QR Codes
Last year Magmito added auto QR Code generation to its growing list of features. And boy are we ever glad we did. So what are QR Codes anyway? Developed in Japan, these little gems can be defined, according to Wikipedia as: “a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR barcode reader and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.” Thanks Wikipedia.
Here’s a great example of one we customized for The Salvation Army that links to its Daily Cup Social Justice Mobile App.
- Join the fight against social injustice. Snap the QR Code with your camera phone to download the app
Over 90% of phones in use today have built-in cameras and more and more phones are coming with QR Code readers pre-installed. If you don’t have a reader, type didmo.com/qr into your mobile phone’s browser to download one. So, you’re running to your nearest Starbucks to grab a mocha latte and you spot a billboard plastered on the side of a building with one of these funky codes. Just activate your camera, point and shoot. You’ll definitely get some form of content this advertiser wants you to see. These days, it seems these cool codes link to Web landing pages or videos. If, however, you’re a smart marketer, the advertiser’s QR code will link to a mobile app featuring a promotion.
QR stands for “Quick Response” and that’s exactly what they allow your consumers to do, respond quickly. Big brands have adopted them successfully and modern-day consumers are not as baffled by them as they once were. If, in your search for info on QR Codes, you happen to come across this article, where a panelist at a mobile marketing conference stated, ““QR codes are not hot today – unless you’re in Japan,” please ignore.
By using QR Codes on everything from print material to tradeshow signage and Web ads that links to a mobile app, you’re cross-promoting and integrating mobile directly into your marketing mix. Big brands are using them with great success. Have a look at some shining examples straight from our clients for further proof that QR Codes are indeed hot and here to stay.
Case #1: Pro-Mark, world-leading drumstick manufacturer.
Pro-Mark recently launched the Neil Peart signature series drumsticks. Who’s Neil Peart? C’mon people! The uber talented drummer for Canadian band RUSH, that’s who. Now that your obligatory lesson in Canadiana has been satisfied for the day, as part of Pro-Mark’s promotion, they printed QR Codes directly onto product packaging which linked to, you guessed it, an exclusive Magmito-generated mobile app celebrating the famed musician. Featuring exclusive tour video footage, photos, bio, drum kit setup, tell-a-friend forwarding and more, the app was a smashing success. It is now widely available via Pro-Mark’s website and the QR Code was printed on tradeshow booth signage at one of the largest music industry tradeshows, NAMM.
- Pro-Mark using a QR Code on its booth signage to promote the Neil Peart signature series drumsticks
- A close-up of the poster. Consumers point and shoot to download the app.
Case #2: Apollo Travel, leading Scandinavian travel agency
Apollo, part of The Kuoni Group, was interested in an easy-to-use tool that its marketers could use, themselves, to quickly create mobile campaigns and promotions for prospects and clients. To date, Apollo has created dozens of “Mobile Travel Guides” on popular destinations.
Magmito-generated Mobile Travel Guides feature:
- Popular destination activities
- Important travel info
- Food and drink info
- Shopping info
- Apollo contact info
- Feedback form
Destination apps are promoted on Apollo’s website and other digital marketing channels. Apollo makes use of Magmito’s QR Code generator, publishing QR Codes and urls to each app.
- Apollo Travel creates mobile travel guides for popular destinations.
QR-codes could also be printed on business cards, to promote the company’s services.
And they are…! Our business cards feature QR Codes that lead to our company app. In fact, we’re seeing this practice being adopted more and more. Though it’s important that your QR Code lead to a destination that captures valuable prospect data. Too often we see companies direct prospects to videos or websites and they lose track of a valuable lead. Employ best practices to succeed
I agree. That is just as important as in all digital marketing campaigns. I customers don’t find what they search the moment they enter your web page or app, they will leave and continue looking.