One Secret Use of QR Codes

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"What the *bleep* is a QR code?"

If that is the first question that comes to mind, then here is a link to a great article on Social Media Examiner that talks about how companies can use QR Codes to help grow their busineses.  

Right now, marketers are using them to drive consumers to specialty content, web sites, etc. This post on Flyteblog.com talks about 50 Creative uses of QR Codes. They can be used online and in offline channels like print, flyers, TV, t-shirts, you name it. The possibilities are endless.

If you didn't know what QR Codes were prior to reading this article, you are going to start seeing them everywhere now. And as a marketer, the wheels will start turning for how you can use them in your business to draw in and convert more customers.

At least they did for me, and as I was experimenting with them, I discovered a little-known use that I think marketers ought to know about.

My discovery?

You can embed phone numbers in them. Take a moment to let that sink in.

 For advertisers who know their products convert well over the phone, this is a no-brainer. And it is one more way to engage directly with the mobile consumer.

Here's how it works:

1. Consumers see your QR Code and points their shiny smart phone at it.
2. QR Code is scanned and (bam!) phone number pops up on the screen and prompts the user to call.
3. Caller is connected.

To give you a live example, get out your smart phone and point it at the QR Code below. And to make this  fun, I will send you a limited edition RingRevenue baseball cap* for your participation.

Note: Most smart phones require a reader app that will scan the barcode image that can be downloaded for free. Just simply point your smart phone camera at the barcode and the application should do the rest of the work.

Are you using QR Codes yet? Post your comments and let us know how you are using them in your business. Not using them yet? Tell us what is holding you back.

*Since this is a limited edition baseball cap, this promotion will run while supplies last.