QR Code Scavenger Hunt

15 replies
For a prospecting idea, I'm thinking of organizing a QR code scavenger hunt in my area.

I'm thinking about limiting it to just bars, but I'm not positive about that yet. In my town, the first Friday of the month they try to make a big deal out of downtown, and I was thinking of tying it in with that. It is mostly a bar/restaurant type event, which is why I was thinking of limiting it to them.

I'm brainstorming right now and would love some feedback from anyone who has tried this before.

What I'm thinking is that in each bar will be a QR code. When the QR code is scanned, it will take the person to that bar's Facebook page. They will need to become a fan of the Facebook page in order to have revealed the next location. I was thinking of maybe hiding the QR codes in each bar and they would receive some kind of riddle about where exactly it is in the location.

The contestant or team that finishes first would win some prize... I'm thinking maybe a $100 gift card or something like that.

For the bars, they get traffic through their establishment, but more importantly, hopefully they attract new fans to their Facebook page. Maybe also make the contestants "check in" on Facebook at each location so that all their friends see them going to these places.

For me, it gets me in front of a bunch of business owners using QR codes as a foot in the door, which no bar or restaurant in my area is using. They will hopefully think it is brilliant and want to discuss coming on as a client.

Is this a worthwhile idea? I'm going back and forth on it. Yes, people will be going into a bar, but they will be looking for the QR code and then leaving for the next destination. They won't be staying to buy anything. Are owners going to be agreeable to this?

I was also thinking of making it a charity event. My girlfriend does a lot of fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Maybe each bar owner would agree that for every person who "checks in" that night at their establishment, they will make a $5 donation to LLS...

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions are all appreciated.
#code #hunt #scavenger
  • Profile picture of the author davechan
    Your QR code idea is a good one. It's a great way to generate new traffic and the QR code concept is hot right now. Unfortunately, while QR codes are on the rise, most people who use smart phones still don't know how to download and use the free QR readers. Make sure to explain that in your marketing brochures.

    As far as getting traffic and people to buy something, add a discount offer with the Facebook Like. This way people might very well be inclined to buy a drink or two at that establishment.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4308135].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
      Originally Posted by davechan View Post

      Your QR code idea is a good one. It's a great way to generate new traffic and the QR code concept is hot right now. Unfortunately, while QR codes are on the rise, most people who use smart phones still don't know how to download and use the free QR readers. Make sure to explain that in your marketing brochures.

      As far as getting traffic and people to buy something, add a discount offer with the Facebook Like. This way people might very well be inclined to buy a drink or two at that establishment.

      I was thinking of using one of the locations as a starting point (especially if I can talk one of them into setting up some kind of buffet table cheaply) where people would sign in, we could go over how to use a QR code reader, and the general rules of the game.

      I like the idea of the discount on the Facebook Like. Thanks.
      Signature

      For SEO news, discussions, tactics, and more.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4308161].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RedHat39
      Originally Posted by davechan View Post

      Unfortunately, while QR codes are on the rise, most people who use smart phones still don't know how to download and use the free QR readers.
      This has been my biggest obstacle with QR codes. Until the US cell carriers start providing them pre-loaded like they do in Asian countries this will be slow to take off in the US and UK
      Signature
      [Say What?!?] How to market as an affiliate and build a list at the same time - (Video Proof)
      Click Here For FREE Access Now
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4332093].message }}
      • Originally Posted by RedHat39 View Post

        This has been my biggest obstacle with QR codes. Until the US cell carriers start providing them pre-loaded like they do in Asian countries this will be slow to take off in the US and UK
        Hi Redhat, you have a definite point.
        I have that same problem too - most people have not even heard of them much less how to download one. I try to emphasize how easy it is with all the info on each ad.

        Though some think it is too technical -
        I explain it's a barcode scanner (like at the supermarket only better) for their cellphone,that's all - for free!...
        some people thinks that's kinda cool

        btw - I remember a story some years ago when George HW Bush - (Pres 41) was visiting a supermarket on some campaign, and was simply AMAZED when he saw the "scanner thing" work at the checkout counter... - THAT was in the 90's!!
        I remember thinking to myself - boy, this guy really needs to get out more!...:rolleyes:
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4333150].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author GerryLee
        Originally Posted by RedHat39 View Post

        This has been my biggest obstacle with QR codes. Until the US cell carriers start providing them pre-loaded like they do in Asian countries this will be slow to take off in the US and UK
        So, maybe that's where we as marketers come in. Maybe we can become imaginative promoters of QR Codes in our own local markets.

        As we come up with more and more cool events and promos, we in turn, create the demand for our own services as QR providers.....As we create the buzz, we create the demand! Pretty powerful stuff, especially if your the first heavy promoter in your local market.

        Just a thought,
        GerryLee

        P.S. This is what I'm gearing up for, as and addition to my business.

        Hell of an idea with the scavenger hunt..I love it! Keep us posted on how you work out
        the details, and how it rolls out.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4336863].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author byte
    Sounds like a very good idea. Keep us updated!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312791].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nick Surran
    Have you seen SCVNGR ? I think they do the same thing with location based services rather than QR codes, but I didn't look real closely. I just vaguely remembered them from an article I read in the past month or so.
    Signature

    I think Lime Cellular is the best white label SMS marketing platform.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4317404].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author midasman09
      Banned
      One guy makes "Drink Special" Cards which are in full color and Laminated and at the bottom 2 inches is a QR Code that can be scanned to get a Discount.

      These are 5" wide by 7" high stuc in a plastic holder.

      He has since expanded to regular restaurant tables where scanning in the QR Code brings up a "Half-Price" deal on pie.

      Don Alm
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4317498].message }}
      • So, instead of a "scavenger" hunt - it's more of a pub crawl...?
        All the bars participate with special offers (the treasure) that are on the QR codes that lead them there?
        The fanpages have hidden links that give them clues they solve?
        It's a great idea for an area or town with a lot of pubs or clubs
        as long as they don't drink, text, and drive :rolleyes:
        In my area, they used to have organized buses for the pub crawls - :rolleyes:

        Same idea with a different twist...what about people who go antiquing? Each shop has a type of trinket or item tucked away they have to find ? They could FB like to mark they were there..or with a text code / secret word @each store?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4329721].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TrumpiaTim
    This is a great viral campaign! Keep us posted on the results
    Signature

    www.Trumpia.com

    Trumpia: The Most Completed SMS Text Messaging Software & API Solution.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330614].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author iigwk
    There are many QR Code generators around the web right now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4331473].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ray Erdmann
      Originally Posted by slicx View Post

      There are many QR Code generators around the web right now.
      Originally Posted by iigwk View Post

      There are many QR Code generators around the web right now.

      Is there an echo in here or what?

      Love the 'copy paste' under two different user-names!

      OP: My main issue has been getting local businesses to even understand the concept of QR codes and how to really use them! I've done what you've done.."They're like bar codes that smart phones can read...etc.,etc."...but no luck as of yet1

      If you're able to find some good responses that get businesses to open up about then and start using...please let us know!
      Signature

      "Whether you think you can or not...you'll always be 100% right!" |

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4337667].message }}
      • Since it is a promotion for bars - and if the waitresses (or waitperson - I don't want to appear too sexist) don't mind being any more "objectified" than they already are anyway...:rolleyes:

        Maybe you can get them to wear t-shirts with QR codes for the Pub or that promote an event that say something like...

        "Since you're already STARING - Why don't you just SCAN me!"

        (kind of a new twist on "why don't you take a picture...it'll last longer!" - )

        3M
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4340204].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author byte
    Does anyone have any more QR Code Scavenger Hunt ideas. I trying to get all the different ideas I can find so I can have more and more marketing tricks to use. :-)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4337629].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TrumpiaTim
    Trumpia also offers a QR code generator which would allow you to become really interactive with participants! Not only will you be able to engage them via QR codes, but you can also send them SMS clues, just a suggestion...
    Signature

    www.Trumpia.com

    Trumpia: The Most Completed SMS Text Messaging Software & API Solution.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4341494].message }}

Trending Topics