Ever since I can remember, I have always pushed the creative envelope; constantly critiquing my work and looking for new avenues to explore. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy working with the internet. There is always something new to discover. In fact, there are so many options to explore that it is very easy to get overwhelmed by too much information.
During this progression I have spent most of my time educating others as to what these new technologies have to offer and how it can benefit them. Some people have a difficult time envisioning new concepts and how it can apply to them. Others catch the vision and passionately run with it.
QR Codes are not just a fad.
Consequently, any chance I get to address an audience I try to educate them about one of the latest technologies to hit the U.S., QR Codes. Just as social media has developed into a viable medium, QR Codes are at that infancy stage. Given time and appropriate planning QR Codes will become a fantastic tool for mobile marketing.
When the first wave of social media hit the scene, people were clamoring about social media being the next “End all to be all.” Every search about “social media” would bring up a list of so called experts that were more than willing to show you how to capitalize on this new medium.
As social media began to mature we have figured out how to benefit from this new medium. In fact, my background has been in the printing business. I was a firm practitioner in traditional marketing practices. Since I started developing my own social media strategy, I no longer promote traditional methods, but use this new social medium exclusively to promote my business.
I believe we are on the same path with QR Codes that social media went down and its development will be even bigger than the meteoric rise of social media. What do I base this on? Smart phones and tablets use QR Codes to access online content.
Smartphones to Outpace PCs
Studies have shown that Smartphones and other browser-equipped phones are expected to grow to 1.82 billion by 2013, compared to 1.78 billion PCs. Currently Mobile devices share of overall web browsing is 4.36%, which is a 430% increase over the last two years.
Mobile payments for digital and physical goods, money transfers and NFC contact-less transactions will reach $670 billion by 2015; nearly triple the current value of $240 billion.
With the rapid proliferation of the mobile market one would think that businesses would be climbing over their competition to take advantage of the benefits that QR Codes have to offer. But, surprisingly, less than 6% of businesses are doing any type of mobile marketing at all. The percentage drops to less than .05% for companies doing less than $10 million per year. *
Now Is the time to set aside our preconceived notions that QR Codes are just another passing fad and jump on the band wagon while it is still in its infancy. Look around, QR Codes are everywhere. Even Home Depot is using them. Pick up a plant and try to find directions or more information. What you will find is a QR Code that will take you to a website with more information on the plant.
Even museums are using QR Codes. You will find them conveniently placed next to a painting, giving you more information on the painting and artist.
The psyche of a Mobile User
Have I piqued your interest? Before you run with this new found vision, careful consideration must be given to applying this new technology. For example, the surfing habits of a mobile user differ from that of a Pc user. Whereas a PC user will surf for information, following a trail until they find what they are looking for, mobile users search the internet with a degree of urgency. They are action-oriented searchers. 9 out of 10 mobile searchers have taken action as a result of a smartphone search. They want results now and if you can’t give it to them, they will go somewhere else.
Additionally, the screen resolution must be taken into consideration. Currently, a typical PC monitor has a screen resolution of 1024 pixels wide. As the prices of monitors continue to drop, screen sizes continue to grow. I have a Mac and a PC with 27” monitors at 1920 pixels wide.
In contrast, a typical mobile phone’s screen resolution ranges from 320 x 480 pixels to 480 x 800 pixels. So, a typical website can be difficult, if not impossible to view on a mobile phone. To create a favorable viewer experience both mobile displays and PC displays care must be planned out.
To learn more, view the following:
5 Tips for Effective Marketing with QR Codes and Mobile Landing Pages
Questions, comments, do you agree or disagree?
*Marketing in the Moment: The Practical Guide to Using Web 3.0 Marketing to reach Your Customers First by Michael Tasner
