What is a QR Code?

Quick Response (QR) codes seem to be everywhere. They can be a great tool in mobile marketing if you use them correctly.

In the latest video in Sonnhalter’s Marketing Minute series, Matt shares some ways to use QR codes effectively to reach a mobile audience.

To view other videos from Sonnhalter, visit our YouTube channel here.

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2012 Trends of Smartphones and Tablets

Mobile media is here in a BIG way. Are you incorporating it into your marketing plans for 2012?

According to eMarketer, tablet users in the USA will reach almost 90 million by 2015. By 2015, there will be almost 150 million smartphone users.

So what can you do to dip your toe into the mobile market? I’d suggest you add a mobile component to an existing program and track the results.

Add a video via a QR code in an ad or on packaging that takes them to a helpful video. Do a mobile friendly landing page where they can easily find their closest dealer or store to buy.

Try something. Monitor the results and then try something else. This is the only way to get in since the choices are so overwhelming.

Here are a few other good reasons to incorporate mobile:

Integrating mobile marketing into your overall plans helps support every phase of the purchase cycle, based on data from eMarketer via Millward Brown-Dynamic Logic.

From a marketing perspective, it’s important to understand how and where consumers use their mobile phones. As smartphone penetration continues to increase, mobile phones are no longer just for talking. In fact, according to comScore, only one out of four owners use a phone solely for voice communications.

Mobile is here to stay so you should jump in sooner than later.

If you like this post, you might like:

Podcast: Why Manufacturers Should Be Using QR Codes

What Are You Doing to Insure a Successful QR Code Campaign?

Are You Considering Mobile Media as a Strategy to Reach Professional Tradesmen?

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Is Mobile Marketing the Best Way to Reach the Professional Tradesmen?

Yes, I know the stats are overwhelming that of all smartphones today, over 50% connect to the Internet that way, and by 2014, 90% will be using mobile as a main way of staying connected.

A recent survey by Equipment World Magazine on those contractors that had smartphones:

  • 85% view emails
  • 81% use it to text
  • 71% connect to the internet
  • 52% use apps
  • 24% visit social sites
  • 20% watch videos
  • 4% don’t use it for any of the above

Those are some impressive numbers and should tell us all that we’re missing the boat if we’re not including mobile marketing into our overall program.

But before you jump in right now, why don’t you ask the guy in charge of your web analytics to see how many people are coming to your site currently via a mobile browser.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t consider a strategy, but a QR Code isn’t a mobile marketing program.

I get a kick out of QR codes that go to the regular website that’s virtually unreadable. DON’T SEND PEOPLE TO A NON-MOBILE SITE.

If QR codes are going to be part of your strategy, then WOW them where you take them. That’s been one of the biggest complaints (disappointments) from most users that scan the code. If you put them on product packaging, make sure, for example, a how-to-use video is short and clear. Make them glad they went to the extra effort. Also tell them what to expect to get if you scan the code, i.e. a coupon, how-to video, chart to find the right size tool.

Beyond using a QR code, apps that help the tradesmen do their jobs are really a good way to connect with them. Calculated Industries has mobile apps for phones that allow a contractor to download specific calculators onto their phone. RIDGID has a digital level download for your phone. Something useful that a contractor can use.

Are you starting to think about a mobile strategy, or maybe you already have one in place? I’d love to hear about your success stories.

If you like this post, you may want to read:

What are You Doing to Reach the Young Professional Tradesmen?

Tablets and Smartphones are Changing the Way Manufacturers Will be Reaching the Tradesmen.

What are You Doing to Insure a Successful QR Code Campaign?

Are you Considering Mobile Media as a Strategy to Reach the Professional Tradesman?

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Podcast: Why Manufacturers Should Be Using QR Codes

I recently spoke with Scott Chapin from Circle 44 Mobile, a division of DigiKnow who is a strategic partner of ours, on how and why manufacturers should be using QR codes in their everyday marketing efforts.

Scott covers not only why they should use them, but gives some practical advice and best practices for those thinking of using them. If your end users are mobile, and most professional tradesmen are, then you need to listen to this informative interview.

Click here to listen.

If you like this post you may like:

What are you Doing to Insure a Successful QR Code Campaign?

Manufacturers: Are you Taking Advantage of QR Codes?

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