A growing trend in marketing is the use of QR codes. An abbreviation for Quick Response, QR codes can be found on a variety of marketing items including advertisement, brochures, mailers and specific products.
QR codes are gaining in popularity because these codes allow people to get information quickly. In addition, the explosion of Smartphone technology has made reading QR codes easier.
QR codes first gained acceptance in the manufacturing. QR codes are similar to bar codes. However, there are some differences. Bar codes, which are typically used for inventory tracking, are one dimensional pattern and can hold a limited amount of information. QR codes are designed in a two dimensional pattern and can thousand of alphanumeric characters.
QR codes are scanned or read by QR code readers on Smartphones such as iPhones, Blackberries, and Android phones. These devises take a picture of the QR code and link to a web site via a web browser; activate a phone function such as an SMS message, a phone number, an Instant Message (IM) or SMS Message.
Creating a QR code is relatively easy. There are a number of QR code generators that are available online. These tools will walk you through the process and provide you with a QR code you can put on your materials.
Here are links to popular QR code generating sites:
• Kaywa www. qrcode.kaywa.com/
• QR Stuff www.qrstuff.com
• Dliver www.delivr.com/qr-code-generator
• ScanTag www.scantag.com
Here are some examples of AEC firms can use QR codes include:
• As a call to action on direct mail pieces
• In advertisements
• On brochures to provide a link to a web site or landing page
• As an email signature
• On business cards
• On products or packaging
• On job site signage
• At rade shows
• On trucks or job site trailers
• On recruiting materials
• Integrated into your social media efforts (to gain Likes and Follows)
Like other marketing techniques, QR codes are another part of the marketing mix. QR codes can be great tools to engage your audience. Before you get started with QR codes, look at how other companies and organizations are using QR codes and think of ways they can be used in your business.
Are you using QR codes in the AEC marketing efforts? Share your examples with me. E-mail me at bgallagher@leadingwithmarketing.com.
