You have no doubt started to see the black-and-white square QR codes pop-up while reading magazines, on advertising and even (dangerously placed) on billboards and moving vehicles.
QR codes have actually been in use in Asia since the mid 90’s when Toyota developed them to track auto parts. However it quickly became evident that they had many more uses, with their ability to hold over 600 characters of information, web addresses and a built-in ability to correct errors even if part of the barcode image is destroyed or obscured.
Where QR codes really shine are in applications where the customer is out and about with their mobile phone, and need to grab info quickly without having to type in a complicated URL or chunk of text. One of the more unique applications came out of the supermarket chain Tesco out of South Korea, allowing people to shop for groceries while waiting for the subway. Here’s a video of their success.
How can you use QR codes right now? Here are some ideas:
- A quick link to your website on a tradeshow booth (remember to point it at a mobile friendly version of your site)
- Links to your Twitter or social media page (which can be long and hard to remember)
- A QR code that displays a coupon code or phrase that can be used online or in store
- Embedded into an ad to get more information, or to deliver the “punch-line” to your copy or ad concept
- Add to a conference name tag with contact information
- Quick links in books and magazines to website supplemental information
- Link to a Google map with directions on a sign
- Link to a “How To” video in your instructions or packaging for a product
- Have a code linking people to your non-profit organizations donation or volunteer page
And this is just a short list of what this little black and white code is capable of.
Was there a return on investment (ROI) on your last ad campaign?
Did sales go up? Did you receive more applications? Did you increase profits? Did you gain market share? Did you change perceptions?
These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when thinking about branding and marketing.
You may be doing the right thing, but clear goals and objectives need to be set at the start in order track results and see if the creative, message, offer and/or plan is working. How else do you decide to tweak, change or stay the course?
Marketing firm expands into Whatcom County
The FaQtory was featured in the business section of The Bellingham Herald on Saturday, August 13th, and the article read as follows:
The FaQtory, a marketing firm specializing in developing company and product brands, recently appointed Henry Klos to lead its expansion into the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.
Klos, a longtime Lynden resident, has more than 25 years of business experience in marketing, sales and operations, including a stint as a co-owner of Premier School Agendas in which he facilitated its international growth. He now is The FaQtory’s business development and account manager for this region.
“There’s a connection to emotion in everything we create, whether it’s websites, logos and advertising,” Klos said in a press release. “People will long remember how you made them feel after they’ve forgotten you said.”
The FaQtory’s list of clients includes School Specialty, IKEA, Starbucks and FranklinCovey. For more information, call Klos at 360-223-0330 or visit thefaqtory.ca.
