Back in April, PRNewser pollsters declared QR codes a fad. If so, this is a fad with long legs and lots of creativity to back it up.
Like any other technology, QR codes should be used for strategic purposes. And the technology between the code and its destination should be aligned. The Waxing Lyrical blog gives us a few tips for effectively using QR codes today.
The effect of mobile on shopping behavior is so often discussed that it seems like it is becoming old news; but the reality of that effect is something retailers need to think about every day. Far from being a done deal, the impact of mobile continues to change how we connect with one another, businesses and even with products, and will likely continue to do so for years to come.
Despite all the attention, and the accompanying hype, mobile is not a replacement for any other communications medium. And mobile really is just that: a medium, although a very powerful one. The essential point for retailers is this medium must work with all other media channels and help to support the overall message; but the focus must remain on the message, not the medium.
Here is one example: QR codes have been getting a lot of attention lately as one of the best ways for retailers to connect with shoppers through their mobile devices. Unfortunately, in too many instances, this technology has become the focal point at the expense of the message itself. Half of all QR codes lead to something of little or no value to the person scanning it—Web pages not optimized for mobile, for example, or a TV ad. As QR codes become more common, expectations will rise for the quality of content they link to.
While quick response (QR) codes can be a powerful way to engage with a shopper, they must supply significant incremental value for the user. In the case of natural products, shoppers are often looking for additional information. QR codes are a great way to connect a shopper to a video about the product, or a comparison to other products showing why one is superior to another. The message should be consistent with the code’s placement and provide useful content for the user.
Liqueo Inc., formerly QR Code Pros, Inc., announced today that it has changed its business name to Liqueo, Inc. effective July 24, 2011.
Liqueo’ CEO says: “Our objective is to provide our customers with an intuitive self-service platform that masks the complexities of mobile technology without compromising on features and flexibility. To that end, we are also preparing to launch vertical-specific offerings that will enable our customers to be up and running in no time with a mobile marketing campaign tailored specifically to their industry, for example: car dealerships.”
A few weeks ago our Gen Y-er went to the Good Food and Wine Show in Sydney. It was more an exercise of “pretend to look interested to get free wine samples”, but she had a good time anyway.
While stumbling around the convention centre, she came across a few wineries that were using QR (Quick Response) codes on all their labels. With a quick scan you access info inc grape variety, tasting and wine making notes, pictures of where the grape was grown, food pairings and much more. Would she be more likely to buy a wine that had a QR reader? You bet. Would she have searched for the winery on Facebook or their website to get this information? No way.
QR codes are expected to achieve widespread use this year and having a website will no longer be enough.
QR codes give people immediate access to what’s relevant to what they’re doing right that second. People are more open to using apps and mobile devices for everyday transactions as they become more comfortable with their online and offline worlds colliding. They instantly connect a person’s real world with the brand’s online world.
Technology is changing how we remember our loved ones who have passed away. QR codes — or bar codes — are being placed on cemetery headstones.
A gravestone maker in Washington state is the first to come up with these laser engraved QR code tags for headstones. He’s sold about 50 tags so far.
