May 5, 2011 in Blog, Business, eCommerce, Social Commerce, Social Media, Web Development by Stephen Coughlan

Quick Familiarise Yourself with QR Codes!

Although they have been around for a number of years particularly in Japan, Quick Read (QR) codes seem to be becoming more mainstream only now within the surrounds of marketing in Ireland. By and large the west have been slow to adopt them. In short, QR codes allow smartphone users easy access to information by scanning in the two dimensional code using the camera. Businesses are sharing information such as text, photos, videos,music and URLs through this medium. Creating your own code is very accessible, there are a variety of generators such as Kaywa and QRStuff. To take advantage of QR codes you will need a scanner which can be downloaded through your app store for most smartphones free of charge.

Here are some examples that we found of how Irish businesses are taking advantage of QR codes.

Business Cards

Having a QR code on your business card is not a particular new phenomena but it is yet to catch on to become widespread. It is an effective way to become more interactive allowing your contact easy access to your website, contact details, blog or LinkedIn profile. However, with the undoubted popularity of smartphones expect QR codes on business cards to become common practice in the near future.

Luas

The operators of the Luas have  developed an app for its users and QR codes have helped to boost its profile. Luas user can be linked straight to iTunes to download the app when they scan in the QR code which appears on posters at every Luas stop.

The Organic Supermarket, Blackrock

The Organic Supermarket have deployed QR codes to boost their Facebook profile. The image below is at the cash desk in their store encouraging you to “like” their Facebook page and the QR code links you directly there. QR codes can be applied  to any marketing material to provide information on such issues as special offers, coupons, product instructions, directions to your business and many more.

98FM

98fm are really embracing QR codes displaying them on posters, on print and on their website. The two examples below, one from their Facebook page which directs you back to their website to enter the “Mad Money” competition while the other is on their website page and it links you to their “listen live” media player. Absolutely no need to remember an address!

….Mad Money ….Listen Live Media Player

Imagine WiMax

Imagine WiMax are also using QR codes in an innovative manner. On their Facebook profile, the landing page is a QR code which links you to a page to enter a competition with the opportunity to win an iPad 2 for you and nine friends. Again, this is another example of a seamless transition to a web address. This competition is still open so why not scan in the code and enter!

The widespread use of smartphones makes the possibility of QR codes becoming mainstream extremely viable. Their uses are limitless from location based marketing to creating excitement about a new product to store front displays. It is an area where businesses can be very creative to connect and engage with their community.