Starbucks & Lady Gaga Team With QR Codes

 

Starbucks is helping Lady Gaga promote her new album by inviting customers to go on a 2-week digital scavenger hunt. "SRCH by Starbucks featuring Lady Gaga", as the initiative is called, will start with an in-store QR code scan on May 18th beginning at 10am PST. Gaga fans can scan QR codes on Starbucks banners and other materials to receive clues about the puzzle. They will then be instructed to decode messages from the SRCH blog and follow the hunt. Starbucks isn't new to using QR codes as they dabbled using them for mobile payments last year. Also, Starbucks has recently updated their myStarbucks app to scan QR codes for iPhone!! This looks like a pretty cool. Below is a short video and the QR Code. 

Tissot and Tony Parker Team Up With QR Codes in WSJ

Tissot Swiss Watches and Tony Parker have teamed up with the force of QR codes and Tappinn in today's Wall Street Journal. Tissot is reminding everyone to set their watches forward an hour for daylight saving time on March 13th. I'm all for that!

9 Golden “Rules of Engagement” For Advertisers Using QR Codes

1) This is MOBILE, dude. Content must be mobile and properly formatted for ALL smartphone OS screens (Android, Apple, Blackberry, ect). Speed is everything, design content that can be efficiently outputted on a mobile device. This is a completely different animal than regular web design. Large buttons and easy "touch" navigation are crucial to user experience. Easy "contact" function can win with convenience. Keep the call, email and V-card buttons close by! Also, popular locations services such as Foursquare are becoming popular to incorporate as well.The #1 mistake made by early QR code marketers is using regular desktop pages as links in the codes.

2) People LOVE to share. Sharing content over the PC web has become ridiculously popular over the last 5-7 years. Sharing content over the MOBILE web is still pretty new but has explosive potential. You are already seeing it with adoption of text messaging (texting) and Twitter (tweets) which are both “mobile born” forms of communication. Everything MUST be easy to share on the go (galleries and product pages). Make it easy for users to post content on Facebook and Twitter in seconds. Make sure that the content is accessible on the desktop web also. Mobile to desktop sharing is still prominent. 

3) A new smartphone user is born every day, seriously, THOUSANDS of them. Don’t be discouraged by low numbers/scans. The success of phones like Iphone4, Evo, DroidX and Galaxy are obvious indication that the DEMAND is rising. Focus on the experience and users will come. Every engagement by a mobile user of scanning a QR code is a connection far beyond any traditional marketing thought. This is the first step in a new relationship.

4) Don’t get cute, focus BEYOND the CODE. I’m a huge fan of “designer QR codes” and I think they can serve a wonderful purpose for early QR code campaigns to build BUZZ. However, it’s early in the game and recognition is still relatively low, don’t get lost in the ad! Also, customized “designer QR codes” can’t be duplicated near as efficiently. It gets tricky if you want to run a nation wide magazine campaign with 6 splits a you would want a SEPARATE code for each split in every magazine for each month. Those who want to be specific and run different codes for different media applications will have a hard time achieving results they need with a “designer” QR code.

5) QR Codes are here to stay. There has been an ongoing debate between nerds on Twitter about whether QR codes will hit “mainstream” in the U.S. The answer is YES. Argument over. Deal with it, haters.

6) Deliver custom value wherever possible. In my opinion this is all about CONTENT. The mobile environment is a swirling terrain with unlimited possibilities. Create and deliver content that makes sense to your market and helps shoppers make honest buying decisions. If it's a magazine, consider the readers of THAT magazine and offer exclusives and target content around that group of readers. A QR code that leads directly to video in a loud atmosphere isn't powerful. A landing page where users can select the FORM of content they want is much more effective. QR codes that lead users straight to video are mostly ineffective.

7) Proprietary codes suck. The "QR code" is famous for its "three squares" in the top corners of the code. It's also famous for being OPEN. There are several codes that fall into the "2-D Barcode" family with QR codes but are NOT actual "QR codes". Microsoft Tag, Scanlife's EZ code and JagTag are often mistaken as QR codes when they are not. The problem with these proprietary codes is that they can ONLY be read be THEIR app which has fragmented the sector. So "QR code" readers can't even scan Microsoft Tags, ect. Last we checked there were over 60 different applications that read QR codes, none of them could read a Microsoft Tag, WTF. Get it?

8) Instructions are important. Keep in mind that a majority of users are still "first timers"so making it easy for them to download a QR code reader specific for to their smartphone OS is crucial. Shortcodes can be texted and a link will come back to the user that will download a reader. I prefer to list a short URL that users can type into their mobile browser to retrieve a reader like Tappinn.mobi. The landing page is then set up to visually guide people to the correct app with icons for each OS (Apple, BB, Android, Windows, Nokia). Once Facebook updates their app with a QR code reader most of these issues will be resolved.

9) Have fun! It is the dawn of a new day. New forms of communication centered around the smartphone device mean new opportunity to connect with your customers. Get creative and think LARGE.

(10??)BONUS! Oh yeah the biggest secret to all of this that WE built a platform to make all of the above EASY. Tappinn.com.... BEYOND the CODE. Visit us and starting building today! Let's build a community

-Nick Ford

CMO Tappinn.com

My Interview With 2DBarcodeStratagy.com

 Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Roger Marquis at 2Dbarcodestratgy.com. Here is the interview.


RM: Nick, your background is in traditional commercial printing. How did you make the leap to 2D barcodes?
NF: Several years ago, when I was at The Duratran Company, we were trying to visualize how we could make our clients' traditional print ads and signage that much more engaging and effective from an ROI perspective and, while trying to come up with a solution, we recognized how more and more consumers were using their mobile phones to aid in the purchase process. As we set out to find a way to tie the print ads and signs with mobile phones, we discovered 2D barcodes, specifically QR codes. In 2007, I partnered with Casey Ford and Kevin Galbavi to form TAPPINN, and here we are. Casey serves as CEO and Kevin as CTO.

RM: The word TAPPINN is supposed to stand for something, can you explain?
NF: Yes, the "TAPP" portion of our name stands for "Transmission Activated by Permission Protocol," and the whole idea behind what we are about is permission based communications between the brand and the user or consumer. We see a world where mobile advertising will be led by the consumer, meaning it will be up to them to decide which ad they wish to view and read about.

RM: You also use the phrase "beyond the code" to describe your business, please elaborate?
NF: The web platform that we have built and offer to both ad agencies and companies is full-service in that it does much more than just generate QR codes. The platform goes "beyond the code" by providing clients with the ability to inventory and manage all of the QR codes they generate, develop mobile web sites, or what we call smart sites, and track and report on campaign activity.


RM: Speaking of the QR codes that your platform generates, why do your QR codes have a red square in the upper left hand corner?
NK: The red square in the upper left hand corner is meant to represent quality.

RM: Quality in terms of what?
NK: Quality in terms of content. Similar to the idea behind Intel's "Intel Inside" campaign, we want consumers to be able to see our codes, recognize the red square, and know that the mobile web site that it links to is a quality site with respect to content. And, by the way of content, we mean that the site will be easy for the consumer to navigate, targeted to the consumer's need or interest and offer consumers the ability for them to share it in a sociable way.

RM: What do you mean by "share in a sociable way?"
NF: To us, mobile marketing is all about the user experience and the ability for consumers to share what they like with family, friends, etc. So, when a consumer views a TAPPINN mobile web site, they will notice on the bottom of the page four icons, which can be used to: 1) Facebook "Like It", 2) Twitter share, 3) email or 4) create their own QR code. We make it extremely easy for consumers to share and be social.

RM: What makes your creative design work different from others?
NF: When designing a 2D barcode-based print ad you can do it in one of two ways. First, you can design the entire ad and then insert the 2D barcode. Second, you can design the ad with the barcode in mind and then develop the entire ad around the code itself. We believe the second way makes more sense strategically and this is what we do with all of the ads that we are asked to design for our clients. It is also worth noting that often times the barcode becomes the ad's call-to-action, so here too we pay particular attention to where the QR code is placed and what it looks like.

RM: As I understand it,  you use open source to generate your QR codes. Could you speak more to this?
NF: Sure. In today's market, there are a few companies that generate proprietary 2D barcodes, which means that unless you have the scanner/reader software which corresponds with their proprietary code you will not be able to scan/read the code properly and link to the mobile web page that's intended to be seen. As an open source platform, we generate codes that can be scan/read by most any scanner/reader software. At a time when consumers are just learning about and getting used to 2D barcodes, we believe it makes more sense to make it as easy, and open, as possible for them to use and access the technology.

RM: If a company wishes to purchase your product what are the costs?
NF: We are a subscription site. Unlimited pages, unlimited QR codes.

RM: Who are some of your clients?
NF: We have done work with TAG Heuer, Hearts on Fire, Tissot, Spazio24, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Aetrex and others in the luxury brand space.

RM: Where do we go from here?
NF: We see the 2D barcode market ready to explode here in the U.S., and taking on a presence much like that found in Japan and Europe, which are ahead of us in many different ways. From our perspective, 2D barcodes will transform traditional print advertising and create a much richer, and more social, user experience for all.

RM: Thank you Nick.

Ze Jewelry Goes Mobile in Engagement 101 Magazine (QR Codes)

Ze Jewelry is a designer and manufacturer of wedding and engagement rings as well as diamond and colored gemstone jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pendents.

In the newest installment of Engagement 101 Magazine, Ze Bridal uses a QR code in their ad featuring 5 different engagement ring styles and wedding bands. The QR code directs users to a landing page where they can view MORE styles related to the ad and share them from their phone. The landing page is clean, simple and most importantly, MOBILE. Each style has it's own product page which can be "liked" on Facebook. The Ze Bridal mobile site is simple to navigate, shop and share. I have attached screenshots below.

Canvas Magazine Does QR Codes

Canvas Magazine (www.thecanvasmag.com) is a print industry publication that supports print sales and marketing executives. In the June issue they dedicate the magazine to explaining QR codes and how they can be used to enhance print marketing efforts. Most of the ads within the magazine feature QR codes but not too many of those codes connected to "mobile" content. The codes were just a link to the company home page. It felt good flipping through the magazine and seeing QR codes galore. This is the way it SHOULD be.

Verizon "Droid" Posters Feature QR Codes

It's been no secret that Google and Android have embraced QR codes as an easy way to share information and apps. While in Chigago, IL for a wedding, I  stumbled across these posters on the side of a building using QR codes. Funny thing is that the movie poster above do NOT feature QR codes but the Verizon "Droid" posters do (I personally think that the movie industry needs get with it) .  The codes direct you to the same landing page for Iphone users as the same ad run in People Magazine. The codes are much more friendly to Android devises with links to hot new apps for the OS. For the Iphone, the content is blah, which isn't surprising.

(Exclusive) Tag Heuer QR Code Counter Sign For JCK 2010

Tag Heuer is going BIG with QR codes. Freshness. This is a prototype sign design that I call a "TOWER," soon to dominate retail. All made possible by the Tappinn platform. Much more coming.....

Best Buy Updates App with QR Code Reader!

Best Buy has done it!! They are the FIRST retailer in the world to update their app with a QR code reader!! We have documented their support for QR codes in earlier posts but now they have taken it a BIG step further.

The newest catalog features a QR code on the cover (I was disappointed there weren't more)! What's different about this is the "Download Reader"   instructions direct users the the newest version of Best Buy's app, fresh with a QR code reader. This make me so happy!! {Video Coming}

Facebook next, PLEASE!!!

The Kings of QR Codes

Patrick Donnelly (QRarts.com) and Nick Ford (Tappinn.com).

On a gorgeous Spring day in Manhattan I had the privilege of trading ideas with the KING of the "Designer QR Code", Patrick Donnelly. It was hard for me to contain my excitement about the future while I was sitting with him. When you get together with someone who shares your dreams and insights it's always difficult to stay grounded. Lol, especially ME.

"SIR Patrick" has been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of QR code design. His designs and experiments will unlock doors to what's possible in the future as well as give him the title of "pioneer" once QR codes become mainstream. My bet is that you will see Partick's work on a billboard in Times Square someday soon.

QR Codes Make Me Wanna DANCE {VIDEO}

This is a great video that my office made. It's informative and FUN. All about QR codes and the mobile web. Get down Get down Get down da da da da. I've got it in my head. LOL. ENJOY!

Elle Magazine QR Code Demo {VIDEO}

Here is a quick video that I shot demonstrating the QR code campaign being run by Hearts On Fire in the May issue (2010) of Elle Magazine. The phone in the video is Goole's Nexus One. Notice how fast and easy scanning QR codes has become. This is a clear illustration of the possibilities that are out there using QR codes in print advertising.

QR Codes in New York's Central Park

The World Park was an Arbor Day event that gave participants an interactive tour of New York's Central Park. QR codes (Parkodes) were placed along the path route, each one offering a chance to interact with a trivia question. The questions were broken up into categories and separated by color. The "Parkcodes" let users discover things about Central Park that they never knew. A map and scorecard were handed out before entry.

"Parkode" Categories

Arts & Music (red) - See the vision of the park's original designers, enjoy it;s historic tunes and learn anout the influences that shaped the park

History (blue) - Unlock history, scroll through viewsfrom the 1800's, and see how it has evolved over the past 140 years.

Pop Culture (Pink) - Discover scenes from movies, tv shows and concerts that have been filmed or performed on along the park path. 

Science and Geology (Green) - Nerd out to a variety of facts, factors and facets that are sure to tickle your scientific curiosity.

Norma Kamali Using Mobile EZ Codes To Enhance Shopping (Photos)

Norma Kamali is a New York fashion designer, famous for a variety of innovative designs over the past 30 years including the "sleeping bag" coat, a collection of style created from actual silk parachutes. 

Her store, located at 11 West 56th in New York City, has been the topic of conversation lately about something other than fashion, and was the real reason for my visit. Check out the segment on The Early Show about QR codes where they are featured #

The boutique is loaded with 2-barcodes. (EZcode by Scanlife) Shoppers can scan the EZcode with a Scanlife app and be directed to action, either to buy, or enter and win. When I scanned the codes I was directed to an Ebay mobile page for the item where I could buy it.

What struck me is how UN-noticeable the EZ code is, as opposed to real QR codes. EZ codes look more like a design than an actual source of mobile information. You decide. One thing is for certain, Norma Kamali can be credited as the FIRST retailer to implement 2-D code signage throughout a store in the United States. I like it.

Content Create, QR Code Generate

Tappinn is a web platform to create mobile content and generate QR codes. Users can dynamically create mobile pages for customized environments QUICKLY, and measure results based on a number of features built into the sites. Update pages in real time to keep them fresh and shareable.

Teaming page creation with QR code generation will ultimately offer the best analytic solution for your mobile campaigns. Everything will lead BEYOND the CODE. The data collected from followers will only come from the action taken beyond the codes. This "action" taken by users needs to be managed and tracked for optimum results. Engaging users with unique content will ultimately lead to better data from them.

QR codes and Tappinn QR-CRM

Analytic data is important to any mobile campaign using QR codes (page views, code scans, shares ect.) Equally as important, is the collection of "followers" or "user stats" accumulated by a brand using QR codes through multiple outlets. This data can be accumulated through "form data" pages and other user related contests or sweepstakes. Also popular, through "become and fan" and "follow us" buttons on landing pages.

The term "follower" is used loosely but needs to be taken seriously. These followers are usually introduced through a social network such as Twitter or Facebook and allowed to view your conversations with others in the network. Brands can build cred with early social followers which will lead to more info (name, age, likes, dislikes ect). When thinking of CRM, the term "followers" doesn't get much play. This is the new social foundation that brands need to build on. Tappinn QR-CRM is the first platform to allow social contact management and content deployment in the same portal.
  
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ITG WindowsXP Phone Looks Sick

The ITG xpPhone is set to be the world's first Windows XP phone. It's being released in China first so we'll be able to get a glimps before it hit's the U.S. I'm interested in this Windows XP OS. Here are some more pics

Mobile Barcode Readers Gaining Massive Popularity says Mplayit

Mplayit, who houses the largest cross-platform app store on the web, says that mobile barcode readers have shot to the top of app downloads. They looked at the top 3, Blackberry, Anrdoid and Apple app stats and saw QR readers emerging across all platforms. According to the analysis, each OS had similar apps that were popular including barcode readers.

Their website, myplayit.com , is an application hosted on Facebook. Pretty cool actually! This allows users to share and review apps easily amongst the Facebook community. When you think about it, Facebook is the best place to ignite app sharing. It is this type of community that will foster a viral enviroment for apps. In late December, Mplayit announced that they would now provide the entire Android catalog of over 15,000 applications on its app store on the Facebook platform.

According to Michael Powers, founder and CEO of Mplayit, the launch of the new Facebook service couldn't be more timely.

"App discovery on Android is frankly a mess," said Powers. "From our success with our iPhone Arcade on Facebook, we know how to socially engage users. We let them tap into their friends and networks to try and share apps, and we're bringing that know-how to the Android app marketplace."

One of the vehicles for app sharing across the web have been QR codes. It's easiest way to transfer links from your desktop to your phone. Instead of typing a long URL into your phone to get to the app page you can now just scan a bacrcode that will instantly take you to the download.

Powers, CEO, also said this about Anrdoid.

"Android is on the brink of prime time. It will be the single biggest audience for mobile apps in the very near future, and Mplayit will play a major role in helping those users find great apps," said Powers. "Compelling new devices like the Motorola Droid, Google's Nexus One and the truly mass-market devices that will shortly follow make Android the place to be. We believe that, with our new service, Android is at last getting the distribution ecosystem it deserves."

This is exactly what I've been predicting! No doubt that QR codes are starting to add value and convenience to our lives as the mobile web continues to evolve.

Sources: PRnewswire