R U Ready for QR Codes?
I had thought about making mention of QR Codes in my 2008 outlook post, but six seemed like random number of predictions.
Anyways, I just read a little article on MarketingVox talking about Google incorporating QR Codes into print ads, allowing for further measurability and quicker access to additional information for the consumer.
QR Codes are bar codes that store information (usually a website URL) and are accessible via a camera phone. They’ve been around since the mid-90s and have had some success in Asia and Western über-geek circles. 
The codes can be “read” from print or online. With over 50% of US cellphones having a camera phone, I would imagine we will see a rich media campaign utilizing QR Codes by the end of the year.
The QR Code to the right links to UnleashTheWonder.com.
I first heard about QR Codes during a session led by Aral Balkan at last year’s FITC Toronto. He talked about using QR Codes for SWX RPC much of it went over my head as I thought about the marketing possibilities of using a QR Code. Contests where the users collect information in the online and offline world leading them to a prize, a simple coupon made just for your cell phone that can be viewed simply by taking a quick picture of a rich media banner (or print) ad, or way to drive traffic and awareness of a mobile site by encouraging the user to snap and click.I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea, but am excited to see what you (smart marketers) come up with and look forward to working with you.
Other cool things that I am excited about and expect to see this year:
- new Papervision 3D ads (expect to 360° video, check this out and imagine the user/brand experience if done right)
- live video (where it is actually relevant and apparent to the user)
- and lots more, but I will get some folks upset if I mention it before it goes live!
UPDATE: I received an email from Roger, who manages a webzine all about QR Codes and two-dimensional bar codes: http://2d-code.co.uks. Very cool indeed!