Hi
everyone ...
Have you started seeing these boxes online
OR when you
are out and about? These are QR codes and
very soon, they will become as common as Twitter and
Facebook! They offer really creative and
productive marketing strategies to the small business
owner ... especially the small retail business
owner!!
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WHAT IS A
"QR CODE?
QR stands for "Quick Response," A QR code is
a two=dimensional code that can be scanned by smarphone
cameras to automatically pull up text,photos, videos, music
and URLs.
WHY, you might be asking? QR codes are a mobile friendly way
for stores and offline places of business to quickly point
people to their online resources. Visitors may not take the
time to write down a URL or stop and access a webpage.
A QR code is simply scanned and presto, online info is
available.
They are already popular in Japan, but here in the
United States we just becoming more familiar with QR codes and what to do with them.
HOW DO YOU GET A QR CODE?
It's really easy. You can do a simple "search" for sites where you
can generate your own barcode. The most popular are Kaywa, iCandy or
Stickybits,
Kaywa’s QR code generator is the simplest way to generate a QR code for a URL, text, phone number or SMS. Simply
choose one option, enter the content, specify size and click “Generate.” Then, save the code to use elsewhere or grab the
HTML to embed it online.
( yes, it can be used online as well.)
iCandy
is a
bit more robust and helps you track scans and look at analytics around generated QR codes. You can also print codes through
associated services.
Stickybits is slightly different in purpose, but the service also makes it simple to create stickers for your codes, as well as
printing your code on coffee mugs, T-shirts, hats, shoes and
more!
HOW DO YOU
SCAN A QR CODE?
Apps that can scan codes are available for most smartphones. Simply search your app store for “barcode reader,” or “QR code scanner,” and you’ll find several to choose from.
On the iPhone, options include QuickMark and Optiscan. On Android, Barcode Scanner is a popular QR code reader.
HOW WOULD YOU USE
A CODE?
Here are a few ways to liven up your marketing
strategies!
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On
Business Cards:
A fast and simple way to use QR codes for your own professional purposes is to place them on business cards. Generate a barcode that directs scanners to your online resume, small business Facebook Page or your website to help new contacts find you or your business faster. |
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On
Marketing Materials:
You’ve got fliers, brochures, programs, handouts, and more, plus ... many of
you have a media kit. Add QR codes to direct viewers to a particular how-to video, send them to a Flickr photo set, get them to follow you on Twitter, or point them to a mobile-friendly landing page that promotes a new campaign. |
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In
Storefront Windows:
Are you in Yelp or Foursquare? Google is sending out QR code window decals to top local businesses with Google Place Pages. If they don’t send you one,
generate your own QR code to place in your window. You can use this code to encourage Fousquare
checkins, point scanners to your Yelp profile, or simply invite customers to share memories in photo, video or text form via
Stickybits. |
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My
Favorite Use ~ For Freebies:
If you really want people to pay attention to your QR codes, make them good for something fun. Say you’ve placed a QR code decal in your storefront window, why not reward those who scan it with 10% off their purchase or a free pastry? Give them something small to thank them for their patronage. Simply create a custom QR code for the freebie you want to offer. You could even get creative and hide the QR code offers online, like on your Facebook page or website, or somewhere inside your
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YOU
MUST REMEMBER:
If you're going to use QR codes for marketing, you’ll want to keep in mind that QR codes — and the apps that scan them — are still foreign to most people.
More and more people are starting to associate the codes with action, but never assume your customers will know what to do. Make it a point to spell out how to scan the QR code, and help instruct customers on where they can grab scanner apps.
Also, remember that QR codes should provide some kind of value to the scanner. It may be easiest to direct QR code scanners to your website, but that’s likely not the most engaging place to send people.
Really think through your purpose(s)!!
Is anyone already using them? What have
you experienced? Let us know on my blog
... would love to know your experiences!
Here's my QR code to my blog!
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Coming
Soon
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Finding
your market on social networks
can still be challenging to
some. I will be covering
this soon .. hopefully in a
teleseminar! Stay tuned.
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AND ...
Let
me know if you have
questions
on my new program sent to you
last week.
"Selling without Selling"
CHECK
IT OUT HERE
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Weekly
Special
First
2 people to call will receive
ONE
COMPLIMENTARY HOUR
Help
Setting Up An
Online Communication Strategy!
Call 310-306-1453 |
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