Codes Are Everywhere
You see them everywhere, on the bus, train, store windows, and online. We have all come to know QR codes as part of our modern advertising landscape. How effective are they and what lasting power do they have compared to new technology being developed and implemented. If you have not used them yet, we will present a few ideas on how to best utilize them and how to prepare for the changes to come to marketing.
Getting Your Code Scanned
It is true that QR codes have not enjoyed the range of success that their implementers have hoped for. Even with that in mind, it is a good idea to start using QR codes to implement your business. A new wave of marketing will soon arrive where users interact with their environment to learn about products and deals. For example, Google Glass will be a reality in the near future and there are sure to be integrations with existing and new advertising technology. Now is the time to get your users accustomed to the idea of actively engaging with advertising.
How can you make the best use of QR codes? When it comes to QR codes, the best practice is to be creative. Give your users an incentive to scan your code: place an interesting deal, coupon, or event on your advertisement encoded into the QR code and make sure you have a clear call to action. Do not simply send users to your home page, they are not likely to scan your code if it is something they can get by just typing and easy address into a browser. Send them to a dedicated mobile friendly landing page and point out that fact that they can only get this deal/content by scanning the QR code they see at that location. Always implement tracking so you can measure the effectiveness of each code.
The Future of QR Codes
QR codes will eventually be replaced by newer technology that is easier for the end user. Near Field Communication (NFC) is already making strides to change they way people shop, share content, and view advertisements, also it is easier to use than QR codes. NFC technology just relies on the user tapping or holding their NFC enabled device, such as a smart phone, to an NFC tag. This technology can now be seen on trains and buses where the rider touches their preloaded fare card to an NFC tag to pay for their ride. Many retailers are experimenting with NFC payments and store displays. While this and other technology will replace QR codes in the future, it is an important for your business to start building a strategy for interactive advertisements. Start implementing QR codes and use them as guide to what works and what users respond to best for your business or project.
A Starting Point
When looking to create QR codes make sure your URL is as short as possible. You can use a service such as bit.ly to keep the length down. A longer URL means a more complicated code that will be harder to scan. There are many free services that will convert a url to QR code. Remember to be creative and focus on location based rewards. Google Glass will revolutionize ads to the point where people will just need to look at an advertisement in order to see virtually embedded digital content. Until that day comes, develop your new age advertisements skills with QR codes and prepare for a new world of marketing.
Contact us at Design Brooklyn and we can help you create great content for your project.
