subject: Qr Codes And Marketing Campaigns [print this page] There has been something of a buzz for the last year about QR codes although, like many exciting new technologies, it has taken slightly longer before the application of the technology evolves and matures into something with purpose and legs.
Basically QR codes are slightly unusual looking barcodes that can be scanned by any mobile phone that has a QR reader installed, and the barcode generates a link to a specific page on the internet.
So, for example, a beer advert in a magazine could contain a QR code that linked through to an online competition to win football tickets which the user could access with a couple of clicks rather than having to type in a long web address. This fast and simple linking of offline and online marketing is exciting many in the advertising and web industries as it extends the possibilities of engagement.
Stay Sourced, the UK promotional merchandising supplier, are one of the companies pioneering this new technology, by offering QR codes as an additional option on their range of branded goods. A pocket diary could contain a QR code linking through to upcoming business events which a client could access using their smartphone on a train journey. By keeping the event information updated and relevant, the diary owner might get into the habit of regularly checking the online information, making the diary both an information gateway and a personal organizer. For the diary supplier, this offers an opportunity to extend awareness of an events list that could include some of their own conferences, trade shows and exhibitions.
That basic example hopefully gives an insight into this potentially groundbreaking technology. Crucially, while the technology and implementation are simple, the opportunities for forward-thinking and inventive applications are virtually limitless.
The Stay Sourced team pride themselves in their flexibility and will happily discuss any ideas for leveraging QR codes into their range of branded gifts and promotional merchadising.
Visit http://www.staysourced.co.uk for further information or to talk to one of the team.
