February 21, 2011
Using QR Codes With Direct Mail
A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional or “matrix” barcode containing data that can be read by a smart phone using the phone’s camera and a QR code reader application. Once scanned the QR code can direct the user to a URL, dial a phone number, set up a calendar event, direct you to an email address, send a SMS (text message), or provide geo-location (mapping) information. You could consider QR codes as physical hyperlinks produced on any offline printed material to direct readers online.
It seems that direct mailers have shied away from the latest barcode technology in our industry. The majority of QR code users are currently advertisers.
Here’s an example of a QR code on a direct mail piece sent to my co-workers home address. Leave it to Geico to lead the charge with using new marketing technology in the insurance industry! Once I scanned the QR code on the front of the envelope, I was directed to a quote page to respond online. The QR code was also used on the inside letter copy to drive responses. Geico does an outstanding job of integrating online media with their offline channels. Take a look at the back of the envelope, where they listed links to their social media networks. I’ll be interested to see if there’s statistics on usage in the near future for this campaign.
Feb 22, 2011 @ 10:19:34
Using QR Codes With Direct Mail
Just by taking a photo with your smart phone will enable these features?
Can I have a sample mailed to me?
Feb 23, 2011 @ 11:38:20
The smart phone needs to have certain software installed to work. The software is free and usually comes with the phone I use “Goggles” which is a Google based application for the android operating system that came with my phone. As far as getting a sample is concerned just Google QR code, or 2D Bar-code and you will get plenty of examples. You can also look here http://www.tri-win.com/blog/?p=140 to get more information
This post was not brought to you by Google despite the repeated branding…
Feb 23, 2011 @ 16:06:43
Thank you for response Phyllis. QR codes work with any mobile device that has a web browser and a camera. So smart phones work really well for this application as most consumers have a smart phone on them at all times. You’ll easily be able to drive consumer communication from an offline media source such as direct mail to an online channel such as generic web page, a personalized url or a social media site. I can send you an email to get you your samples so that you can see the technology first hand.
Feb 23, 2011 @ 17:16:04
Nice post! Next time you create a QR Code, try http://www.SocialQRCode.com. Design a mobile landing page for your QR Code with social features!