The Ins and Outs of QR

The UPC Code

The UPC Code was used initially in a retail setting in 1974.

The QR Code

QR codes were developed in the mid-90’s by Denso-Wave, a division of Toyota.

The increase in QR code scanning from June 2010 to December 2010

Source: Mobio Identity Systems

1200%

The percentage of Americans who remember seeing a QR Code

Source: Austin & Williams

52%

The percentage of Americans who have scanned a QR Code

Source: Austin & Williams

28%

The percentage of people who have scanned a QR code and scanned again.

Source: Mobio Identity Systems

60%

Code vs. Code

Today, there are many competing 2D barcode systems. While QR is quickly gaining in popularity, other companies continue to promote their own systems.

QR Code ScanLife EZ Code

Microsoft Tag DataMatrix

Why Use a QR Code?

QR Codes are:• Easy to implement• Simplify consumers engagement• Give a high-tech feel to publications• Free

Downtown Cleveland Alliance

QR codes in ads and billboards give visitors and residents mobile access to news, offers and connections—so they can get moving .

The Cleveland Auto Show

At the 2011 Cleveland Auto Show, many exhibitors used QR codes to engage consumers. These included:

• Pro Football Hall of Fame• Chevrolet• Subaru

Best Buy

This tech retail giant regularly uses QR codes in their newspaper inserts and uses code extensively throughout the store to provide additional information on their products in the retail environment

Ohio Travel and Tourism

The state of Ohio used QR codes heavily in their 2011 travel planner to lead travelers to videos about the many great destinations throughout Ohio.

DigiKnow

We began including barcodes on our business cards over a year ago. Our cards deliver visitors to a mobile-friendly website where a vCard with our contact information can be downloaded.

Step 1: Is QR right for my situation?

Consider these questions before you begin a QR program.

• Do you have mobile content that can deliver to aid in the communication?

• Does the consumer have a smart phone?

• Will the consumer be scanning multiple items around or within your content?

?

Step 2: Develop Strong Content

Remember a consumer may not have their phone handy or may need to install an app before scanning. Make sure the content is compelling to satisfy their curiosity.

• Content should be:• Mobile friendly (don’t link to your

desktop site)• Related to the ad (don’t link to your

home page)• Engaging – video, interactive

content, supporting material to ad

Step 3: Generate the Code

Creating a QR code is a simple process and can be done with free tools readily available on the Web.

URL• Identify Your Target

http://www.circle44mobile.com/campaign/

Tracking• Add Campaign

Tracking http://www.circle44...utm_source=WiredMag...

Shorten• Use a URL

Shortener

http://c44.me/ad1

Code• Generate a QR

Code

Step 4: Deploy and Measure

Now that you’ve created a code, add it to your printed materials.

Thoroughly test your code in print on multiple phones/platforms before your release it to consumers

Be sure to monitor performance through web analytics, URL shortener, QR tracking software

What’s Next?

Moving consumers from print to digital will continue to be an important part of marketing for years to come.

Other technologies that can make this transition possible are SMS (text messaging) and the emerging NFC chips (Near Field Communications).

‘Modding’ Your QR Code

To take your QR code beyond the standard grid layout, you can modify up to 30% of the image to create a custom look for your QR Code

Louis Vuitton Japan

Japanese agency SET developed this QR code for a project between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami.

Macy’s

This QR code was developed as part of Macy’s Backstage Pass program providing customers with tips and advice through a mobile website.

Audi Japan

Touted as the world’s largest QR code, this 500+ foot QR code was assembled by Audi for their 100th anniversary.

Questions?

For more information, contact:

Scott ChapinAnalytics and Mobile StrategistDigiKnowCleveland & Buenos Aires

schapin@digiknow.com216 325 1981

Get a QR reader at GetQR.net