Feb 23 2012
I came across All Pro Stamps the other day. They make custom rubber stamps that are self inking. And, they have aline of QR Codes stamps. These start out at less than $20 each. They also have several travel models for folks on the go that need a mobile solution. Check them out today!
Feb 17 2012
Christine Peterson forwarded me an article on masable.com titled “Why QR Codes Won’t Last“. The author, Jon Barocas syas “My initial honeymoon with QR codes was very short-lived. The initial rush that I had received from trying to frame the code on my device had lost its luster. I started to view QR codes as a barrier to additional information. And in many instances, the rewards (whatever I received as a result of scanning the code) did not measure up to the effort of the transaction itself.”
He then goes on to explain the in his opinion, Google Goggles is what we really should be using… Please read his article and share your thoughts here.
Feb 7 2012
For job-seekers today, the most difficult hurdle to overcome is simply getting noticed. Even with impeccable credentials, you will need something extra to separate yourself from the stack of identical-looking resumes or business cards on the hiring manager’s desk. Why not try something innovative? Including a personalized QR Code just might catapult you to the top of the stack.
A QR Code is a 2-dimensional “quick response” bar code that contains a set of data (text, numbers, or a hyperlink). This data can be decoded by QR Readers, which are widely available as Smartphone apps. Free options are available for iPhone, Droid, and Blackberry – simply take a picture of the QR Code with the phone’s camera, and the embedded information instantly appears.
If you have a Smartphone, let’s give it a try. Click on the QR Code above, print it out, and scan the image with a QR Reader. The data embedded within is a hyperlink to this very web page – like magic, it should take you straight to this page from within your phone’s web browser. Definitely cool, but how can this help your job search? Here are 3 ways:
If you are pumping out awesome, niche-related content, your #1 goal should be directing hiring managers to your blog. Will they type in a URL included within your paper resume? Maybe, maybe not. Try capturing their attention by including a QR Code in the header of your resume. Maybe they won’t scan your QR Code either. But I guarantee they will take note of this unique aspect of your resume, which in itself is a major victory.
In all instances recommended here, be sure to include both your URL and the QR Code, so those without Smartphones can still reach your web destination. Also, consider optimizing your blog for mobile browsing.
See the whole article at www.personalbranding101.com
Feb 7 2012
Once thought of as tools for product advertising or historic tours, quick response (QR) codes are now making their way onto building permits.
On Thursday, Jan. 6, Catawba County, N.C., began using the bar-code technology to help contractors and government workers access information on buildings.
What may at first glance look like a random assortment of pixilated shapes, QR codes are square images that can be found at tour sites, on cereal boxes, even toothpaste packaging. An increasing number of cities and counties — notably Manor, Texas — are using them to deliver government data and services, too.
A free smartphone app can read and interpret the code, and pull up the associated URL so users can browse the website connected to that code, according to the Catawba County Technology Department.
With the new QR-coded building permits, two sets of information can be accessed on smartphones when contractors receive hard cards (a hard copy of the building permit) from the county’s building services permit center. One QR code on the permit generates a GIS map of the parcel that relates to the permit and the other QR code links the user to the permit detail report website, said Steve Lackey, systems analyst for Catawba County’s Technology Department.
“The main and important thing is [the QR codes] give a list of the inspections and what the statuses are,” Lackey said. “So a contractor could stand here on the side [of a building], cue up that code and see what the statuses following the inspections are — what has passed, what has failed and the reasons for the failed ones.”
By using a QR-code system, contractors and others using the coded permits will be able to reduce the number of trips to the permitting office since the permit information is now accessible in the field. Lackey said the use of laptops will be reduced as well since the QR codes can be accessed via smartphone.
See the whole story at www.govtech.com
Feb 7 2012
1. Thou Shalt Assist Thy Consumer in the Use of 2-D Codes
Even though the use of 2-D codes is increasing rapidly, most consumers are just starting to embrace them. It’s best to help consumers out a little with a line of copy that explains what 2-D codes are and where the consumer can download a code reader.
Here’s the one I use all the time: “Scan the 2-D code for a special coupon. To download a code reader to your phone, open your mobile browser and visit scan.mobi.”
Other good 2-D code readers can be found at BeeTagg.com, i-nigma.com and ScanLife.com.
2. Thou Shalt Drive Consumers Through to a Webpage Designed Specifically for a Smartphone
This one seems painfully obvious, but you’d be surprised how many companies drive people through to regular webpages. By linking your 2-D code to a mobile site, you’re enhancing the customer experience. A good customer experience equals return visits, which is what you’re looking for.
3. Thou Shalt Run Thy 2-D Code Promotion in an Area That Has Cell Phone Coverage
Another classic mistake is running a 2-D code promotion in an area that has bad cell phone coverage. If you’re going to run a 2-D code promotion in a subway station, a rural area or an office building, you’d better check the mobile reception first.
4. Thou Shalt Add Value for Thy Consumer
The best 2-D code promotions give people something extra for their trouble. Sometimes, that extra value is simply an enhanced experience. Other times, it’s a discount or special coupon that rewards them for taking the time to scan your 2-D code.
5. Thou Shalt Track the Traffic to Your 2-D Code Landing Page
Marketing is about metrics and measurement, so be sure you track your results. One way is to measure in-bound hits using Google Analytics or some other analytics program. Another way is to partner with ScanLife, Microsoft or some other 2-D code provider to track data using their systems. Experiment to see which approach works for you.
6. Thou Shalt Conduct A/B Split Tests
Which landing pages work best? You can test your way to success by conducting regular A/B Split Tests with your 2-D code landing pages. Once you have a winner, use that landing page as the control and see if you can beat the results with alternate versions.
7. Thou Shalt Not Bore the Consumer to Death with Lame, Uninventive 2-D Code Promotions
The best 2-D code experiences inspire prospects or customers to come back for more. That’s what Starbucks did with its mobile app, and what the Smithsonian did with their MEanderthal exhibit. How are you making your 2-D Promotion sticky?
8. Thou Shalt Test Thy 2-D Code to Ensure Proper Size and Usage
It’s not enough to simply test your 2-D code on your computer screen. You need to test the physical proof of the ad, catalog or poster that you’re using it on. That way, you can be sure it will work on the final product.
9. Thou Shalt Keep Thy 2-D Code Promotions Updated
Some companies change out the discounts they offer via 2-D code every week. Other companies invent new and creative ways to use them on a regular basis. What are you doing to keep your 2-D code promotions fresh and updated?
10. …
Want to find out the last of the 10 commandments for using 2-D codes for business? Scan the 2-D code below and see where it takes you.
Feb 7 2012
Put your QR code on every single piece of promotional material you have. This goes for every marketer. Posters, flyers, stickers, merchandise tags, press kits, temporary tattoos; The more unusual the better. Any promotion without one is a missed opportunity at major events, especially tech-forward gatherings like SXSW.
There are pitfalls you need to avoid at all costs, or else your QR code campaign will fail miserably:
It’s also a good idea to set up your QR code and the corresponding mobile webpage with analytics. This will give you the ability to track and optimize your campaign, and if you’re using a plug-and-play CMS, even make updates during the event.
See the whole article at www.mashable.com
Recent Comments