A QR Code is essentially a bar code, and it’s becoming more and more prevalent in advertising and marketing campaigns.
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t’s a black and white square with a special construct that allows it to store data like URLs or text. Short for “Quick Response,” QR codes can be scanned by a cell phone, which immediately accesses the information stored inside. QR scanners, mobile phones with cameras and smartphones are all capable of reading the codes, which can load a text, URL or other data.
As of October 2010, 60.7 million Americans owned a smartphone. The market is rapidly expanding – currently 1 in every 4 mobile subscribers has a smartphone, and the numbers continue to grow. Researchers expect the worldwide number of smartphone users to quadruple to over 1 billion worldwide by 2014. Soon, almost everyone will have the resources to scan your QR codes.
Big businesses are applying QR codes, originally used in vehicle manufacturing, in a more commercial way. Many advertisers utilize the codes to inject more information into a small space. They can be seen everywhere – on outdoor signs, business cards, buses and in magazines. A new neighborhood restaurant could even place a QR code on their to-go menus that links directly to their website.
These technologically advanced codes are poised for widespread popularity. Here at Bankers Advertising, we plan on implementing QR codes in our marketing tools and catalogs. Imagine limitless possibilities – a QR code on the tag of a t-shirt you hand out to future customers, or a flyer that features a QR code with a special offer! Get the best return and greatest exposure for your advertising dollar.
QR codes work perfectly with promotional products. Add value and improve your status among customers by placing a QR code on your logoed mug or a personalized key chain! Advertising calendars are also a great vehicle to send your message to the thousands of people who will see just one of your calendars. For example, banks often hand out calendars to emphasize their value on customer loyalty. What if now they could simultaneously post all of their current home loan rates without taking up valuable space on the calendar? A QR code makes it easy to list these rates, lobby hours or ATM locations in one small location.
The type of customer who takes advantage of QR codes is the ideal demographic for a growing business. They likely have a strong online presence and therefore are more likely to help you boost your Internet identity.
Using QR codes will allow further interaction with products and literature. Being knowledgeable about current trends will cause your customer to see you in a different light. Build respect with your clientele by using the most up-to-date tactics – call us to see how adding a QR code to your product can help you build business and sell more.
Written by Megan Mitchell | Associate Marketing Manager | Bankers Advertising Company