Newest Marketing Watchwords: QR Codes and Smartphones- Click here http://bit.ly/j5InEG for full article

Newest Marketing Watchwords: QR Codes and Smartphones- Click here http://bit.ly/j5InEG for full article

QR Codes and consumer use of Smart phones are quickly revolutionizing the way companies are expanding their marketing campaigns. QR Smart phones hold a significant market share in the United States. With over 45 Million smartphone users in the U.S., it is projected that one in two Americans will have smartphones by Christmas 2011. Already 42% of users have used a smartphone to get product information while in a store and 62% have used a smartphone to purchase physical goods from a retailer.
QR Smart phones utilize the open standard 2D QR Code format to allow users to access a wide range of content with one scan. The scan of one QR Code can direct a user to a mobile URL, save contact information, place a voice call, send a text message, send an email, interact with social networks, access discounts, and incentive programs.

The top three reasons that consumers scan barcodes are for price comparison, product reviews and the opportunity for incentive offers. Local prices and nutritional informational show significant interest from consumers when available and are a valuable asset when building brand loyalty with the consumer. Of the Fortune 50, 20% are utilizing mobile barcodes in their marketing campaigns.
The implementation of a marketing program that incorporates 2D barcodes has three essential components. The first is making scanning software available to the user. Approximately 50% of users with QR Smart phones already have barcode scanner applications installed; however, providing a website where users can get a scanner from their mobile browser guarantees all interested consumers have access to the campaign. Secondly, creation of codes can take the form of direct or managed codes. A direct code is embedded with relevant content, is static, provides basic functions and Analytics related to the code content. Managed codes are more robust in that they can be changed dynamically, allow for the implementation of consumer incentive programs and provide Analytics from every scan, not simply the static content of a direct code. Finally, the Analytics produced can be invaluable. A snapshot of the number of users, their location, timestamps and user demographics allow for tweaking of code content based on the Analytics and provide a short term and comprehensive view of campaign success, especially with Analytics from managed codes.
QR codes deserve serious consideration in the implementation of any marketing strategy that wishes to increase time relevant consumer feedback and participation.