Socialize, Interact, Network

After some years of exploring QR Code technology, we can now agree on one thing – QR Codes provide better opportunities for companies to socialize, interact and network with others through the internet and mobile platforms. 

‘Networking’ – that is the ‘in’ word, extremely important in the modern world that we live in today. I mean, take a look at it. People are communicating with their phones endlessly through online and mobile means. With mobile apps like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Nimbuzz and many, many more out there, consumers are never disconnected from their online life. Hence, if a company plans on surviving the competitive business battlefield, it needs to take mobile technology and internet seriously. 

Although QR Codes have yet to enter mainstream media, I am sure many people are watchful over its developments. In June this year, there was a report showing that 6.2% Americans, 14 million American mobile phone users, have scanned a QR Code in the past and they revealed that most of the QR Codes scanned were the ones in print ads, newspapers and packaging of products in malls. 

On top of grabbing the opportunity to interact with general consumers, companies should also think along the lines of connecting with potential partners, associates, investors and also companies providing similar products and network with them for future developments of the company or group. 

In an article I found on the internet, the Vice President of Hall Internet Marketing, a marketing company based in Portland, laments about the improper usage and placement of QR Codes. She said that these companies need to realize that the QR Code should lead to interesting content, not just the homepage of the company’s website. More effort has to be put in to properly strategize the QR Code campaign well.

If there were conflicting ideas about using QR Codes for business purposes, there is a general consensus about one thing. The purpose of implementing a QR Code campaign should not be to ‘sell sell sell’. Selling comes second. The most powerful thing about QR Codes lies in its immense capabilities to connect Company to Consumer; and we should make use of that to impact the lives of people who took the effort to scan the code. At the end of the day, it is a branding exercise, not a prospecting application.

Those of you curious out of your minds about QR Codes and have never tried to create one, please do head over to our free QR Code generator here and have a go!