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H
ave you ever heard of a QR code or Microsoft
Tag? If those terms sound likes a foreign language
to you, you’re not alone. While major brands like
Kraft Foods, Procter and Gamble and Macy’s have
embraced them in their marketing campaigns
recently, the average small business owner doesn’t
have a clue about using QR codes to drive customers
to their products and services.
Although they have been around since the early 90s,
QR codes didn’t catch on in the United
States until recently. QR or Quick
Response codes are 2-dimensional bar
codes, similar to ones you would fnd
on a price tag at the clothing store.
Using a scanner or reader available
on your smartphone, your potential
customers can scan the code and see
where it takes them. Major brands
use QR codes to take customers
to discounts, freebies and special
promotions. A Microsoft Tag works just
like a QR code but can only be scanned
with a Microsoft Tag Reader.
“QR codes have helped us introduce our company
to an entirely new customer base,” said Amy
Bergeron, director of marketing at the Kursch Group,
a commercial real estate company in Victorville,
California. “We’ve put QR codes in storefronts of
properties we are marketing. Now when potential
buyers scan the QR codes with their smart phones,
it takes them to a website that is set to showcase
a particular location. They can see pictures of the
property, get details such as square footage and price
and contact a realtor, all without having to make a
phone call or search the Internet.”
While QR codes and Microsoft Tags can be used to
educate potential customers about a product or
service, they can also be used to reward them for
their interest in your brand. Major
corporations like Best Buy, Starbucks
and Nike are using QR codes to
cultivate new customers and thank
existing ones who have been loyal to
the respective brand.
“We’re seeing marketers using
QR codes to create buzz and get
consumers excited about their
brands,” said Matthias Galica, creator
of ShareSquare, a founder and CEO of
ShareSquare, a platform that allows
anyone to create, share and market
QR codes. “QR codes have been around for a long
time and are in use around the world, but, in the U.S.,
they’ve taken of because now there is an installation
base. As long as you have a smart phone, you can
install a QR code reader. That has caused an explosion
in the popularity of QR codes.”
So how can you use QR codes and Microsoft Tags in
your business? Here are 10 ideas to get you started
and remember, when potential customers go to
the trouble of scanning your QR codes or tags, it is
imperative that you give them something they can
use.
1. GIVE THEM A DISCOUNT
When customers scan your code, reward them with a
coupon for a 20% discount of their next purchase.
2. GIVE THEM A DAILY DEAL
Encourage customers to scan the same QR code every
day for a week to get a daily deal good for discounts,
freebies and other rewards. This will create constant
buzz about your product or service and keep your
customers coming back.
3. GIVE THEM A FREEBIE
When customers scan your QR code, give them
something free like a product sample or a 2-for-1 deal.
4. REWARD THEM FOR TAKING
ACTION
Use QR codes to build your Facebook fan page or
e-mail newsletter list. When customers scan your QR
code, take them to a website where they can sign up
for your e-mail newsletter or like your Facebook page.
Once they complete the call to action, send them an
e-mail with a discount, freebie or special promotion.
5. GIVE THEM A FREE DOWNLOAD
If you use e-books to market your business, use QR
codes to distribute them. When customers scan
the code, give them a free e-book download and
the opportunity to sign-up to receive future special
promotions from your company.
6. GIVE THEM FREE TICKETS
If you use event marketing to promote your business,
use QR codes to hand out free tickets. When the code
is scanned, make sure it leads to a website where
potential customers can download their free tickets.
7. GIVE THEM EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
QR codes can be used to give potential and existing
customers exclusive VIP access to events, sales and
special promotions. When the code is scanned,
ensure that it leads to a website, video, text message
or phone number that will allow customers to enjoy
their exclusive access.
8. GIVE THEM A HEADS UP
If you want to pique a customer’s interest in a specifc
product or service that you’re planning to ofer on
sale, use QR codes and tags to tell them about it in
advance. Place a QR code on your printed marketing
materials that leads to a website where customers can
get details about the sale and even pre-order.
9. GIVE THEM AN INVITATION
Use QR codes or tags in your event marketing to
invite potential customers to events. If you’re having a
launch party for a new product, create a QR code that
leads to the event invite and a way for customers to
RSVP.
10. GIVE THEM SOME HELP
Use QR codes or tags to give customers more
information about your product or service. Put a
QR code or Microsoft Tag on your website, printed
marketing materials or promotion items that leads to
an FAQ web page where customers can get answers
to their questions via e-mail or live chat.
Tasha Cunningham
From: http://www.articlebase.com