QR Codes in Advertising

Elite Banner Stands (Pop Up Displays) for Swatch

2012-02-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

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Perfect pop up display banner stands for retail environments, events, and trade show display.s

Pepsi Cup QR Codes

2011-11-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

Marlboro QR Code Offer

2011-11-23T12:47:00.001-08:00

Gum Packaging QR Code

2011-11-23T12:41:00.001-08:00

Wrigley gum packaging with a QR code

POP Displays With QR Code Offer

2011-11-23T12:37:00.001-08:00

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Williams-Sonoma Window QR Code Cling

2011-11-23T12:26:00.001-08:00

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Dr. Marten QR Code Window Cling

2011-11-23T12:18:00.001-08:00

Lands on a non-mobile page. Uhg. Cool cling idea though!

QR Codes on Store Windows

2011-11-23T12:09:00.001-08:00

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Contour Cut Stickers!

2011-10-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

We now have the capability to create custom stickers!

QR codes in Mail Boxes

2011-10-05T11:34:00.001-07:00

The Viking Group has launched their new mobile website with QR codes using Tappinn. They kicked things off by sending out post cards to inform customers of their new mobile website. The post cards provide detailed step by step instructions on how to scan the QR code with screen shots of what information will be available in the palm of you hand once QR code is scan. Below are images of the front and back of the post card.

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Viking Group utilzed some key features that Tappinn has to offer. They have a customized URL as well as a "find functionality" which allows mobile users to find the nearest places to buy based on their location.

Great use of QR codes!

Tappinn QR Codes in September 2011 Magazines.

2011-08-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

Here are a few national magazine ads available at news stands this month that are using QR codes with mobile content created on the Tappinn platform.

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Window Signage Ideas For QR Codes

2011-08-21T15:50:00.001-07:00

Window clings are becoming a popular media for storefronts incorporating mobile web content into their signage using QR codes. Check out these pics I took at the mall the other day. All window clings. Also, check out the QR codes frames and instructions for some inspiration!

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Trakkin Launches Collaboration With VIBE Magazine on Tappinn

2011-08-20T12:16:00.001-07:00

Trakkin is the newest way to stay fresh and up to date with the hottest trends in magazines. They are also a Tappinn Concierge. The August/September 2011 issue of VIBE Magazine introduces the first ever interactactive trend issue of VIBE. The 5 page spread features 7 QR codes and exclusive mobile landing pages connecting readers to valuable trend information and trusted e-tailors to buy. Look for much more from Trakkin and Tappinn.

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Trakkin Launches Collaboration With VIBE Magazine on Tappinn

2011-08-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

Trakkin is the newest way to stay fresh and up to date with the hottest trends in magazines. The August/September 2011 issue of VIBE Magazine introduces the first ever interactactive trend issue of VIBE. The 5 page spread features 7 QR codes and exclusive mobile landing pages connecting readers to valuable trend information and trusted e-tailors to buy. Look for much more from Trakkin and Tappinn.

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New Text Editor in the Tappinn Platform

2011-08-15T08:01:00.001-07:00

Tappinn is excited to announce the new text editor. To add new text to your mobile page, click the "add new text" button under the text panel within your mobile page builder. You will see the text editor displayed below.

Insert the text you wish to add to your page. The editor is very similar to Microsoft Word so making different formatting changes like font size, font color and text alignment is simple.Once your text is formatted the way you would like, click the save icon in the left hand corner.

To edit text that has already been formatted and saved, either double click the preview or click "edit text." The text editor will display again. Make the necessary changes and click the save icon again.

See how easy it is to add, edit, and format text by viewing the video below.

TextBox_Final.mp4 Watch on Posterous

Mobile Tagging Site Features and Examples From Tappinn

2011-08-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

Mobile Sites Built on Tappinn

2011-08-03T14:53:00.001-07:00

Crystal Lux Counter Sign with QR Code

2011-07-20T12:52:00.001-07:00

Wow! This is an eyecatching new counter display from The Duratran Company that gives QR codes and powerful presence in-store. Here are some concepts pics!

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Mapping QR Code Scans on Tappinn is Pure Awesome

2011-06-28T17:23:00.001-07:00

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Tappinn is pumped to announce that maps have been officially added to the analytics! Each QR code scan on Tappinn is currently tracked by geo location and members can now view a cluster map of scans for each QR code and zoom to see engagement details and pages viewed. Pure awesome. Big shout out to Kevin Galbavi (CTO) and Schuyler Bos on this, Tappinn wizzards!

Dunlop Sports QR Codes on Counter Cards

2011-06-27T05:47:00.001-07:00

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Tappinn Testimonial

2011-06-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

It is our mission to give 110% when it comes to helping our members. We are proud to make this a fundamental part of our business philosophy. It's nice to receive some positive feedback and appreciation! Below is a quote from a member recognizing our efforts. Happy Friday!

"I recently became a member of the Tappinn Platform which has been extremely useful to our company. Learning how to implement the QR codes has been a challenge but with the help with the help of your customer service staff it has helped me tremendously. I am writing to inform you of the great quality of customer service I've received from Parisa and Sandra. They have been helpful in every way, great energy, positive attitude and overall wonderful to speak to. I wanted to take the time out to acknowledge their efficient response time, product knowledge, and training efforts. They are truly an asset to your organization and one of the best customer service experiences I have ever witnessed."

Tappinn Testimonial from Alma Medina at Simoniz USA

2011-06-24T08:33:00.001-07:00

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 My name is Alma Medina and I am the Director of Communications at Simoniz USA. I recently became a member of the Tappinn Platform which has been extremely useful for our company. Learning how to implement the QR codes has been a challenge but with the help of your customer service staff it has helped me tremendously. I am writing you to inform you of the great quality of customer service I've received from Parisa and Sandra. They have been helpful in every way, great energy, positive attitude and overall wonderful to speak to. I wanted to take the time out to acknowledge their efficient response time, product knowledge, and training efforts. They are truly an asset to your organization and one of the best customer service experiences I have ever witnessed. - Alma Medina

Tappinn Testimonial from Alma Medina at Simoniz USA

2011-06-24T08:29:00.001-07:00

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

My name is Alma Medina and I am the Director of Communications at Simoniz USA. I recently became a member of the tappinn platform which has been extremely useful for our company. Learning how to implement the QR codes has been a challenge but with the help of your customer service staff it has helped me tremendously . I am writing to inform you of the great quality of customer service I’ve received from Parisa and Sandra. They have been helpful in every way, great energy, positive attitude and overall wonderful to speak to. I wanted to take the time out to acknowledge their efficient response time, product knowledge, and training efforts. They are truly an asset to your organization and one of the best customer service experiences I have ever witnessed. - Alma Medina

User Submission Forms on Tappinn

2011-06-22T15:40:00.001-07:00

Tappinn offers subscribers an easy tool to collect user information from custom submission forms (e.g. name, email) within their mobile tagging campaigns. User submission forms or data capture "sign ups" (e.g. enter to win, coupon) are a fundamental element to mobile content and strategy. Tappinn has made building forms and collecting new contacts from mobile tagging campaigns a snap.

User submission forms or "sign ups" from mobile tagging are a way to capture user information while allowing a response transaction from the brand by offering a mobile coupon or an exclusive discount in return. This exchange can take 10 seconds and deliver value to both parties. Below are a couple examples of how to utilize these sign up forms within your mobile tagging efforts. Check em out!

Alles Tire is using a submission form within their mobile page that allows users to submit their name and email in exchange for a coupon from Alles Tire for a $9.95 oil and filter change. Both Alles Tire and the user who scans will get something. Below is a link to the example by Alles Tire.

http://tappinn.com/p/6327

Another way to incorporate forms is by allowing sign up for catalog requests or to “opt-in” to a newsletter. Raymond Weil (Swiss watch brand) has included a sign up within their mobile tagging website that allows users to fill out their name and address to receive a catalog in the mail and get included on their email newsletter. Raymond Weil gets to increase their mailing list while users receive a new catalog of hot watch deigns in the mail. Click the link to see Raymond Weil catalog request mobile page.

http://rw-watches-qr.com/p/7004

Getting scanners to sign up for news and events is a fantastic way to kick start your mobile tagging site. Use the examples above as inspiration. Give users something valuable enough in return and they will be willing to give up their info and opt-in to get it.

Below are enhanced screen shots from the platform as a step by step visualization of how to build user submission forms on Tappinn.

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Tappinn Introduces Tappinn University!

2011-06-22T13:31:00.001-07:00

Tappinn University is an online learning center dedicated to boost subscriber’s platform IQ. The tools provided in Tappinn University give members in-depth visuals and instructions on how to use Tappinn, as well as highlight specific campaign examples that members can study to become experts. Effective mobile tagging starts with experience and inspiration. These learning materials were developed from our own insights using the platform and are intended to give subscribers a huge advantage. Tappinn University provides all of the tools necessary for Brands and Concierges to inject successful mobile tagging media into their traditional advertising. Study hard, pupils!

Tappinn Webinars - How to use the platform.

2011-06-20T13:07:00.001-07:00

Tappinn host two webinars a week to help you learn how to get the most out of Tappinn's robust platform. The webinars are Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Below are links to our webinars for the end of June and July.

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Tue, Jun 21, 2011 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Thu, Jun 23, 2011 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Tue, Jun 28, 2011 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Thu, Jun 30, 2011 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Tue, Jul 12, 2011 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Thu, Jul 14, 2011 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Tue, Jul 19, 2011 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Thu, Jul 21, 2011 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Tue, Jul 26, 2011 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Come join us to learn how to build mobile tagging websites and QR connected campaigns the Tappinn way!

QR Code for #QRchat

2011-06-20T05:44:00.001-07:00

#QRchat is a Twitter hashtag that is being used in conversations about QR code media strategy. Every Sunday night at 8:30 est. (7:30 Texas time), discussions about new ways to engage consumers with QR codes are taking place on Twitter. The forum is hosted by Stephanie True Moss and QRmedia.us. Anyone can join in by tuning into a Twitter search of #QRchat next Sunday. Tappinn made the QR code below as a way to showcase mobile Twitter embedding and also to celebrate a terrific concept on by QRmedia.us. We were having some page display issues with an Iphone 3Gs so please scan it and let us know how the page looks!

Tappinn's Dashboard Gets a Face lift!

2011-06-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

Below are some exclusive screen shots from the #1 QR Code Advertising platform on the web, www.tappinn.com

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Birthday Card QR Code

2011-06-16T13:55:00.001-07:00

This is a birthday card sent out by Miners North Jewelers in Traverse City, MI. Great way to utilize the birthday context with customers by connecting them with a unique message. Scan the QR code for an awesome example! Built on Tappinn.

Tissot in 'The Week' Magazine June 2011 featuring a Deepika Padukone QR Code

2011-06-13T12:24:00.001-07:00

Tappinn and Raymond Weil in Men's Health June 2011

2011-06-12T09:43:00.001-07:00

Raymond Weil Joins Tappinn For Print Advertising Campaign

2011-05-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

(Press Release) New York, NY... Luxury Swiss watch maker RAYMOND WEIL, whose timepieces are internationally known for their independent design and high quality, is now embedding custom mobile tagging websites (TAPPINN Smart Sites) within the pages of their U.S. print advertising using TAPPINN QR codes. Each of the four collections, Parsifal, Noemia, Freelancer and Maestro, are tagged with a unique QR code that leads the smartphone user to exclusive mobile web media developed specifically to augment the ad collection artwork, user location and publication. The advertisements will run in publications such as Men's Health, Esquire, Wall St Journal and more.

When the QR code is scanned with a QR reader app using the camera on a web enabled smartphone, users are instantly delivered to a geo-aware mobile landing page promoting nearby retailers with HTML 5 mapping and highlights additional watch designs relevant to the particular advertisement. The RAYMOND WEIL Smart Site also features brand social links, videos, product pages, galleries, catalog requests and newsletter signup.

QR codes are not new to the print advertising world, but the content being delivered through them is evolving. The latest explosion of smartphone purchases in the U.S. ignited a flurry of brands using QR codes, but many were not delivering the experience consumers deserve, according to TAPPINN CMO Nick Ford. "The marriage between the mobile web and print advertising is unlike any in the history of marketing. Mobile websites should be designed exclusively for tagging-targeted print advertising by delivering unique value and bridging the ad’s message off the pages and into the palms of potential customers”. The red square in the upper left hand corner of TAPPINN QR codes is a TAPPINN trademark that symbolizes their dedication to delivering rich, secure, targeted mobile web content. “This is a philosophy that sets us apart from competitors and the red square allows consumers to recognize a great experience before they scan a TAPPINN QR code. We are proud to have a brand like RAYMOND WEIL to represent that” says Ford.

TAPPINN is unlike any QR code management platform on the web. Brands, agencies, printers and publications can build, deliver and track 100’s of custom QR codes and exclusive mobile landing pages for all forms of print and visual advertising. Page building and detailed analytics are integrated within QR code creation technology, giving members a unique advantage. TAPPINN saves QR codes under specific pages, sites and campaigns for easy management and tracking. This offers a complete package of page building, QR code creation, management, analytics and reporting that can't be found anywhere else on the web.

The Swiss family-owned RAYMOND WEIL, founded in Geneva in 1976, enjoys a special position in the exclusive world of luxury watch making. Independence is the essential value of RAYMOND WEIL Genève’s state of mind. RAYMOND WEIL, both nationally and internationally, has created a strong presence in the arts, with a direct tie to music and opera through sponsorship and naming of their collections. RAYMOND WEIL timepieces are varied and determinedly modern, characterized by high quality and precious materials with an emphasis on aesthetics. RAYMOND WEIL prides itself in aestheticism, watch making know-how and creativity, the core values that consolidate the basis of the brand’s philosophy.

QR Code Connected Advertising Content Defined

2011-03-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Great post below by our friends at QR Codes Anywhere

QR content is a massive new category of web media tailored for mobile tagging.

Tappinn defines QR Content as any web content specifically delivered by scanning QR (Quick Response) Codes or any other form of 2D/1D mobile tagging. QR connected content is consumed by mobile web users in a brand new fashion from a variety of unique contexts, most importantly from pre-existing traditional media, making it a relevant new category in marketing moving forward. The mobile web pages directly connected to a QR code scan experience can offer value and efficiency to the consumer that was unheard of just 5 years ago. QR content is transforming static media into engaging mobile web content.

The mobile Web is growing at an astonishing rate, and as telecommunications networks and mobile devices get faster, they offer ridiculous new opportunities for brands to engage with mobile consumers using QR codes as physical hyperlinks. By scanning a QR code with the camera of a Web-enabled smartphone, consumers willingly initiate a conversation with brands like never before and in places never previously imagined.

Like a keyword search on the desktop Internet, the act of a consumer scanning a QR code is a tacit indication of interest and an active request for some sort of brand engagement. On the desktop Internet, advertising, with its annoying banners and popups, is almost always viewed as invasive, but with mobile QR code scans brands can respond to a consumer request with exclusive and unobtrusive Web content delivered instantly.

This massive concept has ignited a wave of mainstream advertising campaigns driven around brands propelling mobile users to action with QR codes. And it’s only the beginning.

To be effective with this new approach, however, marketers must carefully think through every step of their QR code strategy, from code design and placement, delivering a worthwhile user experience and measuring response. It's not enough to just print a code and see what happens. Among the questions to consider are: where will this interaction occur and what sort of value should the brand deliver? The Web content and user experience (UX) should augment the tagged advertisement and the consumer engagement on a mobile site should be tracked across media boundaries.

Examples of trackable interactions from QR code content include: signups, v-card download, shopping, app download, social followers, music/video downloads, comments and ratings. These interactions, with the individual precision of a torpedo, are different from previous Web engagements, which was more like throwing mud against a wall. They happen in the physical world between a publisher or brand and an individual consumer with a smartphone.

Tappinn presents 12 QR connected mobile tagging torpedoes. Fast hitting QR connected value fired into the mobile galaxy. In no particular order and meant to be teamed for more power.

Shopping: product galleries and product pages related to the printed advertisement. Not as much a hard sell but more about browsing and sharing with easy links to find where to buy related products.

Signup: Contests and sweepstakes. Enticing mobile users to sign up for a chance to win. Mobile signups offer an opportunity to capture information about users. Events and store promotions can encourage signups where never before possible.

Conversation: Tips, voting and ratings. The allure of what other people are saying can be a primary driver to scan a QR code. Also, people love to share thoughts on an open forum. Voicing approval is important to people. Encourage sharing over social media like Facebook and Twitter.

Video: By far the most useful in early phases of mobile tagging. Consider the viewing environment and content first, and fire other torpedoes to augment. Exclusive and relevant wins. Direct video downloads to smart phones are in line to take over. (Keep file sizes and download times to a minimum, however.)

Contact info: vCard. Download personal contact information directly to the phone’s address book. Eliminate typing information into a phone by downloading immediately. Offer a landing page with other links. Don’t let the full intention of the code be a vCard, however. (Test to determine how well various devices populate data.)

Social: Scan to “like” and “follow” us. Pages should be easy to share. Print advertising has an untapped viral comment component when incorporating the mobile Web if the content can be easily shared. On the other hand, collecting followers by directing them to social profiles is also popular and is encouraged. Print with QR codes has an “social” identity.

App downloads. Brands that have invested in an app can use mobile tagging to send downloads. Link the code directly to the app store or a landing page with easy links to download.

Coupons. Display phone screen at checkout. Interjecting coupons via QR codes at the point of purchase has been the most popular practice so far. Exchanging e-mails for coupons should be the target. Apps that scan QR code are also starting to reward consumers with coupons for scanning. Double dip value. Need more apps to encourage QR scanning by offering their own incentive for active usage.

Audio. Sample, buy, download. Taylor Swift, Soulja Boy, P.Diddy and Lupe Fiasco have all used QR codes to let users to sample tracks from their mobile phones. Lots of room for new collaboration between music artists and fashion brands at the point of purchase. Mobile music downloads from traditional print media and products have yet to be exploited.

Commerce. “Scan to buy” music. Unique buying pages for users who scan codes exclusively with discounted pricing. Convenience is the ultimate driver of mobile commerce in the future .

How-to information. Intended to instruct. Mostly used for product guides and user manuals. Video guides can be utilized as well (such as with assembly instructions on boxes from Ikea). Also, QR codes can be used on warranty cards that house info on the mobile Web.

Find us. Google mapping. Brands use this as “find a retailer,” but small businesses can also use this and link to Google maps. This offers users instant directions to find locations where they can make a purchase. Google maps is an awesome tool to incorporate into QR-connected pages.

The mobile tagging landscape is a wild terrain with unlimited possibilities for brands to offer unique value to smartphone users with QR codes. They must first build and deliver custom mobile websites and landing pages that make sense in their market and that helps shoppers complete a product search with a purchase. If it's a magazine ad, build a landing page that considers the readers of that particular magazine and offers exclusives and rewards to only that particular group of readers. Not only mobile, content and offerings are structured around location and medium. Quick transactions can occur in the mobile jungle with the consumer in command. They asked for it, now its time to hit 'em with some mobile tagging torpedoes of QR content!

To be published in the next IPA Bulletin by IDEAlliance. The Bulletin magazine is the voice of IDEAlliance, keeping its members abreast of business challenges and opportunities, assuring workflows are state-of-the-art, speeding information across the end-to-end digital media supply chain — from content creation through delivery, both digitally and in print.

The First Unretouched Make Up Ad Has a QR Code

2011-03-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

The App Factor Will Drive QR Code Scanning Into The Future

2011-02-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

image via QRarts

(QR Codes Anywhere) While the mobile web continues to grow at a staggering rate, and web-enabled smartphone devices steadily speed up, the mobile tagging world is organically growing into a beast. From the outside, the segment looks splintered to many. Proprietary 2-D codes, 1D UPC codes, open QR codes, app readers, content offerings, direct vs. indirect, micro sites and analytics all dominate discussions amongst advertisers looking to incorporate mobile web content and offerings via mobile codes into their print. Everyone is looking for ONE standard 2-D code or ONE standard app for 2-D codes, but in a world of over a half million apps, is that even practical? People are scanning! The more apps scanning codes the better, this will only breed innovation. Here’s my take.

QR Code mobile apps can dramatically drive QR code scans and increase the code's connotative value by offering rewards and incentives to app users who scan codes, encouraging them to be more active with their scanning habits. This can increase the value of the code outside of the original ad offering. If this concept can be accepted enough it will help the entire industry. This is how multiple winners can emerge (code, apps, brand, user). You heard it here first! There is a real opportunity to add a NEW layer of value to the QR code scanning transaction that NOBODY in 2-D barcode land has exposed, YET….Leave it to the Captain of The QR Code Galaxy, yours truly.

To this day, out of all 2-D and QR code reader apps, NOT ONE is offering anything other than simple scanning function to drive user scans. By that I mean, QR code reader apps have a sole function to scan QR codes and track scan history, that’s about it. With the exception of certain sharing features, apps haven’t participated in the “scan value” much at all. Up to this point, everything has hinged on the advertiser to deliver. Some have succeeded, lots have failed.

Stickybits and Shopkick have introduced an early model that rewards users for scanning specific product 1D UPC codes. This is part of a larger location based shopping app. The promotions encourage scans by offering rewards via credits as currency (i.e. kick bucks) and notify users of new scan promotions, often offering special incentives to scan certain products.

The same model can naturally transfer over to the 2-D code world. The next “killer” app to scan QR codes in the future will be offering “killer” incentives to scan codes in the wild. Get it? Also, this will allow many co-existing scan apps and 2-D codes because of the mass niche universe we live in. Again, 500,000 apps we’re talking about. The QR code and content that’s behind the code will still carry the same weight but there will be an X factor driving the scan coming from a variety of different apps. Imagine receiving an email from a QR code reader app telling you the month’s different magazines to pick up and scan ads within to redeem app rewards, not to mention what the advertiser is actually offering. It’s this kind of collaboration that will fly. The success of levels and badges like Foursquare and Stickybits have incorporated should be an indicator to QR code readers that people like to be acknowledged for usage. Incorporating these types of incentives into QR code scanning can only help everyone by adding another dimension of value to the QR code scanning experience with your mobile smartphone.

The market may seem fractured to many but recently it has become crystal clear to me. I believe it’s meant to be fractured, for innovation purposes, it needs to be. I believe there WILL be multiple types of adopted mainstream 2-D barcodes and hundreds of apps that scan them, as well as other emerging technologies, to transmit physical to digital value via the mobile web and encourage advertising engagements. So why wouldn't we see an NFC (RFID) advertisement poster with image recognition, augmented reality, QR codes AND Microsoft TAG.. all on the SAME poster?? This space is going to be THAT huge! Due to its openness, the QR code itself will be universally recognized, but consumers WILL be able to decipher them from other proprietary 2-D codes, associating 3rd party value by the app they use to scan. The evolution of the QR code reader app will not only drive scanning dramatically by offering incentives and rewards, it will also drive overall mobile web usage as an everyday part of our lives. There are over 70 apps that scan QR codes but pretty much all of them lack identity, they lack a cool factor that delivers value on its own. After this, I’m sure a few can rise to the challenge.

TIME Magazine QR Code Billboard Advertisement

2011-01-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

Pictures of TIME Magazine billboard advertising with QR Codes. Pictures taken in Times Square, NYC.

Advertisements For The Grammys Using QR Codes

2011-01-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Grammys are using QR Codes to promote the 53rd annual music awards event on CBS. I have to say that I am really impressed with this QR code advertising campaign! Last week I posted, Music Needs QR Codes, but didn't have a great example. THIS is a great example!! Scanners can sample tagged music by participants and read user comments. Check out the video and pics below and the campaign site, Music is Life is Music. Enjoy! (QR Codes Anywhere)

Music Advertising Collaboration With QR Codes

2011-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

Music is ripe for an advertising renaissance. QR codes and mobile tagging are poised to take this industry by storm introducing a plethora of new ways to promote music to smartphone mobile devices. Mobile digital downloads, sharing, and music samples can incentivize and augment advertising in newspapers, magazines, fliers, cards and posters like NEVER before. The opportunities to incorporate music downloads and artist info into traditional "brand advertising" are endless in this new mobile universe of "anywhere" web content. QR codes are the PERFECT vehicle because they "prompt" people with their engaging appearance and perceived value. The invention of the internet devastated the music industry over a decade ago, NOW the emergence of the MOBILE internet might be the BEST thing that ever happened to music culture.

We are starting to see some mainstream music artists use QR codes in advertising and packaging but this is only the beginning. The future will involve much more "collaboration" between music and traditional adverting and a model will emerge that brings value to everyone (music artists, brands AND mobile consumers). QR codes will be a fundamental new catalyst transmitting music from physical world to a mobile digital one.

Here some examples of Taylor Swift and Soulja Boy using QR codes and an awesome VIDEO example below from Japan.

This QR code marketing campaign from Leo Burnett Hong Kong was designed to promote alternative music label Zoo Records in Hong Kong. By carefully placing visuals of an array of animals, comprised of download codes, people could take cell phone pictures of the animals and stream new music to their mobile devices instantly. This campaign resulted in sold out records, immeasurable street cred for Zoo Records, and the widespread dispersal of an underground sound.

QR Codes In Advertising, Today and Tomorrow

2011-01-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

QR Codes in Advertising (Mobile Tagging)

QR codes have stormed traditional advertising and it will never look the same, literally. Innovation surged this year in mobile marketing with huge breakthroughs coming in the QR code advertising sector. To put it mildly, QR codes are blowin' up! The opportunities to augment and track ‘old’ traditional print media with QR codes and deliver targeted mobile web content to smartphone users are ‘game changing’ for today’s professional advertiser. Successful QR code advertising campaigns go beyond the QR code and offer a unique mobile web experience tailored to the advertisement and media outlet. The early days of generating a QR code for a generic website and slapping it on your advertisement are over. Advertisers must now focus on strategy, design and context to get optimum results and deliver the value that will keep consumers scanning. Whether it’s for mobile shopping, commerce, mapping, apps, mobile vCards, signups, music downloads, social, coupons or rewards, consumers are finding new reasons everyday to scan QR codes on advertisements with their mobile smartphones. Team this with the analytic software available that most QR code management platforms offer and you have a powerful new dynamic evolving in the advertising world.

Today’s 5 fundamentals of using QR codes in Advertising

(1) This is MOBILE, dude. The #1 mistake made by QR code advertisers is using generic desktop web pages as their ‘QR-connected’ landing page.Web content that’s tagged for a QR code must be mobile and properly formatted for ALL smartphone web browsers (Android, Apple, Blackberry, Windows, ect). Speed is everything so make sure to design content that can be displayed on a mobile device quickly after the scan. Remember, this is a completely different animal than desktop web design and fresh perspectives must be considered. Large buttons and easy "touch" navigation are critical to prompting action on the phone. Easy "contact" function can win with convenience alone. Keep the call, email, map and V-card buttons close by! QR codes are by for the best way to prompt users to action in the physical world. Anybody who says that QR Codes are ugly is right, it's this 'ugliness' that makes them eye catching, recognizable and engaging to mobile consumers!

(2) Mainstream QR code adoption in advertising is a numbers game, smartphone numbers. There has been an ongoing debate between tech nerds on Twitter about whether QR code usage will hit mainstream status in the U.S. To bet against this is like betting against smartphone growth altogether. The consumer demand for web-enabled smartphones is ridiculous right now with Android boasting over 300,000 activations daily! These phones are all capable of scanning QR codes quickly and surfing promotional mobile advertising for coupons and rewards within seconds. The number of NEW mobile web users will increase by over 100 MILLION devices in 2011 and advertisers who have been using QR codes as early as 2008 have seen scans increase by 400% over the past two years. The future is bright for smartphones AND QR codes.

(3) If mobile CONTENT is king, CONTEXT is GOD.

The Yankee Group has coined this as the ‘anywhere’ era of web content because today’s content can be consumed anywhere from a web-enabled mobile device. We already live in an on-demand digital culture where one-way advertising is mostly ignored but authentic, exclusive CONTENT is craved and searched for. QR codes offer advertisers the fastest and most recognizable outlet to deliver ‘context aware’ mobile content to the real world in an on-demand nature. The mobile advertising environment is a wild terrain with unlimited possibilities for marketers to deliver unique value to smartphone users. Advertisers must build and deliver custom mobile websites and landing pages that make sense to their market and helps shoppers complete buying decisions. If it's a magazine ad, build a landing page considering the readers of THAT magazine and offer exclusives and rewards to only that particular group of readers. A QR code that leads directly to video on the same ad in multiple publications isn't very powerful but a custom landing page where users can scroll from a catalog of mobile media is much more effective. QR codes that lead users straight to video are mostly ineffective and overused in general

(4) Stick with QR codes. Don’t be fooled by imposter (Proprietary) 2-D Codes. The 2-D barcode advertising world is complex due the closed, indirect proprietary codes on the market. This has contributed to the early adoption problems that have faced the technology often confusing the end user. The QR code is the only open format (direct) code that anybody can generate for free. The data stored in the QR code is a universal (direct) link as opposed to data stored in proprietary codes which only makes sense to the particular app that’s decoding. Make sense? Not only that, there are over 100 different apps that read QR codes due to their openness as opposed to the closed proprietary market where codes can only be read with app specific to the code (ex. The only app that reads Microsoft Tag is Microsoft Tag). This is why I believe that the QR code makes the most sense for advertisers in the long run. App creators are starting to think differently about what apps to build QR code reading function into. Now, large retailers like Best Buy and social networks are building QR code scanning function into their apps. We’ve seen this movie before and OPEN wins.

(5) Use a QR code management platform. Generate QR codes and view analytic data from a QR code management platform. This is the best way to run efficient and influential QR code advertising campaigns. A typical QR code advertising campaign will utilize 100’s of unique QR codes to optimize analytic results. The advantage to this is having a complete platform making it simple to build, organize, deploy and track 100's of custom mobile landing pages and QR codes all under one platform. Advertising campaigns are robust in nature and mobile content needs to be targeted at publications, retailers, T.V. and the web with a variety of intentions in mind. There are several platforms on the web dedicated to QR code advertising management but I have only found one that combines page building, code management and tracking all in one solution.

The Tappinn QR code advertising solution.

Mobile site and 'QR-connected' landing page building on Tappinn

-Upload images on pages and link them anywhere on the web

-Create links that will prompt the phone to call or email a specific contact

-Build mobile user submission forms (email, name, age, address, ect.) within pages to collect user info (enter to win or signup)

-Create links to social profiles and blogs

-Virtual address cards (vCards) that can be downloaded directly your phone with one touch

-Customize button and background colors for a unique combination

-Tappinn pages automatically include share links to FB, Twitter, email and "like" button

-Pages can be turned into QR codes to share

-Update and change page content in real time

-Alias URL's for targeted branding

QR Code management and tracking platform on Tappinn

-Name and categorize QR codes for every application

-QR codes are stored on the platform under the pages that they generated for.

-Easily generate QR codes use them immediately in your advertising.

-Unlimited QR code generation and scans are allowed for no additional cost

-View top hit codes and pages, recent scans and pages landed on from the dashboard

-Track everything (page views, landing code, scans, geo locations, devices) and run CSV reports instantly

The question to use QR codes in your advertising has been answered. Now it becomes a matter of HOW. Remember, think BEYOND the CODE.