Seven Ways Your Company Can Use QR Codes

QR codes are gaining popularity quickly; according to a recent study by Baltimore advertising agency MGH, about 72% of smart phone users say they would be likely to recall an advertisement that contained a QR code.

A variety of businesses are taking advantage of this edgy technology… we’ve seen QR codes on Macy’s television commercials, Disney’s billboards, and a university’s admissions materials, just to name a few. We recently came across a unique example of QR usage in the healthcare industry. Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN launched a campaign with QR codes in the corner of their print advertisements. The code invited people to “experience” the hospitals new facilities and led them to a video of the new TV campaign. See the ad for yourself here.

We brainstormed a list of some other specific ways QR codes can be used in your industry:

1.       Place QR codes at different locations in the building that guide visitors around the campus with a web-based map.

2.       Print codes on laminated lobby cards and link them to an online customer satisfaction survey.

3.       Host redirected URL’s posted on different publication ads to measure which ads get the highest response rates.

4.       Print codes on brochures with links to “how to” videos or instructions.

5.       Put QR codes on “dated” pieces so customers can stay up-to-date about info that changes frequently.

6.       Include QR codes on your business cards and link them to your LinkedIn account, or your company’s “about us” website page.

7.       Use a personalized QR code, or a PURL, to track a fundraising mailing or survey responses.

Does Your Company Need @OneOfThese ?

The vast amount of social media platforms that exist today, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, means that you can connect with your customers more often and quicker than ever before. It seems like businesses from barber shops to pharmaceutical companies have some kind of online presence beyond the traditional website. Here are some things to keep in mind when you consider jumping on the social bandwagon:

Do you have enough to update about? The quickest way to lose Twitter followers is to update them on today’s lunch choice and the fact that your electrician was late to your appointment this morning. But there are also great ways to connect with your followers – check out how these companies are taking advantage of Twitter and these companies are using Facebook… and seeing results!

Do you have time to maintain your online presence? On the flip side, once you gain an audience, whether it be a group of end-users or other people in your industry, be sure to provide them with somewhat consistent updates. A balance of promotional pieces and resource posts will keep them interested.

How far is too far? In 2009, a Los Angeles woman started receiving a string of messages via her MySpace from a man she did not know, named Sebastian Bowler, who said he was from England and was coming to her home to hide from the police. Bowler continued sending pictures of himself travelling across the country, getting closer and closer to LA. The woman finally reported the incident to the police, only to find out that “Bowler” was actually… Toyota Motors! Toyota launched a marketing plan that was supposed to mimic a popular prank TV show, and was intended to make customers think an English bandit was travelling to their houses, to start buzz about a new car model. The woman sued Toyota, and needless to say, the campaign does not exist anymore. We know you wouldn’t go this far, but it sure makes a good story!

We want to hear from you! Do you think all companies need to use social media? What’re some of the best/worst ways you’ve seen?