What about QR Code as a social way of communication?

I see QR codes a lot. Do people scan them often? I think having them on t-shirts would be a cool idea. Thinking about doing this for my business, but wondering how effective they are.

Answered 10 months ago by Carrie Dunham

QR Code on a T shirt? I LOVE IT - It's so original. My experience is that it's not a great tool but it is a great attention grabber. I could also imagine a QR code that when you look at it closely actually has a hidden picture or text in it. Like a mind game or riddle...

Answered 10 months ago by Daniel Glickman

Reports that I've read say that most QR codes are NOT read and that most people don't know how to use them. HOWEVER... we put them in our marketing because once the "big boys" (like those who pour millions into TV advertising) started to use them, we figured they will catch on. We have them as one part of a multi-channel marketing system including SMS Text, Email, Voice Mail Drops, Websites, Video, Direct Mail, etc.

Answered 10 months ago, Edited 3 months ago by Charlie Seymour Jr

QR codes are the simplest and most effective bridge between print and web. They are not only easy to implement, but they are an on-the-spot low effort tool for anyone intrigued by your presentation of them. QR codes need not only take someone to your website, they can be coded for execution of any URL-based application, such as promotion-specific landing pages, social media, webinars, video or slideshow presentations. So yes, they are a great tool for social communication. Check out these ideas http://mashable.com/2012/01/14/qr-code-marketing/

QR codes have become so ubiquitous that most people don't consider the options available to them through this little dotted square. QR codes even can be custom designed to fit into any color theme as well as have elements added to them like logos. Check this out http://mashable.com/2011/04/18/qr-code-design-tips/ or this http://blog.pantone.com/2011/10/get-colorful-with-your-qr-codes/

Answered 10 months ago by John Wolforth

Quick response codes are awesome. They are a great tool to convey a message through social media. QR codes on t-shirts and other items are a very good way to connect your customer base. Just scan it and it can go anywhere you choose, ie. facebook, twitter, and youtube.

Answered 10 months ago by Chris Potter

It depends on your audience. Younger people (under 35) are more likely to "play", older folks not so much. QR codes have been most successful with contests used to build your list of people to market to or in real estate.

Answered 10 months ago by Maura Desimone

A lot of companies are using them, however, the results are still low (.25-1% scan CPM) because consumers don't quite get them yet. I still encourage them as they will catch on and they only take up a min. 1" of space on your flyer, t-shirt or accessories so it doesn't hurt. People will become accustomed. If you do it on a t-shirt or accessory I highly recommend also including your additional contact info such as a website and/or phone number.

Answered 10 months ago by Mel Shaw

I believe it's a benefit if people use the properly work, but if it's on someone T-shirt why don't you use say Hi :-)

I agree with Bobbie on how she uses it.

Answered 10 months ago by Brandon Krieger

We've been using QR codes for the last year at our monthly product launch parties and have watched their use evolve. One thing people need to understand is that they are not just a link to a website page - touting a specific company or product. They can launch a whole experience. For example, we use them at our events to launch a mobile-optimized page that provides users with specific information and options for sending a shoutout via LinkedIn,Twitter or Facebook. This isn't just a company's main website.

That said, still a marketing novelty. Lots of people have no idea what they are or how to use them -- on both sides of the equation.

Answered 10 months ago by Bobbie Carlton

I think QR codes are kind of a hassle. I need to launch the app and then wait for it to scan. QR codes of different sizes are hard to scan, and the code can't be moving/poorly lit.

Answered 10 months ago by Gerrit Betz

Great idea. Use a QR code to take advantage of existing traditional marketing channels to drive leads to your website. Include a QR code on your business card, on advertisement and other PR printed materials or promotional items like T-shirts for special events.

Answered 10 months ago by Nikki Mcnary

They seem a little redundant, considering you can just simply google search a name or product and instantly come to their web page. From an artistic standpoint, however, they do look cool, and the trend has gone toward using them on t-shirts, on mural/billboards and even on resumes (it's good for resumes because it takes you offsite from a piece of paper to the person's portfolio or online work).

I've even seen QR codes at liquor stores and grocery stores, so you can look up exactly what you're eating/drinking.

They're great for getting attention and marketing, but in terms of actual advertising, they're just another take on the url address of companies.

Answered 10 months ago, Edited 10 months ago by Stephen Fiedler