Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service?

Ideology · 5th Jan 2012, 01:30 AM

I don't see the point of QR codes, I'd rather capture a cell number than send someone to a website. How can I incorporate QR codes into a mobile marketing strategy for clients? I feel QR codes detract from the focus of building a list.

QR codes may be a selling point for mobile websites but not for SMS.

Thoughts....

WillR · 5th Jan 2012, 07:09 AM

QR codes do NOT just have to send someone to a website. A QR code can open up a filled in text message on the users device, it could initiate a phone call to a certain number, it could open up an email ready to send, it could transfer your contact details, and so on.

If you are wanting to build a list then use SMS marketing. Let's say your customers need to text the word 'discount' to 123456 to join your sms list. What you would do is create an SMS QR code that when scanned, will open up a new sms message on the users phone, with the phone number and word already filled in, so all they need to do is press send and they join your list. There is no need to use websites at all.

YellowGreenMedia · 5th Jan 2012, 07:16 AM

Nobody knows what QR codes are, i think your clients will be very disappointed with the ROI that comes from QR codes, i don't offer them at all, i really don't see the point at this times. It is a good marketing tool but if only 10% of the population knows about it, it is worthless to me.

WillR · 5th Jan 2012, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by YellowGreenMedia

Nobody knows what QR codes are, i think your clients will be very disappointed with the ROI that comes from QR codes, i don't offer them at all, i really don't see the point at this times. It is a good marketing tool but if only 10% of the population knows about it, it is worthless to me.

I do agree. I think QR codes should, at the moment, only ever be used as an additional option. Anytime you use a QR code you should always have a text option next to it for those who do not know what QR codes are or do not have the appropriate app on their phone.

Meyowza · 5th Jan 2012, 09:20 AM

I'll come right out and say that I am biased towards QR Codes, because my company currently uses them as our main product, along with mobile sites. Also, at my previous job, I was a Sales Supervisor at a Direct Mail Company where we produced a coupon magazine that mailed out 400K per month countywide.

That being said, I believe that QR Codes is a great addition to any print campaign. Yes, lots of people don't know what they are, but more and more are picking up on the trend. SMS has been around for a long time and they do a great job developing lists. At the same time the general public is starting to realize that their phone numbers are being captured.

With google pushing mobile to marketers and amazon running commercials of people walking into stores and scanning products then out right ordering it from their phone instead of purchasing at the store. Society is being programmed to scan to use mobile.

So why not use SMS, QR w/ Short URL that point to mobile page all together? In reality it does't take up much space. Especially considering how much more is given to the consumer beyond print.

YellowGreenMedia · 5th Jan 2012, 09:35 AM

Well maybe where you life, but here in Holland you really have a look very hard to find QR codes, and to be honest i don't think QR is ever going to take off like SMS did, QR has been around for a couple of years now and still you don't see any increase in usage, not in Europe anyway.

QR codes are to much of an hassle, first you have to download an app, learn how to scan, more often then not the codes are enabled to be scanned.... there is still so much wrong with QR codes that i really don'r see it coming of the ground.

I really hope it does because it has a massive amount of marketing possibilities,l but for now I'll stick with the good old SMS.

YellowGreenMedia · 5th Jan 2012, 01:10 PM

So if I offered you 10% of a billion dollars would you say it's only 10% and therefore worthless? I won't argue that QR codes do indeed have a low response and conversion rate... but they have a rate none the the less so they aren't a complete waste.

With all due respect but what kind of comparison is that? I look at it from the perspective of my client, if i charge him the amounts per month, that i have seen flying around on this board then my client will not even break even on it.

Even if you give the service away in a package deal, the clients still has to invest in new menu's and billing forms with the QR codes printed on it, an explanation of what a QR code is, and how the customer can scan it... it is just not workable as a marketing tool (yet)

And i am in this business to make my clients money, so i make money... QR codes are a nice gadget for techies and people who want to have the latest stuff, but for normal businesses QR is nothing more then a extra expense they can do perfectly without....

TBH I really don't understand this kind of attitude. Mind you this is coming from a guy who's built SMS marketing platforms, so I'm as big of an SMS fanboy as anyone. I raised this point earlier in the thread but I'll quote someone else who seems to get it...

What is there not to understand, that I want to make my clients money? I can't make them money with QR codes because nobody knows what they are. That is the whole problem.

What i don't understand is that you guys keep pushing it like it is the next best thing because it defiantly isn't, well not in Europe anyway, we have done are own research here on the beach asking people if they know what this was while showing them a QR code, out of the 100 people only 3 knew what it was... tell me where is the profit for the business owner, how can i justify to them making an investment in a way of marketing that reaches almost nobody.. i really wanna see you explain that one....

Don't get me wrong i am not a QR code hater, i am just saying that because of the lack of interest by the major public it isnt going to bring in new customers and new or more revenue for my clients, ergo i can't justify to them to make the investments needed to use QR codes.

That is my point of view on QR

I apologize if I come off as picking on you YGM. It's the ideas not the person I have the disagreement with, and I have a feeling you're speaking for a lot more people other than just yourself.

You don't have to apologize to me, where just having a discussion that is what this forum is all about, and i didn't had the feeling you're picking on me, and even if you did i have a thick skin lol

Dave

HypeText · 5th Jan 2012, 01:18 PM

QR Codes can be very beneficial in marketing.

For starters, because so few people know what they are, they tend to grab a persons attention.

If a Merchant has a large QR Code in their window the people who don't know what it is will stop to look at it more closely.

That same sign can have a printed call to action to Text a Keyword to a short code or Scan the QR Code which might result in the same action, which might then trigger a Text Coupon or Promotion being sent to the Consumers Cell. The Cell Number is then captured for future marketing.

This is just one example of how they can be used.

Marketing & Advertising is all about grabbing a consumer's Attention and holding it long enough to promote a offer, business, or brand.

QR Codes do this quite well and that is why so many of the Fortune 500's have implemented them as part of their Marketing Strategy.

YellowGreenMedia · 5th Jan 2012, 01:27 PM

But do you really think that people who are having dinner or are on a date are going to true the hassle of downing a app, learning how to work it, the scan the QR code, see if they scanned it right for a 10% discount?

HypeText · 5th Jan 2012, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by YellowGreenMedia

But do you really think that people who are having dinner or are on a date are going to true the hassle of downing a app, learning how to work it, the scan the QR code, see if they scanned it right for a 10% discount?

You actually bring up a valid point...

The Importance of the actual Offer...

Initial Campaign Offers need to be significant...10% isnt going to cut it.

As I had said in my post, the QR Code draws their attention, the print on the signage gives them options...Either-OR

Additionally, if the signage is on the window...it's facing outwards. People eating dinner won't be seeing it.

Even if the QR Code is on a Table Tent, people have a waiting period before their food arrives...

I know personally, when I am waiting for my food I ALWAYS find myself reading what is on the table...even if I am on a date.

A Novelty like a QR Code could well become the topic of a conversation if a Consumer has not seen one before.

This can also be implemented in Print Media in which case being on a date or eating dinner are irrelevant.

Keep in mind that QR Codes arent the basis of a Marketing Plan...they are tool within a Marketing Strategy.

javarog · 5th Jan 2012, 02:45 PM

I find it interesting and Hype text pointed this out to me that a lot of large manufacturing companies are using both. For instance Budweiser has on their cartons a QR code and underneath that they have a short code.

So hey I would say if the 10% scanning rule holds water then I am assuming that they think that 10% is valuable enough to have both.

Sometimes we don't see the world population as being as big as it really is or even grasp it for that matter until you realize that out of a million that little QR code has attracted 100 thousand... pretty good contact percentage for a free item if you ask me

HypeText · 6th Jan 2012, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by ElenaEn

To accommodate those with privacy concerns.

We interviewed a few people, and there are quite a few who would never opt-in via SMS because:
1. They don't want to give away their cell phone number in exchange for information
2. They are not sure if their carrier is going to charge them for the advertising SMS messages they would potentially be receiving.

so the QR code seems like a less invasive option for the mobile leads you'd lose if you only offer the SMS opt-in.

add a short URL of the mobile site next to your QR code and SMS opt-in, and you capture those who are not savvy with QR codes.

MMA Best Practices Guidelines actually require a notice to be posted whenever a shortcode and keyword are being used.

Additionally, SMS Marketing uses standard SMS and the customer should be informed of this. Standard SMS and Premium SMS are two different things.

Premium SMS are SMS Messages that incur charges on a subscribers cellphone bills where Standard SMS is usually part of a subscribers Plan.

Asking a person whether or not they would receive SMS Promotions or whether or not they would opt in, without them knowing that there are no additional charges for doing so will obviously skew their opinion.

The Primary Purpose of SMS Marketing isn't to offer Information.

Ask that person if they would be willing to receive a discount off a product or service they are already buying from a business that they already do business with, or intend to do business with, may very well alter their opinion.

As for them not wanting to give up their cell number, many people don't want to give up their email either, and chose to not do so...however a huge number of people will...and do give up those pieces of information when the topic or offering interests them.

Kentara · 12th Jan 2012, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by WillR

QR codes do NOT just have to send someone to a website. A QR code can open up a filled in text message on the users device, it could initiate a phone call to a certain number, it could open up an email ready to send, it could transfer your contact details, and so on.

If you are wanting to build a list then use SMS marketing. Let's say your customers need to text the word 'discount' to 123456 to join your sms list. What you would do is create an SMS QR code that when scanned, will open up a new sms message on the users phone, with the phone number and word already filled in, so all they need to do is press send and they join your list. There is no need to use websites at all.

Hey WillR, this is the type of operation I am looking at, Im having trouble getting the name of a provider who operates in Australia. I found the perfect provider in Fortumo.com but they dont cover our neck of the woods. Do you have any names that offer a similar service.

YellowGreenMedia · 12th Jan 2012, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by javarog

I find it interesting and Hype text pointed this out to me that a lot of large manufacturing companies are using both. For instance Budweiser has on their cartons a QR code and underneath that they have a short code.

So hey I would say if the 10% scanning rule holds water then I am assuming that they think that 10% is valuable enough to have both.

Sometimes we don't see the world population as being as big as it really is or even grasp it for that matter until you realize that out of a million that little QR code has attracted 100 thousand... pretty good contact percentage for a free item if you ask me

But not the whole world population is going to visit my clients restaurant, now are they?

TrumpiaTim · 17th Jan 2012, 01:46 AM

A good question in response to this can actually be "Why not offer QR codes?"

QR Codes complement your mobile offering and in some cases, the general public is a bit more familiar with QR codes than mobile marketing due to its prevalent use by a lot of companies now on their product offerings.

Is there really a downside to adding QR codes as a complement to your mobile offering? If anything this should benefit and not hinder your mobile marketing business overall.

YellowGreenMedia · 17th Jan 2012, 02:52 PM

Is there really a downside to adding QR codes as a complement to your mobile offering? If anything this should benefit and not hinder your mobile marketing business overall.

yes there is a huge downside and that is that the business owner has to invest in new advertisement materials with the QR codes on them.. i have a lot of restaurants and bars as my client and i can tell you reprinting menu's and bill forms isn't cheap. and that is money that they will never make back with QR advertisement... that is for me a huge downside.

Steve1776 · 22nd Jan 2012, 11:51 AM

Since I've started to look for QR codes I've been seeing more and more of them. One of the outlet centers south of Dallas put a QR code on their electronic billboard for a while. (Wonder how many accidents that caused? Don't scan and drive kids.) Some of the businesses are putting them on their bills they send out. Looking at FedEx's mobile website it looks like they are going to let their customers print QR codes to use for shipping labels. QR codes are in their infancy. They are where mobile phones were 5-10 years ago.

I find it is much easier and quicker to touch the QR scanner on my phone, touch "scan QR code" and point the camera at the code and go to a website than it is to touch the browser and type in a web address.

To see what you can do see this and this

5th Jan 2012, 01:30 AM	#1
Ideology Warrior Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 26 Thanks: 20 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: I don't see the point of QR codes, I'd rather capture a cell number than send someone to a website. How can I incorporate QR codes into a mobile marketing strategy for clients? I feel QR codes detract from the focus of building a list. QR codes may be a selling point for mobile websites but not for SMS. Thoughts....

5th Jan 2012, 07:09 AM	#2
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,475 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: QR codes do NOT just have to send someone to a website. A QR code can open up a filled in text message on the users device, it could initiate a phone call to a certain number, it could open up an email ready to send, it could transfer your contact details, and so on. If you are wanting to build a list then use SMS marketing. Let's say your customers need to text the word 'discount' to 123456 to join your sms list. What you would do is create an SMS QR code that when scanned, will open up a new sms message on the users phone, with the phone number and word already filled in, so all they need to do is press send and they join your list. There is no need to use websites at all.
	. ➨ Here's How to Make Your First $177 Online This Week Using the Piggyback Method... .

5th Jan 2012, 07:16 AM	#3
YellowGreenMedia Dave Zegers War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: The Hague Posts: 559 Thanks: 229 Thanked 207 Times in 118 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: Nobody knows what QR codes are, i think your clients will be very disappointed with the ROI that comes from QR codes, i don't offer them at all, i really don't see the point at this times. It is a good marketing tool but if only 10% of the population knows about it, it is worthless to me.

5th Jan 2012, 09:20 AM	#5
Meyowza Mobile Marketing Platform War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 67 Thanks: 7 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: I'll come right out and say that I am biased towards QR Codes, because my company currently uses them as our main product, along with mobile sites. Also, at my previous job, I was a Sales Supervisor at a Direct Mail Company where we produced a coupon magazine that mailed out 400K per month countywide. That being said, I believe that QR Codes is a great addition to any print campaign. Yes, lots of people don't know what they are, but more and more are picking up on the trend. SMS has been around for a long time and they do a great job developing lists. At the same time the general public is starting to realize that their phone numbers are being captured. With google pushing mobile to marketers and amazon running commercials of people walking into stores and scanning products then out right ordering it from their phone instead of purchasing at the store. Society is being programmed to scan to use mobile. So why not use SMS, QR w/ Short URL that point to mobile page all together? In reality it does't take up much space. Especially considering how much more is given to the consumer beyond print.
	CEO/Founder of MeYowza Inc. Get your FREE Mobile Landing Page & QR Code Generator w/ Analytics HERE. SYSTEM I USE TO GENERATE LEADS FOR MY BUSINESS...MUST WATCH VIDEO HERE.

5th Jan 2012, 09:35 AM	#6
YellowGreenMedia Dave Zegers War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: The Hague Posts: 559 Thanks: 229 Thanked 207 Times in 118 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: Well maybe where you life, but here in Holland you really have a look very hard to find QR codes, and to be honest i don't think QR is ever going to take off like SMS did, QR has been around for a couple of years now and still you don't see any increase in usage, not in Europe anyway. QR codes are to much of an hassle, first you have to download an app, learn how to scan, more often then not the codes are enabled to be scanned.... there is still so much wrong with QR codes that i really don'r see it coming of the ground. I really hope it does because it has a massive amount of marketing possibilities,l but for now I'll stick with the good old SMS.

5th Jan 2012, 01:18 PM	#8
HypeText Ultimate Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 734 Thanks: 28 Thanked 181 Times in 131 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: QR Codes can be very beneficial in marketing. For starters, because so few people know what they are, they tend to grab a persons attention. If a Merchant has a large QR Code in their window the people who don't know what it is will stop to look at it more closely. That same sign can have a printed call to action to Text a Keyword to a short code or Scan the QR Code which might result in the same action, which might then trigger a Text Coupon or Promotion being sent to the Consumers Cell. The Cell Number is then captured for future marketing. This is just one example of how they can be used. Marketing & Advertising is all about grabbing a consumer's Attention and holding it long enough to promote a offer, business, or brand. QR Codes do this quite well and that is why so many of the Fortune 500's have implemented them as part of their Marketing Strategy.
	HYPETEXT MOBILE MEDIA (916) 520-HYPE (4973) Local & Mobile Marketing Solutions $0 Setup & $99/mnth Private Label Reseller Accts

5th Jan 2012, 01:27 PM	#9
YellowGreenMedia Dave Zegers War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: The Hague Posts: 559 Thanks: 229 Thanked 207 Times in 118 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: But do you really think that people who are having dinner or are on a date are going to true the hassle of downing a app, learning how to work it, the scan the QR code, see if they scanned it right for a 10% discount?

5th Jan 2012, 02:45 PM	#11
javarog HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 264 Thanks: 12 Thanked 76 Times in 37 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: I find it interesting and Hype text pointed this out to me that a lot of large manufacturing companies are using both. For instance Budweiser has on their cartons a QR code and underneath that they have a short code. So hey I would say if the 10% scanning rule holds water then I am assuming that they think that 10% is valuable enough to have both. Sometimes we don't see the world population as being as big as it really is or even grasp it for that matter until you realize that out of a million that little QR code has attracted 100 thousand... pretty good contact percentage for a free item if you ask me

17th Jan 2012, 01:46 AM	#15
TrumpiaTim www.trumpia.com War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 824 Thanks: 2 Thanked 65 Times in 58 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: A good question in response to this can actually be "Why not offer QR codes?" QR Codes complement your mobile offering and in some cases, the general public is a bit more familiar with QR codes than mobile marketing due to its prevalent use by a lot of companies now on their product offerings. Is there really a downside to adding QR codes as a complement to your mobile offering? If anything this should benefit and not hinder your mobile marketing business overall.
	[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] www.Trumpia.com Trumpia: The Most Completed SMS Text Messaging Software & API Solution.

22nd Jan 2012, 11:51 AM	#17
Steve1776 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Posts: 101 Thanks: 79 Thanked 28 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Why should I add QR codes to my SMS service? Share on: Since I've started to look for QR codes I've been seeing more and more of them. One of the outlet centers south of Dallas put a QR code on their electronic billboard for a while. (Wonder how many accidents that caused? Don't scan and drive kids.) Some of the businesses are putting them on their bills they send out. Looking at FedEx's mobile website it looks like they are going to let their customers print QR codes to use for shipping labels. QR codes are in their infancy. They are where mobile phones were 5-10 years ago. I find it is much easier and quicker to touch the QR scanner on my phone, touch "scan QR code" and point the camera at the code and go to a website than it is to touch the browser and type in a web address. To see what you can do see this and this
	You can get anything you want if you help enough other people get what they want. Losers fail and quit. Winners fail until they succeed. Indecision is worse than the wrong decision. You can fix a wrong decision, you can't fix indecision.