QR Codes and driving effective responses

QR codes are wonderful two-dimensional codes that link print advertising, business cards, signs, anything to the internet or other encoded information about your organization.  The user scans a QR code using a smart phone.  The applications are free and can be downloaded easily. 

A consumer can be asked to use a phone number.

Go to a website.

You can be directed to any url that may play a video, have a coupon, or have information on a new product you may feature.  Need some fun, creative ideas?  We have those aplenty!!!

Here are some ideas:

• Have a scavenger hunt with latitude and longitude placed in the QR code that can be input into a QPS device.  Place your company items or coupons in those locations.  List your info on geocaching websites!
• Activate and engage your brand experience by pointing the code to a url commercial your organization has placed on you tube.
• Have an electronic registration form for a race or conference or event and make the printed brochure link directly the the registration form
• Embed a coupon in your scan code
• Send a direct mail piece that drives traffic to your website
• Send a direct mail piece that is enhanced with behind the scenes information when they use the scan code
• Present users with a mobile alternative for connecting with your company.  What age is your market?  embed sms or text message into your code.
• Use QR codes on a poster with an event date that can link to a person's calendar
• Add a code to your website so vistors can download your contact info

Some facts:

• one third of all Americans have smart phones
• More than 100 major US brands are using scan codes
• the cost to try scan codes is so low that the ROI is high
• if your print piece has a laminated coating, be sure that reflection does not affect scanning
• if you use your scan code on a curved surface, you should test it

Consider using QR codes to generate buzz, support your brand and drive active, interested consumers to your information.  Happy Marketing!