A Typical QR Code
In the past few months, QR (short for quick response) codes have been popping up all over the place: in magazines, newspapers, outdoor displays, business cards…and even in your breakfast. Though most people have seen a QR code, not everyone knows what they are, how they work, what they do, but most importantly…how to use them effectively.
Developed by the Japanese in 1994 (yeah, they’ve been around that long), a QR code is a unique two-dimensional scan-able barcode that is made up of black shapes on a white background. The code may be programmed to contain either text, a direct URL, phone number, SMS text message, or even your vCard, and can be scanned by any mobile device equipped with a camera and a QR barcode reader application. Many of the apps are free for iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices.
Now, anyone can create a QR code completely for free either by using an online generator or mobile app, link it to their website’s homepage, and slap it on their postcard or business card. Sure, this makes it easier for readers to access your website, but so much more can be done with QR codes that it’s similiar to buying the base-line model of your car. It will get you from A to B, but don’t expect any admirers along the way. Now that QR codes are becoming more of a standard in the community, you will need to differentiate your QR code from others in order to make a memorable mark in your impressions. Something as simple as using a shortened URL for your QR code, instead of a super long link, will make the QR code simpler, and more easily scanned at smaller sizes.
In Wilmington QR Card Contest
Some have manipulated the colors and shapes of the code, while others have assembled them out of bottle tops and M&M’s. At Mobius, we created a whole contest around QR codes for the Wilmington Arts & Entertainment Marketing Initiative. For a each of the 4 series (3 month periods), 9 businesses and organizations in Wilmington hand out their ‘in card’ to their patrons. Each card features an image or logo of the business or organization on the front, along with a QR code which links directly to their events/informational page on inWilmingtonDe.com. On the back of the card is a fragment of a larger QR code, only accessible if the person collects all 9 cards in that particular series and physically lays the cards out together. Once scanned, that person is taken to the secret contest entry form on the site, where they can claim their series prize of tickets, gift cards, or merchandise, but where they are also entered into the drawing for the bigger grand prize. Each and every scan that happens in the contest is also being tracked by us behind the scenes, so we can prove how successful or unsuccessful each card was.
When it comes down to it, QR codes are a just another way to connect with your audience, and are gaining popularity quickly. But in order to leave a good impression with your audience, try to think of different ways to use the code in order to make it more engaging for them, and make sure whatever information is on the other end is valuable to them.
