Marketing with QR codes and advertising with QR barcodes

QR Codes

Quick Response (QR) Codes are popping up everywhere. You may have seen them on postcards, ads, billboards, packaging and more. If you’ve been wondering what they are — and how New Channel Direct can help you use QR Codes to increase your ROI — you’ve come to the right place.

What Is A QR Code?

A QR Code is a two-dimensional matrix-style code readable by smartphones, camera phones and QR scanners. Unlike a bar code which is a one-dimensional code read by a laser, a matrix-style QR Code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background and must be read by a camera. A QR Code can store much more information than a bar code, including URLs, text, phone numbers, mobile text messages and more.

QR Codes have emerged as the most popular matrix-style code, surpassing scores of competing technologies such as Microsoft Tag, JagTag, EZCode, and Aztec Code.

Why Are QR Codes Popular with Consumers and Prospects?

• Many mobile devices include QR scanners, and scanner applications can be downloaded for free
• QR Codes eliminate the need to type in information on a mobile device
• QR Codes are accessible on-the-go and fit into today’s busy lifestyles
• QR Codes can encode a significant amount of information
• QR Codes are new and intriguing

Benefits of QR Codes

QR Codes are easy and quick to use. Customers and prospects simply point and scan and instantly have your message on their camera phones or smartphones. This means they no longer have to write or type a lengthy URL into their phone browser, significantly shortening the path to your message. Quickly and easily combine the traditional medium of printed materials with high-tech, 2D matrix bar code technology to launch your customizable web content to any web-enabled phone.

OTHER BENEFITS:

• QR Codes are free and no licensing is required
• QR Codes are flexible, and stored content can be personal or universal
• QR Codes provide an immediate connection to your customer or prospect
• Results are measurable to a high degree of detail

Marketing with QR Codes

The marketing possibilities of QR Codes are limitless. Your customers and prospects increasingly are using their mobile phones in every phase of their lives. Examples of marketing applications include:

• Quick links to company websites, social media websites, online forms and online contests
• Targeted links to Personalized URLs (PURLs) in direct marketing campaigns
• Coupons and other promotions
• Contact information on business cards and other printed materials
• Registration and contact information at meetings, conventions or other networking events
• Product information such as nutritional information

Customized Reporting Services

QR Codes provide a wealth of useful information to allow you to identify which offers are working, who is responding and more. These are particularly useful for fine-tuning future marketing campaigns.

TRACKING CAPABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Number of scans
• Date and time of each scan
• Approximate location of scans (depending on GPS capabilities)