Westamerica

 

QR Codes (Quick Response Codes) are 2-dimensional bar codes that have the potential to revolutionize marketing campaigns. Around in Europe since 1994, QR Codes are becoming more popular in the United States due to our wide adoption of mobile “smart” phones.  Here’s how they work:

• Step 1: A QR Code is placed on a piece of media – perhaps a postcard, marketing collateral, outdoor sign, clothing, and more.
• Step 2: A person takes a picture of the QR Code using their mobile phone, and software on their phone will decode the QR Code.
• Step 3: At that point, the person will be instantly directed to a website or a landing page, or see a special text message, or perhaps receive a special offer coupon code.

Marketing applications and opportunities for QR Codes are limitless.  Use them to:

1. Provide “find me” maps and directions to a store from a printed billboard.
2. Promote an event or concert on flyers, postcards, or billboards with a link to order tickets.
3. Build “collect-them-all” games that engage consumers in an interactive relationship.
4. Enable mobile sales from catalogs or flyers, and/or distribute coupons to mobile devices.
5. Print codes on business cards to connect to company sites and landing pages.
6. Connect direct mail pieces to You Tube videos or podcasts.

When you see a QR Code “in the wild”, you will need two things:  a mobile phone with a camera, and QR Code reading software.  Once the software is on your phone, you can easily snap a picture of a QR Code and be directed to the appropriate message or web site.  There are quite a few software programs that can read QR Codes.  Here’s a few that we’ve checked out and recommend, based on your smartphone type:

For i-Phone:  i-nigma
For Android:  Barcode Scanner
For Blackberry:  Scanlife

Westamerica encourages you to begin making your print interactive by using QR Codes today. We can help you generate your own QR Code to try on your next campaign.  For more information about QR Codes, contact your WAG Account Rep.  Additional content is available at Using QR Codes to Grow Your Business