The spectacular growth of smartphones has spawned a surge in the use of QR codes for marketing purposes. Of what, you may ask?
QR stands for Quick Response. A QR code is a sort of bar code – a square containing black modules on a white background – that can be scanned by a smartphone to digitally deliver a URL, opening a website automatically, no typing required.
They’re being used in all kinds of ways – in ads, catalogs and in-store packaging. At trade shows. On business cards. No more writing down a URL on a scrap of paper, ripping an ad out of magazine, remembering to check a website later. Whether your prospects want more product information, to order a catalog, to check real-time inventory or delivery times, or to visit your Facebook page, blog or Twitter feed — it can all be done instantly, no waiting.
Sales of smartphones rose 50% in the second quarter this year compared to second quarter 2009, and growth is anticipated to sustain for some time to come. Given that, it’s easy to see how QR codes have potential to turn traditional marketing on its head. Start thinking now about how you might use them to deliver more information, faster and cheaper, to your target audience.
