Dear Friend,
Have
you ever wondered what those funny black
and white codes are on print pages and
even on plant tags at garden stores? They're called QR codes and this
issue will let you know how you can use them for your business.
We think you'll find the article interesting reading and will open up some new possibilities for you to consider.
Best Regards,
Gene Kent
President, Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics
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QR Codes: The Future of Marketing
Make room for the next big thing – QR codes. What-s a QR code?
It's essentially a wacky looking, matrix barcode users scan with a
camera-enabled smart phone. Scanning the QR code connects the user
to a mobile-optimized web page, video or photographs or activates
functions such as email, SMS and IM. The free QR codes are simple
to produce, distribute and display.
QR codes, also known as Quick Response codes, were invented in 1994 by a Toyota subsidiary, Denson-Wave. QR codes are well known in Japan and South Korea. Recently, QR codes have created a buzz among US marketing specialists. In the US, well known companies such as Macy's, Best Buy and Post Cereals use them to enhance their marketing campaigns.
The Nielsen Company forecasts, by the end of 2011, more than half of all US citizens will own a phone capable of scanning QR codes. The user just needs to add a phone app. QR codes are appearing in major print publications, on buildings and storefronts. In the US, the demystification of QR codes has a ways to go but it won't be too long before they're immediately recognized, understood and scanned by US consumers of all ages, shapes and sizes.
Ways Your Business can Take Advantage of QR Codes
Savvy marketers use QR codes to drive customers to a specific web page. Simply placing a QR code in a print add is not enough. Grab the consumers' attention with an enticing call-to-action statement placed next to the QR code. For example 'scan for a great offer' or "scan to win a prize." Don't harm your brand with a disappointing offer or prize. If you do it right they'll eagerly come back to your website. Something to think about: Why should the audience take the time to scan my code?
Americans like freebies. Entice consumers to complete your mobile-friendly survey with giveaways. What's the objective? With their permission, gather their email addresses for additional marketing messages. Surveys can lead to sales.
- Provide additional company and product information with Quick Response codes on product packages and literature.
- Use QR codes in print ads to bring traffic to focused information on your website.
- QR codes linked to videos can help bring your products to life.
- It's not common, but some companies design a QR code to automatically dial a predetermined telephone number. Before using this bold marketing technique, think about this: From the consumers' perspective, what's in it for me?
- Linking a QR code to a desirable coupon entices users to scan the code. The coupon is automatically saved on the users' mobile phone, providing the user an easy way to keep the coupon. They can also provide a copy to friends, aka consumers.
- Quick Response codes properly placed in retail stores make it easy for customers to sign up and become part of the store's social community.
- You can provide access to user manuals in an array of languages through a QR code link.
Where to Place QR Codes
QR codes can be printed on almost anything.
Marketers incorporate QR codes with billboard
ads, posters, in-store displays, business
cards, contests, print ads, direct mail
campaigns, coupons, email marketing etc.
For major events, put your QR codes on all your promotional material such as stickers, flyers, press kits, merchandise tags etc. Use a plug-and-play CMS to update the landing page throughout an event.
Create your own QR codes for free at websites such as at Kaywa.com and rasoftwarefactory.com. Learn how to make attention grabbing, attractive QR codes.
Analytics
Set up your QR code and the associated mobile web page with analytics. Now you'll be able to follow and optimize your campaign. You'll learn how many scans a Quick Response code gained and how long the average user spends at your website. You can measure how advertisements containing QR codes are driving your sales.
Expand Your Social Media Audience
Design a QR code to connect directly to your company's Twitter stream or Facebook page - it provides users the opportunity to "follow" or "like" your company.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC is a wireless communication technology which lets devices exchange data over distances of about ten centimeters. Google uses a mobile payment system, relying on NFC. Google stated they're "exploring new ways to enable customers to quickly and easily find information about local businesses from their mobile phones." Some experts in the field suggest Google will someday push businesses to use NFC for some of their communications.
But for now, the QR code is the hot marketing tool. When used effectively, QR codes gain the attention of customers and produce sales. They also help your company maintain a modern image.
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Refer Us to a Business or Colleague
You know us, we take care of your business, we've done a good job for
you; maybe you know someone who could use our services too?
With warehouse space open at our Chatsworth, California facility we are now actively looking to add to our client-base. So, we thought we'd ask if you knew someone who could use our services too.
Benefits of Outsourcing Your Warehousing & Shipping:
- Reduced warehouse costs
- Reduce your overhead
- Free up time for sales & marketing
- Lead your people while we manage your inventory
- Develop new products - we'll handle your operations
- Focus on sales not shipping
- Systems that easily integrate with your systems
Know someone who could benefit? You can forward this note easily to that person using the links at the bottom of this newsletter or just reply to this note with that person's name and phone number or name and e-mail address in the message body.
Either way,we'll contact them to see how we may be able to help them just as we help you. (We value your trust and referral, we'll never pressure or spam anyone you refer to us.)
Refer Us to a Business or Colleague and Get a Gift as Our Thank You!
When you refer a business or colleague to us, we'll return the favor by sending you a free gift as our way of saying thanks. Just let the person you refer know to mention your name when they call us, or send us their contact information, and we'll send you a token of our appreciation.