QR codes have been a new and unique source of executing mobile marketing campaigns in recent times. Many seem to not only enjoy participating by using them, but have actually begun to look for offers from those with QR codes and may even have begun to ignore those that do not have them at all.
What is a QR Code?
QR is short for quick response and that is exactly the purpose of the QR code. These codes take an element of data from transitory media and sends it to your mobile device. The code will give you details about that business, item, or even discount information on products and services.
QR Codes are more useful than a standard barcode in that they can store a more data and a wider variety of it. QR codes commonly include URL links, text, coordinates and more.
How Does This Benefit Businesses?
Most marketers are well aware that mobile marketing is becoming increasingly more important, almost by the day. No method of advertising could be easier than one that consumers reach out for, instead of being asked to look. QR codes allows those consumers who prefer not to be barraged with overt marketing tactics to choose where they will show interest in a product or service.
There is really no limit to the options that can be embedded in a QR code.
- Running a restaurant? – Embed a great recipe, a buy a meal get one free discount, a special on this evenings dessert.
- Authors – Add a QR code to the back of your book that enables a consumer to get extra features or hidden endings to your script.
- Good health practices – Doctors, or other medically related practices can add good tips and tricks for healthy living to their QR codes, update them every month for innovative creativity in the medical field.
Vital Aesthetics Arrive to QR Coding
Traditionally, QR codes have retained a Rorschach look to them, leaving the responsibility on the advertiser to make sure consumers know whose QR code they are scanning. However, with Snaptags, QR codes and increasing brand awareness have meshed nicely. Snaptags have traded out that whole inkblot look for a code ring that serves the same functional purpose.
Who is Using Snaptags?
Because of the applied branding ability on Snaptags not previously available on QR’s, we can now see who is actively using them.
Picture c/o http://www.socialsnaptags.com/
Snaptags Cons?
Although Snaptags no doubt win out in the aesthetic element, there are other issues that can make Snaptags less beneficial than they appear. Many venture because of the supporting copy, Snaptags are not as easily accessible as QR codes. Snaptag stands by the fact that all advertisers would need to do is determine the required supporting copy, but this does lend itself to the inaccessible accusation.
Many current QR code advertisers agree that if a mobile marketing campaign is managed correctly, the aesthetic element of the Snaptags versus traditional QR’s is hardly advantageous.
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Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I love QR codes, and really don’t care about the look. I do see the benefit to these snaptags, but believe there is one fundamental problem with them.
When you download the snaptag reader to your iPhone (I did it right after reading this), it requires access to an e-mail address or that you sign in with Twitter or Facebook. My QR Readers (I have 3) do not. They claim it is for the advertiser, but that is meaningless to me. I don’t want to share my e-mail address with everyone using these snaptags.
When they change that, I think it will have more of a chance to move past QR Codes.
Thanks!
Craig
I like the idea of the snaptag better. My wife actually thinks the QR codes are the mark of the beast…
Agree with Craig on this.. People think that capturing contacts through traditional methods is fine even when the loss rate of conversion is high…
I would say good idea w bad execution… Brands should not allow there logo to be tied to hurdles.. or commitment to share info.
This will all be irrelevant soon though as we know both versions need some drastic improvements.
Never heard of snap tags. Interesting, Need to read more about it.Thanks for making me aware of it.
interesting hadn’t heard of snaptags before they seem a good evolution to the qr-codes
Thanks for the introduction. This is the first time I heard snaptags – will read more about it in the coming days.
Nice post good info and explantion of QR codes and snaptags
great… didn’t know about snaptags before. quite cool. thanks!
I love QR codes and am fascinated with them, their design, their technology and their uses. I personally find Snaptags boring and passe.
Although the basic QR code is rather boring to look at, there are designers who have made them into magnificent designs. I personally have not mastered the technique but admire those who have greatly.
I will stick with QR codes. I am not impressed with Snaptags but thanks for more new info. You are a walking encyclopedia of social media information. We may have to call you Basil W. Buglisi (W for Wikipedia).
Jeffrey Hayzlett used Snaptags in his book, Running the Gauntlet. At the start of each chapter, a scan would take the reader to a YouTube video where the author would discuss the upcoming chapter. I also discussed Snaptags vs QR codes on Mad Marketing TV. Jeffrey believe the back end analytics provided by Snaptags is a big advantage.
Good topic to discuss, Basil.