Google QR Codes and Marketing

January 19th, 2010 Posted in Mobile Commerce

Further Connecting Businesses to Consumers

Window-shopping is an important part of consumer culture in the process of assessing the value of a business. Smartphone users can now utilize an innovative form of window-shopping due to the launch of Google’s new initiative to send window decals with QR codes to over 100,000 local businesses in the United States. Google QR codes will allow users to connect the physical world with the Web.

Google QR codes have the potential for both mobile users and mobile marketing. They possess the ability to enhance the consumer experience as well as add a new dimension to marketing campaigns and consumer-brand interaction.

Learn more:

“Smartphone users now have a new form of window-shopping.”


Understanding Google QR Codes

The 100,000 local businesses that have been sent window decals with QR codes are the most searched for and sought after businesses on Google.com and Google maps. These businesses are called “Favorite Places on Google,” and they can be found in over 9,000 towns and cities in all 50 states.

The Quick Response or QR code on each window decal is a unique two-dimensional bar code that contains alphanumeric text and often features URLs that direct users to a site. Created in 1994 by the Japanese corporation Denso-Wave, QR codes have had a great deal of success in Japanese and European marketing campaigns.

To scan these QR codes, your phone must have a camera and an app that can read QR codes. With a mobile device such as an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry, you can scan the Google QR Codes featured on each window decal and be taken directly to that business’s “Place Page.

The iPhone offers a $1.99 Quick Mark app, but as of December 7th, Google is partnering with Quick Mark to offer the app for free for the first 40,000 downloads. Other QR code reader apps include Bee Tag and NeoReader.

In order for your businesses to qualify for the QR code window decals, you must claim your listing with Google’s local business center for free.

You cannot make a request that your business become a “Favorite Place.” The list was determined by the popularity of a business’ local business center listing; in other words, how many times Google users looked for more information about a business, such as directions and reviews.

If your business was not selected to receive a window decal, you can help to enhance your local business listing by adding photos and videos which will attract more users. Google plans to periodically send out new waves of decals to qualifying businesses.

“In order to qualify, you must claim your listing with Google’s local business center.”


The Value of Google QR Codes for Storefronts

The launch of Google QR code window decals is an effort to provide Google users with the best local business results and improve the consumer-business experience. However, this is not merely another storefront advertisement that urges passersby to enter a number for text message alerts. It is a far more direct marketing tool.

Google QR codes will allow users to go up to a storefront, and just by scanning the QR code, immediately:

  • Find reviews

  • Get a coupon if that business is offering one

  • Star the business as a place they want to remember

Essentially, this will link people directly to relevant content and significantly shorten the navigation process.

The big push for the adoption of Google QR codes by local businesses will allow Google users to find the best local businesses, whether it’s a high-end boutique in LA, a hotel in New York City, a sports bar in Pittsburgh, or a coffee shop in Seattle.

“This will link people directly to relevant content and significantly shorten the navigation process.”


Enhancing Marketing Strategies Through QR Codes

Although your business may not qualify for a Google QR code window decal, businesses of any size or type can reap the benefits of QR code marketing.

You can easily generate QR codes for a variety of purposes and applications.

Some of the applications for QR codes include:

  • Business cards

  • Print advertisements

  • Posters

  • Websites

  • TV advertisements

  • Newspapers

  • Magazines

Utilizing QR codes as a part of your business’ marketing strategy will allow consumers to connect with your business through the use of their mobile phone, which will in turn, drive traffic to your mobile site. Whenever a user scans a QR code, the user gains access to brand information, promotional contests and sales, contact information, and a multitude of other information.

QR codes are a valuable instrument for business branding by providing an easy way to reach vast audiences, boost sales, and create awareness.


Julia Cowher

Julia isn’t a social networking narcissist but she is the fairest brander of them all.

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