QR Code 101 and Best Practices

Understand and maximize the business impact of QR codes

Content What are Quick Response (QR) Codes? What are some applications? What are some practical examples? What are some best practices for use? Using QR codes at Events, Conferences,

Tradeshows Some resources

What are Quick Response (QR) Codes? QR codes are 2D images that function like barcodes on packaged

products, but can contain MUCH more data QR codes are essentially pointers to digital content and capture or

trigger actions such as A link to a website Activate phone functions including email, IM and SMS Connect the mobile device to a web browser on the phone

QR codes are read by “QR Code Reader” software or phone apps iPhone Reader > i-nigma Android Reader > Barcode Scanner

» Microsoft has their own flavor of QR codes called MS Tags» The MS Tags are read by MS Tag Reader» Microsoft has just added QR codes to their readers

Applications for QR Codes Sharing

Read a QR code and get access to exclusive content Videos, landing pages for a white paper, multiple pieces of content that

share a link, materials from a conference Community

Create a QR code that links your mobile device to a like button Create a QR code that shoots out a Tweet

Calls to Action Add links to landing pages with email sign-up or core actions

SEO and SMO (social media optimization) Boost the visibility of videos, music clips, infographics, etc via QR links

Social Proof Link to popular blog posts that show your authority and/or popularity

Analytics Use link shorteners like bit.ly and MyQR.co to create URLs that get tracked

through their tracking system

Practical Uses of QR Codes Business Cards – Front back or both

Like you on facebook, link to site, directions to business Download Vcard

Brochures and Marketing Material Additional information, functionality or how to hire you

Sides of Cars, Trucks and Trailers Smartphones are EVERYWHERE and have some reading range

Product Tags and Packaging Additional info and background on product

Convention & Event Name Tags Facebook/LinkedIN page, company website

Restaurant Menus Calorie count, recipes, background on meal, customer feedback form

Event Ticket Stubs Free MP3 downloads, buy an album, get a t-shirt, enter a contest

Point of Sale Receipts Instruction guides (PDF’s?), additional deals, source of replacement parts

Maximize EffectivenessThe key is to be creative and relevant with QR codes Provide explanations about their use and benefits Encourage actions that support your marketing plan Assuage the fears of the technically challenged Give reasons to come back Experiment with the size, location, and color of your QR

codes Study your analytics Make the process fun, such as a QR code scavenger

hunt Up to 500 characters of a “secret message”

Experiment

General Best Practices for QR Codes Use short URLs

The longer the URL, the more complex the QR Code. The more complex the URL Code, the more difficult it is to scan. Use a URL shortner like bit.ly.

Cross Platform Compatibility Make sure the Code can be used on multiple devices: iPhone, Android &

BlackBerry Test QR codes with multiple apps and phone

Give instructions to your consumer  Still a new technology > so give clear instructions and benefits “Scan this with a Smart Phone app that reads QR Codes and enter

Sweepstakes” A “micro site” for customers that is designed for mobile

Landing sites for QR Codes need to be dimensionally smaller; in other words, designed for a small Smart Phone screen.

Hello Vino example: Notice how easy everything is to read and how nicely it fits on a small screen.

Hello Vino Mobile Webpage Example

http://www.hellovino.com/ Different from website Limited images > fast

loading Clear + large text Nice design

QR Codes and ConferencesObjectives of QR Use Improve acquisition of leads and interest identification Reduce printed materials on floor and associated costs

Pre-Conference Add QR code to direct mail > resolves to personalized URL/landing page Add QR codes to business cards > special cards for show? Downloads Vcard Create landing page for materials that has mobile screen ready call to action

Clear title & image, clear email field, clear download button

During Show Have a Like QR code and a Tweet QR code ready & posted > contest when you

Like/Tweet from the floor? Give away an iPad2? Use single sheet for series of materials desired w/QR codes > sign-up to get

emailed the report or materials

Resources http://www.qrstuff.com/ > create codes http://goqr.me/ > also creates codes http://www.beqrious.com/show/custom-qr-code-design

Custom QR codes that are “designed” Likefy.com > facebook like QR codes Zeeks (http://zeek.com/create-a-status-update-url-for-twitter/) >

Twitter update link creator Bit.ly > Shortener for QR code URLs Optify tracking codes on destination URLs

Source: ?opt_r=conference&opt_rd=<event name> Use of QR codes at a conference

http://jenerationy.com/mobile-marketing-roi-qr-code-experiment/