME TO GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND

You see them.  Even if you personally ignore them QR (quick response) codes are practically everywhere and that is why you can no longer afford to stick your head in the sand.   You can try telling yourself that they are not that big a deal and you will be behind the crowd.  QR codes are the future of marketing and THE FUTURE IS PRESENT.

Yes, yes, QR codes have had a very bland induction, where they sent scanners on a pointless journey, usually to an URL.  They were babies; you experimented when you were young, too, and you were also forgiven and then taken seriously when you were no longer wet behind the ears.  

WHAT ARE QR CODES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

QR (quick response) codes are scannable images containing embedded information that loads onto smart phones and mobile devices when scanned with an app like i-nigma (which is free, by the way).  Your purchases are scanned at retail stores this same way but using a bar code reader.

New technology can be great but admittedly also a little vague and sometimes even intimidating.  The profitability factor of adding a custom QR code to your marketing in this era where over 75% of the population is holding a smart phone: staggering!  You see, a plain, black and white QR code is easy to ignore.  You know because you do it all the time.  Try to pass by something like this.  You know you are curious to know what this code does.  So are consumers and potential clients.  Add one to your business card and suddenly you don’t have to get all sale-sy.  Include one at the end of your presentation and incredibly, you can increase sales because your audience is flowing with the momentum!  Put one on your vehicle and wherever you park people can tune in to the video you have in your custom QR code.  

See a professional about branding a QR code for you.  A custom campaign will be developed around your goals and you will find yourself suddenly and easily in the present and out of the sand.  QRCodesOfNote.com creates custom, graphic QR codes that scan super-quick, track the number of scans received at different locations, and can change your message without redesigning your QR code.  Call a friendly professional today at: 719/428-5451.  Email: QRCofNote@gmail.com and get your questions answered. 

Comments always welcome.

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

QR Codes and the iPhone 5

The iPhone 5 pre-orders sold out in about an hour.  Promoters of products or services can capitalize upon this mobile phone release which boasts a faster wireless connectivity and a larger screen; both advances are great for those providing content.  These factors can drive your sales.  In today’s world, more people own cell phones than own computers and most people always have their cell phones nearby.  With all this mobile connectivity, many consumers first visits to websites will be via cell phones and mobile devices.  Image source

A basic QR code, such as this example shown, is a pixelated box containing embedded data that is activated by scanning with a smart phone or other mobile device.  The scan launches the QR code message onto the phone through the use of a downloaded scanning app such as the Red Laser.  The scanned information can offer limitless experiences such as scan incentives, videos, music, contests, scavenger hunts, and special offers of all kinds.

Take the best advantage of smart phone marketing trends by handing your message to the smart phone armed consumer.  With Apple boasting over 2 million iPhone 5 sales, about 2 million consumers are probably giddy to use their new phones.  They will use it to make phone calls, play games, watch videos, visit the internet, and download apps that improve their lives.  Scan apps such as Red Laser will allow these smart phone consumers to scan information about products and their prices.  By adding QR code to your marketing plan, you can drive more traffic to your business.  What you really want, in order to entice scanning, for improved traffic, leads, and increased SEO is a custom QR code.  The plain, generic QR code represents the timid first steps of QR codes where consumers scanned and had a plain, uninspiring experience often at an URL.  

Encourage shoppers to scan your code with a well thought out QR code marketing campaign which is visually intriguing and offers rewards for scans.  With the implementation of a colorful and/or artistically altered QR code, the customer is more interested in seeing what is inside the code.  That, and they like their new iPhone 5’s and find it cool to whip it out and scan your stunning graphic QR code.   Image Source

Where are you going to get this stunning QR code representing your business for these eager smart phone users to scan? As you can see from this infographic, there is a continued increase in consumers scanning QR codes.   QR Codes of Note™, a multimedia web design entity customizes QR codes into codes that scans super quick, tracks scan data and even has the capability to change your embedded message without altering the appearance of your dazzling, custom QR code that you may have had printed on car magnets, sticker, marketing tri-folds and in print ads.  These artistic codes aren’t easily manipulated like the plain, black and white pixelated qr, so the likelihood of your code being altered into passing along malicious Malware viruses is greatly decreased.  A quick phone call gets your questions answers about incorporating QR codes and gets you started on increased sales potential.  The QRCodesOfNote.com  website, has examples of custom QR codes though there are an infinite number of ways to imbue brands and custom qualities into QR codes that will distinguish you from the pack.  With QRCodesOfNote.com you have the added benefit of not only purchasing a customized QR code, but also successful marketing pointers such as call to action wording, and added multimedia offers created by the designers to enhance your campaign to get the increased exposure you seek.

QRCodesOfNote.com

or 1(719) 428-5451

FOLLOW THIS BLOG AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR RSS AND RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT ON YOUR CUSTOM QR CODE MENTION PROMO CODE: ORRSSFOL 

QR codes are for you if you desire to promote your:

• talent
• service
• product
• video 
• music
• book
• event
• new location
• tour date
• anything you wish to sell

Questions or comments about this article are always welcome below.  

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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.

QR Codes

What’s up with the QR code thingies?

QR thingys, or quick response code, is a scannable code that gives your business a boost by sharing the embedded information .  A QR code reader, or scanner as it is commonly called, can be downloaded from smart phone app stores.  The QR scanner is pointed at the code and then the embedded information appears.  Scanners are a great app to have on your phone as they allow barcodes and QR codes to be scanned providing information like merchandise prices at multiple locations for consumer products of all kinds.  

Say you saw some great item at the store, scan it and get the price for the same item at venues all around town or as far away as you seek. 

A QR code though, can be embedded with things like:

any contact information ❧ URL’s ❧ mobile web pages ❧ coupon offers
❧ event announcements ❧ promotions ❧ possibilities abound
and then placed on:
business cards email ❧ mass mailing ❧ car magnets ❧ lawn sign (real estate)
❧ office window sign ❧ flyers ❧ posters ❧ and more

QR codes don’t have to be the boring black and white code you are seeing here and there.  We can create QR codes for you that are attention getting, colorized and infused with your brand logo.  Our QR code marketing ideas aren’t just some square shoved into your marketing material like an after thought.  We can design innovative and attractive marketing material that makes your message shine to your target market.

Once scanned, information can be saved directly to your phone.  QR codes are great for invitations like to graduation parties, wedding announcements, corporate events.  I am sure you can think of a way to make use of them.  

Where can you get a creative QR code made and then what can you do with it?

contact: Olive.Rosehips@yahoo.com

or go to the QR codes of note website found here

Olive, a multimedia graphic design artist specializes in QR code marketing which includes incorporating codes onto exciting products like car magnets, t-shirts, invitations, announcements, yard signs, business cards...