What is it?

QR codes are two-dimension barcodes that can provide a vital link between print media and mobile commerce. QR codes store information (mostly web site URL’s) that can be read by devices with cameras, like a cell phone.

How does it work?

A user with a web-enabled camera phone that is equipped with QR reader software can scan the image of the QR code; decoding software reads the information and prompts the phone’s browser to go to a programmed URL.

“Mobile” is a key channel for marketing and when you are vying for a consumers attention, sending the information quick and directly to a user’s mobile phone is the fastest way to get the information to them. It offers an easy way for them to access, and go back to, your message at any time.

To find out what application to use for your phone, you can do a Google search for the model of your phone along with QR reader.

See an example

Want to see an example? Visit www.jkdesign.com/web-design-nj/qr-codes

Why should we use it?

To get people talking. To be different. To get information in your customers hands in a uniquely effective way. To support your face to face presence, booth presentation and collateral material, and to help it stand out from the rest.

For JK Design, it opens up the door to develop mobile web sites that are built within the context of the QR campaign.

What are the challenges of using today?

• Software is not universal yet, but coming;
• Need to educate people on the usage of the scan, how to download the app, etc
• What if you have a flip phone? Should work fine, as long as you can download apps and connect to the internet.

How could we use it?

1. Tradeshow – Integrate it with your preshow mailer and those who are ‘on the go’ and ‘QR-ready’ can scan the code from their cell phones and be taking to your event registration page online
2. Tradeshow – Create a contest: Event attendees can be given a fake gift card upon check in for a week long event, and be invited to scan the QR barcode on the back every day. Each scan enters them in to another chance to win a $50 real gift card. Cards can be given away at the show every hour (or whatever time frame you like)
3. Tradeshow – Scavenger Hunt: Place QR codes in various places throughout the booth or show floor. Attendees would be looking for QR codes strategically placed, when they find one, they scan and are sent a text for another clue. Eventually they will win something or get a coupon, etc.
4. Tradeshow – TSHIRT scans:
   • Have employees walking around with Tshirts that say things like “Tickets to the Gala almost sold out” with a QR code on the back of the shirt that will take the attendees to the registration page.
   • “Want to know where the bathrooms are” with a QR code that will take them to a show floor layout, or a text with bathroom directions.
5. Tradeshow or Conference – Support your presentations. Instead of constantly repeating the web site URL that your presentation is based off of (micro site, corporate site), have the attendees scan a QR code in their presentation booklets that take them right to the website from their mobile device.
6. Networking Icebreaker: Create temporary QR code tattoos for attendees and let them know that 1 other person in the room shares an identical code and have them find their matching partner
7. General Usage – Add a QR code to your business card and have people scan to get to your web site, bio page, etc
8. General Usage – Add a QR code to a product and when scanned, takes you to a product specific page giving customer service info, product details, product reviews, product videos, service history, etc
9. General Usage – Add a QR code to any print material (ad, poster, etc) to quickly direct someone to your web site, product info, etc.

Have a thought about QR Codes? Feel free to comment on the above!