Mobile QR Codes...the Next Trend?

Quick Response (QR) - a matrix or two-dimensional bar code that acts as a quick way to access additional information about a product or service.

QR odes store addresses and URLs that may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards and beyond. Smart phones equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR code using the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL.

Examples where QR codes are being used today:

• Dish is using QR codes to better inform audience about product offerings and provide the ability to access promotions.
• Starz is using to give users an opportunity to view trailer of upcoming season premiers.
• Ford is using to promote special offers and incentives.
• Lifetime is using QR codes to promote viewership of a new show by incorporating online, in print materials and in a television commercial.
• Emerson, a manufacturing company, is using to promote their “It’s Never Been Done Before Campaign.”
• Warner Brothers is using tags to promote the release of the film “Inception” on DVD/Blu-ray launch.

In 2011, I believe there will be less trepidation as it relates to mobile and more confidence and more planning of how to integrate a mobile strategy with the overall marketing strategy.

If you are thinking about integrating QR codes into your plan what are three things to think about?

1. Bring awareness and education to QR codes. QR codes are still in many ways new and while people are beginning to see more of them and ask questions, there is still a need to educate. Educate your audience on what they are and the benefits to be gained about your business whether it be knowledge, education, promotions incentives etc.

2. Create a compelling experience with QR Codes to grab your customer’s attention and help add value to their interaction with the brand.

3. Think Social Marketing Integration - Think how do you can leverage social media channels and integrate them into a strategy that makes an impact to your audience about your products and services.

Consider this example for better understanding creating a compelling experience and integrating with other media channels:

Email Marketing – you have 500+ individuals who subscribe to your newsletter, but the actual readership is at 25%. Perhaps embedding a QR code into your monthly emails may entice readers to read further.

• A QR code could drive users to a contest page where they can participate all the while learning about your products or services.

• A QR code could include a free give away.

• A QR code could drive to your Video Marketing page and you can turn that into a contest to vote for the best video.

What is Your Marketing Strategy for 2011?

With Q410 starting, so does the planning in terms of evaluating how effective your marketing was in 2010 and what the plan will be for 2011.

Three key steps:

1. Evaluate the Return on Investment from 2010 marketing efforts.

Much can be learned from all that has been done correctly, but a lot can also be learned from areas where the efforts may have been lackluster in terms of performance and customer satisfaction.

Some tips include creating a marketing dashboard that is made up of your marketing efforts for your small-medium business (SMB) and or large organization. To assist you in this step, check out, How To Create Your Marketing Dashboard in Five Easy Steps, which offers some quick tips to get you started.

2. Evaluating whether your marketing organizations and or efforts were siloed or integrated?

One of the common errors evaluated in SMB's and Enterprise organizations is the lack of integration of marketing efforts. For example, if you were looking to leverage social media as a marketing tactic, perhaps by creating a business Facebook page, how would this be tied in to your branding and overall message and perception you would like for your customers (target market) to have of your brand? How would your marketing campaigns be tied into your brand and your Facebook strategy?

Bottom line, your marketing efforts should be integrated for consistency and simplicity of your message.

How did you do on this for 2010?

3. Know what is trending for 2011.

According to Forrester research the article, US Interactive Marketing Spend, 2009 To 2014, the top three areas in the coming years that will grow are:

2011: 1. email marketing, 2. social media, 3.mobile marketing
2012: 1. email marketing, 2. social media, 3.mobile marketing
2013: 1. social marketing, 2. email marketing, 3. mobile marketing
2014: 1. social marketing, 2. email marketing, 3.mobile marketing

Ensure that you evaluate your target market, and remember as you do this that the economy has changed perceptions, so be aware of what is currently important to your target market(s) and apply them to the marketing tactics that are trending.