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What is the barcode-like symbol?

You’ve probably noticed recently how QR codes are being used more and more in marketing and advertising initiatives across the globe. Many argue that QR codes have now gone mainstream. But lots of companies aren’t yet up to speed with what they can really offer.

What are QR codes?

QR codes are a form of two-dimensional bar code originally created to track automotive spare parts, and now increasingly used in mobile marketing. For example, if you find a QR code printed on an ad and scan it with your mobile phone, you will be transported, almost instantly, to a specially designed website where you can learn more about the product, get more details on a promotion or perhaps get a discount offer.

How do I generate QR codes?

There are plenty of online sites where you can generate QR codes for free www.qurify.com/en/ is one of many.

What can I generate QR codes for?

You can generate QR codes not only for website URLs, but also for email addresses, social media profiles, text, and even maps.

How do I scan (or read) QR codes?

If your phone doesn’t come with one already installed, you need to download an app called a QR code reader. Basically, the way a QR code reader works is by allowing your mobile phone camera to act as a scanner. Just take a picture of a QR code and you’re automatically transported to the destination page.

What can I use QR codes for?

You can use QR codes for many different things. You can direct customers to your mobile website or a promotional page for your products. If you sell tools and equipment, you can link your QR code to a video showing how to use them. If you sell property you can use a QR code to direct customers to an online virtual tour of your homes. If you own a restaurant you can point a QR code to Google Maps showing customers how to get there. If you’re an independent professional you can create a QR code for your email address, website, blog or LinkedIn profile. The possibilities are endless.

Source: University of Manchester http://alumni.newsweaver.co.uk/newsletter/1ifi9hrq14a1ugkeyqj6rf

Promotion advertisers now have the ability to reach consumers based on their requested choice of page. Promotions and advertisements can now be served and targeted either by the profile of a consumer or the content requested from a site.

For example a company that manufacturer’s high quality golf balls can now target promotions to an individual searching for golf related products or tee times. These types of tactics are the polar opposite of traditional promotions which depended on mass media reach to connect with potential customers. Instead they focus on relevance and timing to consumers who are considering a purchase of a specific product.

The next few years will see a wave of digital natives and other tech-savvy folk leaving their office and home PCs and stepping out into a world swarming with internet-connected devices and context-specific information services LeSourd (2011). LeSourd coined this trend SoLoMo (Social, Location, Mobile) meaning the convergence of people, information, services, things, and places on modern mobile platforms. Futhermore he suggested that the effects of these changes would impact retailers on the high street, because high touch points rule brand loyalty

Shapiro (2011) defines the marketing world as two camps: the “one-to-many” camp representing the marketing model of the last 25 years (e.g. one brand markets to many people), and the “many-to-many” camp, where we reframe social media as a lead performer (but not the solo performer) in a bigger, newly emerging community-centered marketing system. Her construct gives an excellent contrast of traditional mass media versus social media.