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QR Codes

By Michael Baxter on 10 April 2013 with tags Marketing, Tech

Bespoke CMS E-commerce Marketing Utopia Hosting Into CMS Upgrade Tech Consulting Tips

QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional bar code). Recently, the QR Code system has become popular due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard barcodes. The code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square grid on a white background.

A QR code can be read by smart phones and the data is then extracted from patterns present in both horizontal and vertical components of the image. As a variety of industries utilize the QR code today, the applications for use can vary from product tracking, item identification, time tracking and document management to general marketing purposes.

You see QR codes appearing on signs and some products. When someone scans a QR code they are redirected to your own specific website link. With some clever programming you can then track where they scanned the code on Google Analytics giving you a complete snapshot of the QR codes success and use. For example, scanning the code shown here goes to our website.

When thinking of using QR codes consider how they enhance or streamline the lives of your customers. As such, the most important step is to think clearly about the purpose of your code. Think of your QR code as a doorway, you need to explain what’s hidden behind the door. The brief text sitting next to your code should be the world’s shortest elevator pitch e.g. “Scan this code for an exclusive gift”.

Understand that looks matter. Ideally, opt for a designer code rather than a black-and-white checker box. Designer codes earn higher scan-through rates, look better on your materials, and even provide an element of security to assure users that this is indeed the brand’s QR code (and hasn’t been somehow covered over).

The most important metric of a QR campaign should not be the number of daily scans. Rather, the length of engagement time that your code is generating should be a marketer’s primary indicator of campaign success. If people are spending two to three (or more) minutes on your site the campaign is a success.

Utopia can assist with the design, generation and technology to make QR codes work for you. Consider where you would want them to appear, what are you wanting your customers to get or see from scanning the code? Perhaps it is a voucher for your online shop?

Contact us today and we can discuss the options that would best suit your needs.