I’ve been hearing a lot about QR Codes (the QR stands for Quick Response) and how to use them in event marketing. This is a definite trend for 2011 and there’s a slew of ways they can be used. Everywhere I go I feel like I see them now—on signs, in direct mail pieces, emails, print ads, consumer products, museum displays, etc. QR codes can be scanned by downloading a QR reader application to a smartphone. Once scanned, they automatically pull up text, photos, videos or URLs. I think there are a lot of ways that they can be applied for trade show marketing and promotions, depending on the audience. Most will need to be educated on what a QR code is, what application is needed for scanning them, and why you have them. That’s all relatively simple to explain.
QR codes can be added to an event marketing plan. I recommend using them to lead people to a landing page with a white paper, a promotion (e.g., discount), exclusive content, special video, biz card, chance to win an iPad, etc., so there’s a payoff for the person going through the trouble of scanning the QR code. Also, by making it an interactive experience, there are ways to measure the response. If you’re interested in learning about who’s scanning QR codes, what kinds of devices they’re using and what brands are running QR code campaigns, Mashable recently published a very cool infographic about QR codes. I’d love to hear about your experience with QR codes – good and bad. Scan the QR code to email your comments.