Gary Lacey CEO / President Mortgage Brokers Network
QR codes have been spotted on direct mail pieces, movie posters, business cards and more.. Whether they’ll have the staying power of your website or of your Facebook page has yet to be determined, but while they still enjoy the buzz of the “next big thing,” you can take advantage of QR codes in marketing your small business.
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a 2-D barcode that can be scanned by a smart phone’s camera and transfer information. Based on the type of code it is, it might direct the viewer to a website, make a phone call, deliver a vCard or more.
How can I market my small business with QR codes?
QR codes are fairly new here in the states (no surprise, they’re big in Japan), so many people won’t recognize them when they see them or won’t have a smart phone with a QR reader installed, which limits their impact. Most current advertisements that use QR codes still have to explain how they work, and the steps the person has to take to access this additional information.
Because of this, you need to determine if QR codes are a good fit for your business and your audience. If you feel there’s a place for QR codes in your marketing toolbox, here are some creative suggestions on how you can take advantage of QR codes.
- QR Codes on business cards.
This may not be the most creative idea ever. This is probably the way many business people are using QR codes. Rather than overload a business card with all of your contact info you could include the bare minimum for reaching you, then create a QR code that leads people to your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr, Plaxo, Google, and other profiles. - Promotions, discounts and giveaways.
If you want to encourage patronage from the iPhone and Android set, you could create discounts that are specific to the QR codes. You could run these codes in advertisements or post them throughout your store. You could even turn them into a “retweet” so that your shoppers share their discount with their followers. - Stickers, Magnets, Etc..
Have a QR sticker, Magnets, Etc.. of your vCard or website and pass around, making it easier for other people to connect with you..
There are so many ideas what you can do with your own business QR codes. Create your niche and run with it. Enjoy.
312 N Mill St
