QR codes go big

October 7, 2011

QR codes have been growing in popularity for some time. Now they’re getting even bigger. Thousands of square feet bigger, that is.

We recently ran across articles titled Largest. QR Code. Ever. But Why? and Rooftop QR Codes Aim to Infiltrate Google Maps. It seems that creating huge QR codes which can only be fully seen from the air is the latest craze in QR code marketing. In the first story, a new social networking platform called Skanz painted a huge QR code as a publicity stunt. But the second article discusses a new service called Blue Marble which aims to use Google Earth and Google Maps as a marketing platform by installing huge QR codes on building rooftops.

While these sound like interesting gimmicks, we have to wonder about the effectiveness of rooftop QR code advertising. What do you think? Are these companies taking QR codes just a little too far?

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QR Design Gets Jiggy!

August 18, 2011

We showed how companies are breaking ground with QR code design, taking ordinary crossword puzzle black squares and creating impressive and innovative designs. People are even creating them via carefully planted crops in Farmville and houses in MyTown. We just can’t get enough of these great ideas and hope you want more, too!

Say what you will about QR technology and the next step in digital communications, but while QR codes are here and now, why not make the best of them? Still, the more designed they are, the better printing you need for clear, quality and assured scanning. Whether direct mail or large format printing for the side of your building, we can use our skills to provide everything you need. Give us a call and well treat your QR A-OK, ASAP!

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Designed QR codes

July 13, 2011

For the past few years, barcode art has been all the rage in Japan and Europe. While it never caught on in America, QR codes are becoming more useful for businesses of all sizes. If you don’t have one on your business card, as your online avatar or on the side of your building, you just ain’t with it. When you scan a QR code with your iPhone, Android or other camera-enabled smartphone, you can link to digital content on the web or activate a number of phone functions including email, IM and SMS.

There are detractors that say QR codes are just a fad, soon to be replaced by Augmented Reality codes but until you have the funding to create the animation needed, stick with easy QRs. One of the hidden secrets in a QR code is that there’s a 30% correction factor. That means that each code can be missing a third of the code blocks and still work with a QR reader. Different colors can also be used and that creates some unique design challenges and possibilities.

With the saturation of smart phones, QRs should be on every hangtag, label and advertisement, allowing for up-to-date information to be available to consumers. Whether it’s a website or video, QRs are not only useful, they can be part of your packaging design.

So when you get on board with this technology, give R and R Images a call so we can plan QR images for all your business needs. From packaging, to direct mail to large format printing (giant QR codes for the side of your building!), we have the technology, the strategy and the creativity you need.

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The case against QR codes

June 2, 2011

Press coverage of QR codes is everywhere in marketing circles. Everyone has an opinion as to how QR codes can be put on mailers, posters and everything else to increase engagement. Bridging the online and offline worlds via QR codes seems to be the Holy Grail at the moment.

We’re going to play devil’s advocate for a moment and make the case against QR codes. Keep in mind that we here at R and R Images aren’t anti-QR. Quite the opposite is true. We appreciate the value they can offer. We understand how to use them well in direct mail. But, despite all the hype, QR codes still have a few downsides. We want to point those out, not to discourage advertisers from using QR codes, but rather to encourage marketing solution providers and clients alike to find innovative ways to overcome the drawbacks.

So, without further delay, here is our list of four arguments against QR codes:

  1. End-user education - Everyone recognizes a URL, a phone number or a physical address. Not everyone knows what a QR code is or what to do with it.
  2. Connectivity - A QR code is meant to be scanned by a smartphone with a data connection. While smartphone usage is rapidly rising in the industrialized world, a significant portion of the people who see a QR code still don’t have a phone capable of scanning it. Also, cellular data connectivity can still be tenuous in locations such as subways or airports. Do you want to create a poster with a QR code on it, only to find out that it’s located in a subway station where many users have no bars on their phone?
  3. Support from platform suppliers - None of the large mobile platform providers include native support for QR code scanning. Neither Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android nor RIM’s BlackBerry platforms have a QR code scanning application built in, despite the fact that cameras are now standard equipment in phones. Users still need to take the initiative to download and install a scanning app. To make matters worse, each platform has a plethora of apps. To scan a QR code, a user has to not only install an application, but needs to make a decision about which to install. Doesn’t sound like a very easy way to market to consumers, does it?
  4. Multiple standards - The term “QR codes” is used somewhat generically, like “Xerox” or “Kleenex”, but the truth is that there are several standards for 2D barcodes and QR codes are only one of those. BeeTagg, Microsoft Tags and Data Matrix codes are all available and supported by various companies. To further complicate the issue, not every scanning application supports all standards.
There it is: our case against QR codes. Can all of these downsides be overcome? Certainly. Will they require some creative thinking by marketing solution providers such as ourselves, and by our clients? Of course. The challenges don’t mean that QR codes shouldn’t be used; they’re signs that great opportunity lies waiting for those with innovative solutions.

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Little known facts about QR codes

July 21, 2010

You’re probably seeing more and more QR codes in print advertising, on billboards and on packaging. Many top brands such as Ford, Pepsi, Ralph Lauren,  Best Buy and Starbucks, to name a few, are using QR codes in their marketing efforts today. We use them on our business cards to direct people to our Web site, as well as on other promotional materials. We even have one in our lobby for guests to scan to receive a personalized welcome to R and R Images!

Here are four behind-the-scenes facts about QR codes––– all good reasons why marketers are flocking to use them. We think they’re interesting; hope you do too!

Not just another pretty face

1. QR codes are NOT just little black-and-white boxes that look like a kid’s stamp. They can actually read the location and the features of the phone that’s scanning them. Once they’ve read the scanned information, they can customize content accordingly. No wonder top brands are utilizing them in their print advertising.

Two kinds of QR codes

2. While bar codes have been around for ages, QR codes are what you might call a hybrid bar code that has one purpose, instead of multiple functions like the the standard bar code. QR codes are described as 2D barcodes that can be proprietary or non-proprietary. The are two primary types of non-proprietary codes  are called QR codes and Datamatrix. The proprietary codes are Microsoft Tag and BeeTag and require proprietary readers that are free to download.  The difference between proprietary and non-proprietary codes are that non-proprietary codes have to perform a variety of functions to satisfy the masses, where proprietary codes have just one function:  to direct content or information to consumers for marketing purposes.

Your logo inside QR code

3. Many marketers use QR codes because they can be branded with their logo.  Each “brand” of QR codes has its own percentage of usable space, so you’ll find some brands have more usable space than others.

Colors are the new black

4. Have you ever seen a bar code that’s not black and white? Of course you haven’t! But QR codes can be any color that has enough contrast to be scanned properly by a reader.

Are you using QR codes in your marketing efforts? If so, how? If not, learn more about how you can ramp up your sales by using them in your next campaign by calling Holly Sanger at 602.437.4545.

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Survive…or thrive? Learn what we’re doing.

June 9, 2010

Welcome VIPs!

Daily, we face opportunities and challenges that are reshaping our traditional business practices. We have learned to become more intentional in regard to integrating business and technology, with emphasis on connectivity.

Our newest technology is the recent release of an iPhone app to stay connected with us via social media. Tonic, our photography studio, just announced a new iPhone app that premieres a hand-selected daily image from our photography staff. Additionally, our new personalized photo products Web site, PixelBravo.com is in the beta process. Fast-forwarding, keep an eye open for a another new iPhone app that will enable photos taken with a smartphone to be mailed as an actual postcard, via the phone. We continue to evaluate our business and the changing technology to remain competitive and provide our customers with leading edge marketing solutions.

Something interesting and engaging that we just created for our lobby was designed to “wow” and engage our VIP visitors.  We built a poster-sized back-lit sign that includes an image of a large Microsoft Tag and suggests to the VIP to scan the tag with a smartphone.  Once it’s scanned, the VIP will be taken to a personalized Web site, welcoming them to R and R Images. (Scan the tag in this photo and see where it takes you!)

Interested in an iPhone app for your business? Want to know more about tags?  Call Holly Sanger at 602.437.4545 for information.

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The new wow factor in direct marketing: QR Codes

February 23, 2010

QR Code

QR (quick response) codes are images that compact data into graphic form. They work  by using a camera phone equipped with reader software (many are free), then scanning the image of the QR Code which makes the phone’s browser open and redirect to a URL, text message or phone number. The love affair that Americans have with their smart phones ensures QR codes to be the hottest new marketing tool available in terms of ROI.

QR codes can boost the response of direct marketing campaigns exponentially. They are easy and quick to use—point and scan, and your prospect has your message. Here are six solid reasons to use QR codes in direct marketing:

1. The road from prospect to the message/offer just got shorter
With QR codes, prospects no longer have to write down or type a lengthy URL into their phone browser or computer–all they have to do is point their camera and scan —and your message is literally in their hands.
2. Response tracking made simple.
This is the gold behind the code. QR codes are great for tracking a bevy of helpful, usable information, such as identifying what offers are working, who is responding, buying patterns,  geographical location, etc. These are particularly helpful when performing a test in direct marketing—the QR codes will define which version of the campaign worked best. This information will assist in the fine-tuning of the list for an even stronger response with the next campaign.
3. Reach new customers.
The wow factor enamors “QR code evangelists” (aka techies) to the point that they share the technology with anyone who will listen, creating introductions to potential customers. Additionally, the wow factor of QR codes shows your existing and potential customers that you are technologically savvy.
4. Say more with less.
Ever think your direct mail piece needs more information on it? Keep your direct mail message short, sweet and clean. QR codes are the answer—point your customers to a dedicated web page that says it all.
5. Immediate conversion.
Direct prospects to a URL that has a special offer, a coupon, a survey, etc., instantly.
6. QR codes are viral.
Consider QR codes the “word of mouth” vehicle for technology. Prospects can share them with others via their phone or computer. This is where the wow factor play is huge.

Other applications for QR codes that offer new ways to relate to customers, besides direct mail, include:

  • Print ads
  • Billboards/signage/banners
  • Branded clothing
  • Banner ads
  • Post cards
  • POS displays
  • Business cards
  • Register receipts
  • Bill statements

These applications can include the following types of information:

  • Promotional landing pages
  • Entry forms and surveys
  • Product demos, video and reviews
  • Reservation systems
  • Scanable/downloadable coupons
  • Product/service/business details
  • Contact details
  • Offer details
  • Event details
  • Directions
  • Link to your YouTube video

Will QR codes save the print industry?
The print industry (newspapers and magazines) is banking on QR codes to save them from extinction. Magazines and newspapers will save money from printing fewer pages by using QR codes to “jump” the articles to an online location. Ads will use QR codes to track response and hopefully warrant healthy ad rates.

The application for QR codes is huge—if you can think it, you can do it. It’s already been used on cakes, candies and cookies. What application can you think of to use QR codes?
Download a free QR code at www.kaywa.com or www.beetagg.com.

R and R Images is paving the way, integrating QR codes with direct marketing for strong ROIs. Call Holly Sanger at 602.437.4545 to learn how to use QR codes in your direct marketing strategy.

3 Comments | QR Codes, Uncategorized | Permalink
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