Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Donate a Toy by Scanning a QR Code


Ebay has launched another mobile interactive storefront with QR codes, this time with Toys for Tots to encourage toy donations during the holiday season. Shoppers can simply scan the QR code related to the toy in the window display that they wish to donate and be instantly directed to a mobile landing page to complete the donation. The unique storefront is located on 35th and Broadway in New York City and another one in San Francisco on Post Street near the Union Square district. This isn't Ebay's first dynamic mobile shopping experience using a window storefront. Last month they built an "Inspiration Shop" that allows shoppers to make mobile purchases from the street by scanning the QR code in the store window next to the product. Below is a video of the Ebay Give-A-Toy Store that I shot. Enjoy!






Monday, October 31, 2011

QR Codes Have Crazy Potential and This Video Proves It

Much has been made about the lack of QR code awareness in the U.S. but I would argue that this is a good thing. Actually it's GREAT! There is still a lot potential for QR codes and part of that is due to sheer lack of devices. A person is not going to know much about QR codes if they don't have a modern smartphone that can exploit them. The speediness of scanning a QR code with today's modern smartphone is faster than any other form of "on demand" content. The portion of the market cannot see this is still about 65%. We are still in the early phase of QR codes and haven;t negun to scratch the surface. This video proves it.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Ebay Inspiration Shop QR codes


Ebay has done it! Teaming with designer Jonathan Adler, they have built a one of a kind store front in New York City that empowers mobile shoppers to buy products on their phones using QR codes. 

The "Inspiration" Shop is located on Park Avenue but doesn't allow visitors inside. The intention is to make products available to buy 24/7 from a shoppable store front using QR codes and mobile landing pages. The massive "always open" windows showcase new, must have merchandise for the Fall season. Of course the products are available instantly to simply purchase from your phone! Check out pics below. Enjoy!




Thursday, October 20, 2011

Catchy QR Code Stickers!

Working on some cool QR code sticker concepts. The photos below clearly demonstrate "new school vs. old school" and how utilizing mobile websites with QR codes is much more viral and convenient. QR code stickers can be designed in a way that encourages mobile engagement in the physical world. We are working on several QR code sticker designs that can be integrated with a a mobile web offer. Stickers for promotion and advertising with mobile integration are fantastic... These pictures prove it.


Tappinn is now printing custom contour cut stickers for your QR marketing and NFC campaigns! This is gorilla marketing with QR codes at its finest.





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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

QR codes in Mail Boxes

The Viking Group has launched their new mobile website with QR codes using Tappinn. They kicked things off by sending out post cards to inform customers of their new mobile website. The post cards provide detailed step by step instructions on how to scan the QR code with screen shots of what information will be available in the palm of you hand once QR code is scan. Below are images of the front and back of the post card.

Viking Group utilzed some key features that Tappinn has to offer. They have a customized URL as well as a "find functionality" which allows mobile users to find the nearest places to buy based on their location. 

Great use of QR codes!

 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week QR Codes by TRESemmé


Tresemme got clever with QR codes and advertising to promote Mercedes-Benz Fashion week in New York City. These bus kiosk posters are unique and catchy, not to mention they are connected to a custom mobile website dedicated to Fashion Week and Tresemme products. This is fantastic example of brands harnessing the mobile web with tailored content for unique contexts.





Wednesday, September 7, 2011

7 Triggers of Fascination in QR Codes



Sally Hogshead’s book, Fascinate, explains the 7 triggers that ignite fascination and ways you can incorporate it into your brand. The book was fantastic and it immediately got me thinking about QR codes and what makes them fascinating to the masses. Since our brains are wired to crave fascination, 2D barcodes honestly look like the perfect prompt heading into a mobile future with faster devices and cheaper data plans. Here’s why.

QR Codes really do fascinate people. I’m not just saying this because I have a blog about QR codes and a company based around them. I think it can actually be proven.  There’s a unique combination of mystery, expectancy and empowerment behind QR codes that cannot be explained by previous generations of marketers. Sure, there ARE other emerging technologies that bridge the physical-digital world gap, but can any of them compete for fascination with QR codes?


            
Take one look at Patrick Donnelly's designer QR codes (above) and tell me they aren't fascinating 

Sally makes the case that the first 9 seconds are most critical to any personal introduction. You can easily argue that the same rules apply for 2D barcodes and the branded content that is behind them. QR codes start a conversation with their natural fascination triggers, but the brand must deliver the correct experience to extend the conversation. This is where relevancy and value come in. The voice that your brand sends is return of a QR code scan can make or break your first impression. This is why custom mobile landing pages built around context are so important to successful QR codes.

Sally Hogshead's 7 triggers of fascination are below along with my two cents about how each can influence QR code scanning. According to the book most brands dial in on a primary and secondary trigger that work off each other. You could make the case for several of these could be primary triggers for qr codes. I say all these triggers can be influences for QR codes!  Leave a comment and let me know what triggers of fascination you think QR codes ignite.

#1 Power – Knowledge is power. Consumers want command. I call this "instant gradification-education" The act of scanning a 2D code produces instant results. Like search, power shifts to the consumer who is hunting for content. 

#2 Prestige – Taste makers. Tech snobs? This was a primary trigger in the beginning of QR code marketing, before they became so accessible.  It was prestigious when Ralph Lauren put out the first QR codes in the U.S. They were a symbol of the future without being useful. 

#3 Mystique – All about arousing curiosity. Hmm, big win for QR codes here! This is where “QR codes are ugly” actually helps. They have a maze-like aesthetic and are mysterious. We all naturally want know the answer to the puzzle. QR codes are ripe with mystique and a puzzle that's fast to solve.

#4 Alarm- Visual urgency.  This can definitely be a huge trigger for QR codes. Also, QR code frames play an important role.  The more value that is built in beyond the QR code, the more people will be likely to scan. I think this will be huge for QR rewards in the future. 

#5 Vice- QR code scanning is a quality pleasure? Not yet, but could be considering the offer ;) 

#6 Passion- Cash in on your passionate followers. These are people who will scan your QR code because it's YOU. Please don't let them down. 

#7 Trust- This is what QR codes lack. The reason for this is complicated. As a marketing community this is what we need to build on. Actually there IS a great way to recognize and trust a qr codes experience. Scan one with the red square in the corner



Saturday, August 20, 2011

Trakkin Launches Collaboration With VIBE Magazine on Tappinn

Trakkin is the newest way to stay fresh and up to date with the hottest trends in magazines. They also happen to be a Tappinn Concierge. The August/September 2011 issue of VIBE Magazine introduces the first ever interactactive trend issue of VIBE. The 5 page spread features 7 QR codes and exclusive mobile landing pages connecting readers to valuable trend information and trusted e-tailors to buy. Look for much more from Trakkin and Tappinn.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Red Square Stands Out In QR Codes

This picture was from an editorial post on CNN.com titled "Marketers Embrace QR Codes, for better or worse". The Tappinn trademark red square really stands on its own! The post was made it late March but the picture was down. I finally found it!



Monday, August 15, 2011

New Text Editor on Tappinn

Tappinn is excited to announce the new text editor. To add new text to your mobile page, click the "add new text" button under the text panel within your mobile page builder. You will see the text editor displayed below.
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Insert the text you wish to add to your page. The editor is very similar to Microsoft Word so making different formatting changes like font size, font color and text alignment is simple.Once your text is formatted the way you would like, click the save icon in the left hand corner.
To edit text that has already been formatted and saved, either double click the preview or click "edit text." The text editor will display again. Make the necessary changes and click the save icon again.
See how easy it is to add, edit, and format text by viewing the video below.


TextBox_Final.mp4 Watch on Posterous

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Macy's Amps Up Backstage Pass QR Codes

Macy's has released new mobile content with qr codes. It looks like they are taking "Backstage Pass" to the next level. Macy's is augmenting the retail shopping experience with exclusive and useful mobile web content and QR Codes. Check out the video below and info about Macy's original QR code campaign.







































Sunday, July 31, 2011

Taco Bell Packaging with MTV QR Codes


Taco Bell has hooked up the MTV Video Music Awards and QR codes to deliver exclusive backstage mobile content on the side of their taco box packaging. Once the QR code in scanned users are taken to a mobile lading page with exclusive access to songs, wallpapers, performances and interviews from different artists. The awards air on August 28h giving Taco Bell plenty of time to promote their campaign and hopefully lignite ideas in the QR marketing community.


Teaming product packaging with context-aware mobile websites and QR codes is totally under exploited in advertising right now, especially collaborating with mobile music content. We are seeing some pretty far fetched applictations for QR codes, but packing isn't one of them, actually it's prime! It's great seeing a brand like Taco Bell collaborate with music through mobile and QR codes. I have visions of fashion brands following suit by connecting clothing packaging and tags with exclusive music downloads. I'll save that riff for another day. I'm still trying to digest the Taco Bell that I had to eat to get these images.

Scan or Touch QR codes with NFC by Tappinn


Can QR codes double as NFC tags? Tappinn thinks so.

Over the past 5 years QR codes have steadily grown into the worldwide symbol for quick response (mobile) web content. Let's not waste it.

As NFC devices crawl into the market, the gap between smartphones that can scan QR codes to smartphones that can read NFC tags will be a challenge. QR codes seem to be an excellent marker for NFC early on because they are catchy and pre-recognized as permission communication.

Running an NFC campaign in the next 18 months without a QR code will exclude many early adopters of QR who are savvy to scanning. It is true that NFC is capable of initiating phone actions that QR can not, but that still doesn't mean that these two vehicles can't work together.  Why exclude these mobile web consumers?




Well, the questions have been posed and we are beginning to work on several prototypes ingratiating QR codes with NFC tags. Below is a sneak video of the world's first "scan or tapp" Smart Poster with QR and NFC.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Crystal Lux Counter Sign with QR Code

Wow! This is an eyecatching new counter display from The Duratran Company that gives QR codes and powerful presence in-store. Here are some concepts pics! Pricing and specs






Saturday, July 9, 2011

New QR Code Frame Ideas From Tappinn

There are plenty of opportunities to drive fascination and attention to your QR codes without actually touching the code graphically. We've all heard of "designer QR codes" that require code manipulation and testing. Tappinn calls theses "frames" and they are intended to be a visual call to action that can also include "download QR reader" text instructions and content information. Positioned in a way to cushion the QR code, the text and colour imagery frame the code in a compact and scalable way. QR code frames are an interesting new trend in mobile tagging that anyone can execute! 



Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Top 10 Truths of Mobile Tagging with QR Codes


#1 The mobile web is distinctly different than the desktop web.

Great content that is built for mobile tagging and delivered through QR codes is designed with the mobile user experience in mind. Properly formatting content to fit all smartphone screens and browsers seems obvious, but this basic concept has been often overlooked. Slapping a QR code on an ad that links scanners to a pre exiting, non-mobile web page is unacceptable and does not make your brand look “tech savvy” at all. When scanning QR codes, most users are time constrained and thus have a short attention span. Mobile tagging is all about jumping into the palm of consumer's hands, give them content that fits.

Special note: Encourage quick transactions such as coupon signups, geo mapping, and Facebook “likes” within your mobile tagging landing pages. Special consideration should be paid to the context. This is what separates mobile tagging content and QR codes from regular desktop web browsing. Large buttons and simple "touch" navigation are crucial to user experience. Keep pages informal and 2-way by embedding Twitter profiles, commenting, and contest form signups. Also, position the call, email and V-card buttons close by. A typical smartphone screen is 2” x 3”. Make the most of that real estate.

#2 Context is God.

As mentioned above, time plays an important role in a great mobile user experience. But even with mobile optimized content that is quick and takes little time to navigate, a user’s view of efficient time spent cannot be measured without putting the mobile content in context with the experience. It is important to make sure content “fits” the scan event. For example, a scan going directly to a facebook fan page does not fit unless the print message lets the user know that is where they are going. Mobile users expect content that is in context to what the anticipated experience is. If a user thinks they are scanning a code for special discounts or coupons, the content better deliver. Out of context content discourages future scanning and engagement while proper context and a great user experience is the seed for a brand / consumer relationship that fosters a viral message through sharing.

Deliver value anywhere possible. This is all about content and context. What is value and where can it be delivered? This is the million dollar question and the answer is evolving. The mobile environment is a swirling terrain with unlimited possibilities. Value doesn’t need to always come from monetary reward like coupons but rather can be the exclusivity of the information related to the environment. The Yankee Group has coined this as the ‘anywhere’ era of web content because today’s content can be consumed anywhere from a web-enabled mobile device. Create and deliver content and offerings that makes sense to your market and help shoppers make honest buying decisions related to their location. Give customers the feeling of instant education-gratification. If it's a magazine, consider the readers of THAT magazine and offer exclusives to target content around that group of readers. Change mobile tagging content often! A QR code that leads directly to video in a loud atmosphere might not be as powerful as a landing page where users can select a particular form of content they want is much more effective. CNN recently debuted QR codes on T. V. during the Republican Presidential Debate that led users to exclusive content related to the debate including an interactive poll.

#3 Mobile sharing fulfils basic human needs.

Sharing content (photos, links, status updates, opinions, location ect) over the desktop PC web has become ridiculously popular over the last 7-10 years. Sharing content over the mobile web is still pretty new, but shows explosive potential as phones get faster at browsing and scanning QR codes. Research shows that once users use a mobile device for social, it becomes the preferred social site interaction device of choice.

Use sharing as a motivator to scan. We’ve already seen the popularity of text messaging (texting) and Twitter (tweets) status updates which are both mobile born forms of communication and sharing. Your mobile tagging web pages need to be easy to share “on the go”, shopping galleries, product pages, instructions ect. and also easy to share on (e.g. comments, ratings). Encourage mobile tagging users to share your content on Facebook, Twitter or email by giving them the opportunity, today this transaction can take place anywhere! Also, make sure that the mobile content is accessible on a desktop browser; content is often shared from a mobile device but accessed through a desktop web portal. Mobile to desktop sharing is still prominent and needs to be considered.

#4 New Smartphone users are born every day. Literally 100 THOUSAND of them!

It’s easy to be discouraged by low scan numbers in the early stages of your mobile tagging efforts. Don’t be. Mobile marketing is about telling your story thru a series of conversations. Remember that results are cumulative. They start with the first scan, and build to lasting relationships with your users. Every new scanner is a relationship that you wouldn’t have had without mobile tagging and it’s important to remind yourself of that. The growing list of consumer proselytized smartphones like the Iphone 4, Evo 3D, Droid and Nexus S are an obvious indication that the demand for the mobile web is only skyrocketing. Focus on building a dynamic mobile tagging experience and users will come. Every engagement you get by a mobile user scanning one of your QR codes is a connection far beyond any traditional marketing thought to date. This is the first step in a new relationship. Some of your consumers are converting from function phones to smartphones right now!


#5 What’s behind the QR code is most important. 

Focus on user experience over QR code aesthetics. Flashy, custom QR codes can boost your QR code campaign's recognition by building BUZZ and identity, no doubt. However, it’s early in the game and consumer recognition is still relatively low, so don’t spend too much time trying to make your code look cool. Customized designer QR codes can’t be duplicated near as efficiently for robust tracking in different applications. It gets tricky if you run a nationwide magazine campaign with 6 splits and you understand that it is smart to have a separate QR code for each split in each magazine.

#6 QR Codes are here to stay.

No doubt about it. They fascinate people. There has been an ongoing debate between marketers on Twitter and Gizmodo about whether QR codes will hit “mainstream” in the U.S. The answer is a resounding YES. There isn’t a better visual prompt than a QR code to engage mobile users to take action on their phone in the physical world. Technologies that take a healthy long time to develop into mainstream culture (as QR has in the U.S), usually don’t go away quickly. Especially when they’re connected to such an enormous segment like mobile. Scanning QR codes will be popular for years to come. There are several catalysts driving mobile web consumption that will co-exist effectively in the future. Augmented reality and NFC will only fuel QR codes and mobile tagging. Over the next 5 years, QR codes will develop into the most universally recognized prompt for mobile web use in the world. You can bank on it. Ignore this fact at your own peril.


#7 QR codes are the only universal 2-D barcode.

QR codes are the only open and globally used 2-D barcode, therefore friendly to entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. There are several codes that fall into the "2-D Barcode" family with QR codes, but are NOT actually "QR codes". The QR code is widely known for its three squares in the corners of the code. Microsoft Tag, Scanlife's EZ code and SnapTag are often called QR codes when they are not. Proprietary codes really aren’t cool. The big problem with these proprietary codes is that they can only be read by their propriety app which has fragmented the entire 2-D barcode sector. So "QR code" readers can't scan Microsoft Tags, ect. Last we checked there were over 80 different applications (not including the dozens of retailer apps with QR code readers) that read QR codes, and none of them could read a Microsoft Tag. Do you get it? Yes QR codes are strange looking, but they scream “scan me” and that makes them valuable and internationally recognized.

#8 Instructions are important.

Keep in mind that a majority of users are still "first timers". Make it easy for them to download a QR code reader specifically for their smartphone operating system. This is crucial.

A couple of effective methods are being used to help educate users about how to download an app that can scan QR codes. A lot of marketers use short codes that can be easily texted and responds with a link back to the user that will lead them to where they can download a QR code reader. Another method is to provide a short URL (like Tappinn.mobi) that users can type into their mobile browser and retrieve a reader. The landing page should be set up to visually guide people to the correct app with icons for each OS (Apple, BB, Android, Windows, and Nokia). We see a day where Facebook incorporates a QR code reader into their app, problem solved.

#9 Using a QR code management software platform yields superior results.

A typical QR code mobile tagging campaign can utilize 100’s of unique QR codes to optimize analytic results. Generating QR codes and viewing analytic data from a QR code management software platform is so easy. This is the best way to run efficient and influential QR code advertising campaigns. The advantage to this is having a complete platform making it simple to build, organize, deploy and track 100's of custom mobile landing pages and QR codes all under one platform. Advertising campaigns that are robust in nature can target mobile content to publications, retailers, T.V. and the web. There are several platforms on the web dedicated to QR code advertising management, but there is only one that seamlessly combines page building, QR code management and tracking in one solution. See it here:

#10 Mobile tagging is fun! 

It is the dawn of a new day. Connecting mobile web content and offerings to existing physical print media is an incredible concept. QR codes are bridging stagnant and impotent Medias into virile and viral mobile engagement. The new forms of communication harnessed by the smartphone device equate to new opportunities to connect with your customers. Most marketers get goose bumps just thinking about the possibilities! Get creative and think big.