QR Codes: To Scan or Not to Scan
To Scan or Not to Scan?
Have you seen those crazy looking black and white checkered boxes lately? They are not just in the Sunday paper, mail inserts, or at stores for fun. They are called QR Codes and they are the next generation of online advertising. These little boxes connect the consumer from a Point of Purchase directly to the product’s website in seconds. A Point of Purchase is a form of signage in a store that draws the consumer to a particular product and gets them interested. The signage may have information about the product, but lately they can also have a code on them.
An example of QR Codes in action would be, if you are at a car show and there are hundreds of great cars lined up in rows. Some of these cars look just amazing and you are wanting to find out more about how a particular car was perhaps restored to such a great condition. Well, fortunately some of these cars have a QR code next to the name of the vehicle spec sheet. After scanning the code, you get a full interactive video streaming from a website showing you the history and restoration process of this vehicle. How cool is that!
When it comes to marketing, QR Codes can be very beneficial to business. You can offer coupons that are only available when scanning one. You can give more information about your product directly to consumers, or you can even give free how-to’s. There is a lot of ways to make the codes valuable in your business. Be creative. Send out post cards in the mail about your business and say, “Scan this QR Code to receive 20% off your next purchase!” Consumers will feel the urge to scan it in order to save money, and it will help your business earn more traffic to your store and website.
Do not be concerned about QR Codes not taking off. They are. “In a 2011 survey, 65% of respondents had seen one and 49% had scanned one. 70% of smartphone users would be interested in scanning a QR Code. 63% would use a QR Code to access more information. Usage grew 1200% in just 6 months from July – December of 2010. 57% of Facebook users have scanned one at least 1 time in the past year. With 40% having done it 5 or more times. 66% of smartphone users actively surf the internet for content using their smartphone.”
So what does this mean for your business? It means if you don’t already have a mobile website and a way for users to access it, you need to start now. Create a mobile site and QR Code that directs the consumer to it. You will generate more traffic and leads to your business. QR Codes are a win-win!
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