I talk a lot about Social Media both on this blog and to customers in general. In fact one of the key strengths of this business is using our considerable experience in including an element of Social Media into a customers Inbound Marketing Strategy, and seeing that drive traffic to the customer website solutions.
However in a recent meeting, I was asked very simple question which I thought would be perfect for our blog hence this post.
That questions was; what is a QR code and how could I use one to promote what my business offers?
First lets start with what a QR Code Looks Like
So a QR code like the one on the ladies bums above (you did see it didn’t you?) is an acronym for quick response code and is actually quite old. I believe starting in Japan in the mid 90’s. Now the technology is really taking off some 15 years later as mobile technology has caught up.
If you have a smart phone with a camera and a simple app once the QR code is scanned this can take a user to a web page, a video perhaps or even a call – it really is that flexible.
What a QR Code Can Be Used For
QR codes can be used in so many different ways, many household names are using these codes for adverts or specials inside the stores, the codes are even being seen embed on billboards and press adverts – all to send smart phones users to a link containing more info on a product or service.
If you are a business that why not use a QR code in your shop window to send users to a web page containing hours of business, a menu and even reviews on the business. Maybe print one on the reverse of a customers receipt to ask them to review their purchase or LIKE your facebook page.
A QR example from Betfair and the British Beach Volleyball Team
Check out the photo of the two beach volley ball players, a QR code will be printed on the back of the sportswomen’s bikini bottoms that will direct users to a Betfair website when photographed on a smartphone.
How do I Scan a QR Code?
Firstly you need a smartphone, then when you see a QR code somewhere and you want to scan it and see what’s offered? Well firstly you need an app which you can get from Android, the App Store or Ovi store; then you open the app and hold your camera at the QR code and off you go, the app does the rest…
So have you got any examples of QR codes, will you be scanning the ladies bums in the London 2012 Olympics?