Quick Response codes, or QR codes for short, are popping up everywhere these days. From magazine ads to store windows, QR codes are the fastest way to get your tech-savvy customer to your business website.
The BBB offers some quick tips for businesses considering implementing Quick Response (QR) codes for their business.
So what is a QR code, exactly? These 2 dimensional barcodes, which originate back to circa 1994, aren’t exactly new, but are now being used in fun, innovative, business savvy ways that are luring in customers from around the globe.
By simply downloading a QR reader app for free, a QR code can be read quickly by your smartphone. Think of a barcode that can store much more data than you can imagine.
Now think of all the places you can put such a small branding – the possibilities are (almost) endless. A business can use a QR code to show information such as directions to their business, their company’s BBB Business Review or even a URL that the viewer can click to receive a coupon.
You can even put a QR on your business card with a link in the QR that takes the recipient directly to your website. Or add a QR that contains your contact information making it easy to add that info to a cell phone.
QR codes are a fun way to attract customers to your business’ website or promotion, said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. You can get creative by placing the QR code in your email signature, allowing the viewer to go directly to your website. Or you can even have the code contain contact information, making it easy for the viewer to add it to his or her own cell phone.
So what are other ways to use the code? And are there any risks? BBB offers the following quick tips to businesses who are considering a QR code:
Where to display? Many businesses are turning to the windows of their store, paper advertisements, business cards, email signatures, shirts, mugs, ties and other products to display their businesses’ QR code. Some businesses are even using the codes for promotional contests allowing for a creative way to reveal the customer’s prize.
QR code scanning increases by 4,549% Study says!
With the increase in smartphone purchases for both iPhone and Android devices, which have a pre-installed QR reader, there is growing awareness among consumers of QR codes compared to a year ago.
Smartphones have helped build a mass market of people who are able to scan QR bar codes, a leading chief marketing officer stated.
Brands such as Calvin Klein and Conde Nast have also helped drive awareness of QR codes by placing them in their TV, print, Web and out-of-home advertising.
Ultimately, the pairing of QR ready smartphones and QR bar codes in advertising has been driving this dramatic growth.
QR barcodes go mainstream
Women show a higher interest in using QR codes, accounting for 68 percent of users.
These numbers have big implications for advertisers.
QR barcodes are no longer just a way to speak to early adopters, or the geek crowd. QR codes have gone mainstream and are being used heavily by women who are head decision makers and purchasers in households.
The vast majority of mobile bar code scans are centered on providing more information about a product or service, with 89 percent of scans falling into this category.
The iPhone is the most popular scanning device, followed by the iPod Touch and then, Android.
The report also shows that consumers are not just trying QR codes once and forgetting about them, but are becoming repeat users of the technology.
In fact, repeat scanners account for 62 percent of the market.
For marketers, this means QR codes can provide a way to have an ongoing conversation with consumers.
Marketers can change their QR codes in ads each day, week or month, and have an ongoing dialogue with their consumer.
Find Out How Mobile Business Ads can Help get you and your business a QR Code Today!
