So what actually is a QR code – put simply it’s a barcode designed to be easily read by mobile phone cameras, they usually need a bit of software to interpret it and can contain information from a simple link through to contact information (more can be contained, but to be honest for Social Media, it is the URL part that is important.
Should we sit up and take notice? No is the simple answer unless your target audience includes the digital natives who carry smart phones (typically touch) and you have a social media presence or a well built mobile site, something we can of course help you with if you need it (two things we can of course help you with).
If you answer yes to those two questions it is actually pretty simple to start including these codes in your offline media – you can easily direct people to your Facebook page, allowing them to click the like button for you to re-engage with them later, or your twitter account, or a mobile page which offers links to both.
It is actually really easy to do this – get your link, put it into one of the many QR code generators out there including Bit.ly, Goo.gl which also include tracking (this is important of course), place them in discreet locations on your printed materials (including clothing, banners and more).
You can make them ‘popout’ a bit by even colouring them in (thanks for Bob Bardsley for the idea) - http://phronesisseo.blogspot.com/2011/06/putting-colour-into-qr-codes.html
So to conclude – if you have a mobile site or social media and produce printed offline materials then try including a QR code – track it of course to make sure it is working for you.
The ubiquitous plug -
If you want to know more about mobile and social strategic solutions then chat to Chris at Social Loop.
