Archive for October, 2011

With large number of cell phone users now opting to purchase smart phones, QR Code as a concept are catching on equally fast. Most smart phones today have the capability to install scanning applications that give users access to the information stored in the code, make it a revolutionary tool for business today.

This technology as off today is highly used for marketing and promotions across sectors especially in the music, film and brand marketing. Obviously, QR code present many more opportunities towards business growth.

What Else can be done?

Consider the advantages of a concise coding system that can be easily created and printed to share information with anyone who has a phone with a camera in it. Now think of all the information that can stored inside this little space and its implications in every business function ranging from inventory management, production management, operations and logistics, marketing and promotions, and even finance.

These codes can be easily printed on your business cards, brochures, advertisements, product packaging, point of sales receipts etc. In addition to its implications in the marketing function, businesses have been able to employ them effectively for a number of other functions for the sake of promoting efficiency, productivity, cost cutting and eco-friendly business practices. For example, a number of airline companies are testing the use of QR codes as digital boarding passes thus delivering all the afore mentioned qualities in their business.

Other businesses are using these codes as an effective way to drive traffic to the company’s social networking pages or official websites thus creating another engagement platform with existing and potential clients.

A Mistake that can be Avoided

In spite of the fact that this technology has been in use in Japan for over 10 years now, to the world it is relatively new. Everybody is excited about the potential it has aiding in business growth, yet an extremely common error that companies make is that they tend to link users to their websites that are not customized to mobile navigation. Everyone knows that a user experience of a website when accessed on a PC, tablet and smart phone can be extremely different. A company will not only be risking their credibility by directing users to a website that is not easy to navigate on the mobile phone, but also risking the loss of a potential client who is unlikely to return to your website on a later date.

Before implementing the QR code to drive your SEO initiative, make sure that your website is customized to mobile websites.

What are QR Code?

Short for Quick Response Codes, QR code were first created in Japan, and are typically used to store and share information. This is mainly done with the help of readers that are now commonly available on most smart phones around the world.

Today, QR code can be found everywhere, in magazine advertisements, web pages, flyers, business cards etc. Through this barcode system, one can communicate to all mobile using audience information that is relevant to your business and marketing objectives.

Many businesses choose to share information such as links to their company websites, user manuals, registration pages, trailers to movies etc through this coding system.

Why are QR Code so Important?

The primary reason behind their fast increasing popularity as a coding system is the simple fact that they can store a lot more information and data compared to the conventional barcode. Another benefit it offers is high reach that is possible because of the ability of smart phone users to easily scan the code without the requirement of any chunky hand-held scanner.

How can Marketers take advantage of this Coding System?

There are unlimited possibilities that are presented to marketers by this coding system. Simply printing a QR code on your business card can let the receivers instantly browse through your company website or catalogue on their smart phones. Printing them on packaging can help you electronically share information in terms of customer relationship, user guides, and legal disclaimers.

Internet marketing specialists are relying on the fact the most major search engines will in the future start recognize QR codes and segregate search results based on that criteria. That again opens up a number of doors in terms on search marketing.

QR codes help bridge the gap between offline and online marketing by giving easy access to its offline audience to information that is online. Not only has this proven to be a cost-effective medium of mass communication, but is has evidently done wonders to the search engine optimization exercise by effectively routing offline traffic to relevant web pages.

Effective implementation of QR code can help marketers efficiently share information pertaining to details of product, contact details, short-term and long-term promotional offers, information on ongoing or future events, and even link audiences to social networking websites, etc.

QR Code is no doubt a revolutionary tool to engage audiences and drive traffic towards platforms that provide relevant information. Marketers today must not miss the bus and take maximum advantage of its features!