Intro to QR Codes

QR codes or Quick Response Codes are new and exciting. They are an emerging technology. While huge in Japan, they are very much in early adoption in the US market.

They bridge the gap between offline, printed materials and online resources such as landing pages or social media and track it all. Used for both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile smart phone users (known as mobile tagging).

One of our favorite writers, Jennifer Van Grove, wrote a very good introduction to QR codes. No need for us to paraphrase so please read her article.

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Innovative Ways QR Codes
are Being Used

QR codes are innovative. Take a marketer for example; when they choose make QR codes part of their marketing campaign, they are breaking new ground. Interactive contests, location based offers and video product demonstrations are just a few of the countless ways they can engage their customers. With little adoption in the US market, it’s still quite early in the game for there to be established rules and norms, so right now it’s all about innovation.

In that spirit of innovation, Starbucks continues to push the envelope with emerging technology: running promotions on twitter, offering up discounts to Foursquare users, and improving their customer’s experience by paying for coffee using QR codes.

Read More » Hint: think of cell phones as the new credit cards.

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Microsoft Tags vs QR Codes:
What is the Difference?

QR codes are an amazing technology that can seamlessly link the physical world to the digital. However, creating colorful or branded functional codes can be a challenging and costly endeavor. To address this, Microsoft has you covered.

High Capacity Color Barcode (HCCB) is the name coined by Microsoft for its proprietary technology. Having just left Beta in May, Microsoft’s Tag is the Redmond Company’s spin on barcode technology and it comes with a colorful twist. Unlike QR Codes, which are read solely based on the 2-D, black and white pattern they contain, Tags utilize color as another way to naturally communicate information within the design. In fact, Microsoft even provides guidelines, examples and tips to help with the creation of custom or branded codes. The net result is a far more intriguing code that can be safely produced at a size up to 25% smaller than a QR-Code.

Beyond color, there are several other reasons why Tags could likely emerge as a mainstream technology worth adding to your marketing mix…Read More

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QR Codes – A Growing Business
Marketing Trend

With the continuous rise and popularity of social media, KP’s clients have been busy exploring the different possibilities of linking traditional media to the digital world. Enter QR Codes.

Loaded with (cool) vast capabilities, QR Codes are starting to hit mainstream media and are the love of smart phone users everywhere. Consumers just point, click, and voila – they can be taken to a website, product details, offer details, coupons, links to YouTube, etc…the list goes on and on.

And here at KP we have been busy creating, tracking and managing these beloved codes for our customers. From promotional materials, signage, kits, to business cards and event fliers, QR Codes are impacting the way our clients market. It’s plain and simple… Read More

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