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.

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!

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.

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.

See the full gallery on Posterous

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!

 

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.

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. 

Window Signage Ideas For QR Codes

See the full gallery on Posterous