To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

What's everyone takes on QR codes relating to mobile websites, and scanning one on your initial confrontation, that links to their sample mobile page.

My 2 mobile mentors, Quentin and Will, have different stances and I would love to see what kind of feedback/results others have had regarding this.

Thanks,
Darrett

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

I think it's just another tool in the tool box. It's a nice
"parlor trick" for getting someone's attention but I wouldn't
base a proposed campaign on it.

I'd certainly work it into the campaign but it wouldn't be the main focus.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

Tsnyder, thanks for the reply man.

I do agree, and it is definitely not anything I'm putting much focus on.

I was referring more to the question if it's better as an ice breaker with a manager, or would omitting it and just showing mobile site be more understandable to the common business owner.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

Darrett,

To me it's just an added bonus you can show them after the mobile site since they are free and easy to create. The fact is a QR code is not going to make a business more money by itself. The mobile website should definitely be the main focus. The QR code is just an extra little gimmick you can throw in to add more perceived value to your service. It's not going to be for everyone though. It's main uses are in print campaigns.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

@darrett

typically when developing a mobile website for a client right at the very beggining we discuss sms messaging and qr codes and let them do a hands on demo of how well they all integrate together... have found this far better than talking to them about it and trying to explain it...

additionally showing a potential client an advert that previously didnt have a qr code on it and then showing them one with one of your own custom qr codes and linking it to a demo sms signup page or demo mobile site can only help your pitch! :)

one of the things i like to do is scan qr codes in local newspapers to see what the end user experience is like, i have found qr codes that wont scan, that the url is formatted incorrectly, gets sent to a 404 page not found and the biggest sin of all not even directing people to a mobile friendly resource!

use this as an opportunity to not only help them correct there issues but to up sell your entire mobile marketing arsenal! :)

good luck!

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

I got that... that's what I meant when I said it's a nice
little parlor trick to get someone's attention.. For someone
who has never seen a QR code it can often be a "wow"
moment that opens their mind to seeing more about how
mobile technology can enhance their marketing efforts.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

I do the same and if I had a dollar for every QR code I have come across that couldn't even be scanned, man, I'd have some serious money.

It still amazes me people do not test things thoroughly when spending all that money.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

We close more deals using QR Codes because we find that business owners are bombarded with people selling just the normal service.

It can be your point of difference.

Free QR Codes are fine but it is the tracking that makes them valuable.

I find that by using a QR Code you can add that touchy feely aspect to your presentation so they can actually scan the QR Code on their phone or yours and see the mobile site.

QR Codes have generated us thousands of dollars worth of business. We get more inquiries on QR Codes from our sites that then lead into mobile websites.

Example: Last week we were contacted by a large bedding manufacturer who wanted QR Codes for all their different models of beds to be added to the label on the bed.

They were going to redirect to their normal website so I did them a quick sample of a mobile site and they just sent through the purchase order.

Over 400 bed models at so much a page which is a great contract all through QR Codes.

In the end it is up to you.

If you like them then use them and if you don't like them then don't use them. It is very hard to sell something you are not confident with.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

Find an ad in one of those coupon magazines that come in the mail every couple of months (without a qr code). Once you target the type of business you want, clip out their ad, scan it into your computer, then photoshop (or similar program) a qr code in one corner that leads to your mobile site. It could be a mock-up, landing page, whatever......it could be a video of you explaining how their customers could be watching the business owner instead of you!!

Take the original ad in, along with your photoshop version and demonstrate how much more effective their ad could be in that magazine with the qr code. It would not cost them any extra for their ad, with the qr code. It would just take up a little more of the ad space, ask them which version they would like their potential customers to view.

Oh, and along with the qr code, place the url under it so those who don't have the scan app can manually enter to visit the site.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

QR Codes is not the answer but its a piece of the puzzle when it comes to Mobile marketing. A properly planned and executed mobile marketing campaign will bring together 1. Mobile Optimized Website/Landing Page 2. QR Codes 3. SMS Text marketing

If you combine all three of these technologies properly the end result will be better ROI for your customers advertising dollars. Agencies all over the world are charging big $$$ for these types of campaigns for their clients.

QR Codes are great traffic drivers.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

Thank you all for the helpful responses. I appreciate you taking the time.

I'm on the same page as I understand it's not going to be your main seller or attraction, but really a nice bonus, and as Quentin said, a great way to be different and unique than the normal approach.

I do feel that if you were to bring them in a QR code and show them you scanning it and linking to their sample page, as well as SMS services, they could greatly see how they all work together and are all pieces to the puzzle.

I've learned everything I know from Quentin and Will's mobile website e-books, but I'm definitely interested in learning about SMS marketing now and how much of a part it plays.

Do you guys recommend any e-books?

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

I don't understand using QR codes on websites. Are people supposed to scan a laptop or desktop screen with their phone for the mobile version of some website? If you put the QR code on your mobile website aren't they already then viewing the QR code on a mobile device? How do they scan that? With their other mobile device? I generally use QR codes for offline media like printed flyers or signage where you can get mobile users to scan and visit the mobile website or maybe opt-in to some campaign. Otherwise what's the point of having it on a website?

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

Once you have the Mobile Friendly website, a QR code used correctly on printed media, van livery, or outdoor sign will increase a customer's bottom line, and that is a selling point to stress.


I say “used correctly“. You need to give your customer's potential customer a “call to action” and give them a good reason to scan the code.

Tell them what to do and what benefit they will get when they do it.


e.g. – “scan to get a 2 for 1 offer” , “scan to get a quote” , “scan to join our mailing list”, “scan to enter competition” , “scan to buy now”, “scan for more information” , “scan for photo gallery” ,"scan do download song".



A QR code on an advert with no “call to action” is more likely to get ignored.


I like 'em (and NFC technology of course!)


Alison

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

I have a QR code on my business card that, when scanned, gives the person all of my contact info and a link to my website. All they have to do is click to add as a contact. If you have ever tried to get some one to add in your info to their phone, you know its awkward. Scan once and I am in with all the info I want them to have. Bam. Done.

QR codes are awesome tools. Send them to pages, offers, apps, coupons, quizzes, affiliate links and more...or just use them to get your info out there faster.

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

@affordableweb I used to think the same thing, until I thought a little out the box. I Design Custom QR Codes and I had this one client who was so dead set on having his on his website, and of course being the Mobile/QR fanatic I am, tried so desperately to convince him not to do so, seeing how it violates the purpose of the QR. The fellow wasn't taking no for an answer, but then it dawned on me to just label the QR as---"Hey, would you like to take this with you on your mobile device? Scan here---- The guy was already generating allot of traffic in the first place. But now using the QR's this way his targets could take his information rite out the door with them and finish what they were doing without being stuck in front of the computer. Pretty Cool!!

Re: To QR Code, or Not to QR Code
 

Depending on your target audience, you could have a qr code on the mobile site, make it a LINKED image, have a call to action to click the qr code image, and send them to whatever info you want them to see. Educate them on the use of the qr code. Lots of ways to get creative!