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.

What Are Mobile Websites

  

IMAGES SOURCE

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

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?

CUSTOM QR CODES: WHAT AM I BUYING EXACTLY

SCAN image for source

What do you get when you buy a customized quick response code (QRC)?  

CUSTOM is the key word here.  The quick response code (QRC) contains an embedded message that can be read with a scan from a cell phone. You will need to download a scanner app, we use Red Laser.  The custom QRC on the left has been colorized and an image inserted.  An email address has been included below the matrix for the benefit of those not using a smart phone.  More and more people are using smart phone's and this will continue to increase.  QR codes are appearing in more ads.

QR codes can launch a number of events: take scanner to your youtube video, your URL, provide your contact information, promote and event, offer a coupon and more.  Read more here.

When you purchase a custom QRC, you are commissioning a unique piece of logo or branding artwork from a multimedia graphic designer.  Consider custom QRC art work just the same as a brand or a logo that you would have a graphic artist create except that this high-tech artwork begins with a message embedded into QR code. Multimedia graphic artists transform a matrix into something eye catching and deliver it to you in an email.  You then use this QRC multimedia artwork/message on your promotional products just like you would do with any other logo.

From QR Codes Of Note™ you receive by email, a scalable, high resolution file which is in eps or jpg format.  Other QR designers offer you a low design price when you initiate the design process only to later charge an additional $10-35 to email your design.  I think that’s just absurd, of course and QR Codes Of Note™  have no such hidden fees.  Your payment includes email of your QRC and you own all copyrights to your commissioned multimedia graphic design.  

Once you have a custom QRC, you can use it in print advertisement, business cards, posters and countless promotional products.  We can offer promotional product contacts that work for your embedded message such as window stickers, chocolates, keychains.  

Some fast and easy uses for your custom QRC is to add it to your phone as a screen saver, place it on your blog, include it in your email.  You can use your custom QRC as your social network avatar. 

This QRC is an example of how to use qr codes.  The team at QR Codes Of Note™  can offer suggestions for your projects.

Comments or Questions?

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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...

CHAT

Lots of people are meeting members of the opposite sex online these days and having first dates and it is required that you chat with that someone you do not yet know.  Even meeting people at a forth coming holiday party or other social setting requires talking to a perfect stranger.  Business networking... ok, you get the idea: you need to know how to talk new people without looking like a jerk, idiot, bore, stalker, desperado, needy or creepy.  Symptoms that you are blowing it:

1. When people back up as you are talking - stop inching forward.  You are being creepy.
2. When people are reluctant to answer the question you have just asked, back off.  You are being an obtrusive jerk.  You also seem like a stalker if the questions going unanswered are of a personal nature.
3. If you find you are doing most of the talking, well, it’s time to share the mike.  You are being a bore.  Yes you are, I don’t care how interesting you feel in that moment.
4. If you are winning an argument and you are loud, animated and spraying your words; seriously, you’re probably being a jerk.  It is probably not the first time either. 
5. If you only want to talk about yourself or how something went terribly wrong and it’s not your fault, hello:  You are being needy.  Yes you are, and the person you are talking to knows it and will bolt the first chance they get.  
6. If the person you want to talk to keeps getting away from you and you have had to look for them several times; they are ditching you and you need to know that you are being a bit of a stalker.
7. If you are staring at a person and they will not make eye contact with you, walk away.  Otherwise, you seem a tad creepy for not taking the hint that the individual does not want to chat with you.
8. If you are calling someone a name for not answering your questions, or participating in your discussion, I am sorry to tell you: you are being an idiot.  I know, you feel powerful and entitled but no, you’re just an idiot and others are too polite to tell you as much.  Mostly, nobody smart wants to argue with an idiot.

“I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me.”
― Dave Barry

Comments? We'd love to hear examples of "winners" you've met at parties. 

THE TROUBLE WITH FICTION

 Beautiful model Tara

I recently saw this photo of a beautiful, voluptuous woman on FaceBook along with an article rebutting an offensive question this photo posed in a gym: whether one wants to be a whale or mermaid. Many of my friends LIKED the article raising hell about the whale/mermaid ad.

To moi,  the  woman in this photo is outwardly beautiful: manicured eyebrows, lovely hair, sultry lips, moisturized skin and pedicured feet.  To say one is beautiful because one is slender, well I beg to differ.  Worldly beauty demands maintenance, this woman maintains herself.  Her weight is but an ingredient in a recipe that would still be well received by many: what is not to like about a vibrant and passionate person; their embrace, their laughter?  

I agreed that mermaids are lovely, fictional creatures and feel this media generated sensation was a successful ploy against very real, lemming like human beings unwilling to think for themselves and I enjoyed the light rebuttal from what was likely a plus sized woman, right up until this part:

 “We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn’t enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies. We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.”

The person who wrote that was probably kidding and that made me think that it was a jolly and maybe nervous coverup for what is true: you consume more fat and calories than you are willing to burn.  I can accept that and you should, too.  

That ad was offensive and I bet it was more discouraging than it was encouraging.  Please  keep this in mind: 

“Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.”
― Toni Morrison, Beloved

Did this article leave you with something to say?  Sound off in the comment section.  All comments welcome. Really