08

Sep

QR code tips: Make it easy to snap and connect

QR codes are showing up on bus ads, real estate “space available” posters and bike tour routes. But just because you CAN use a QR code) SHOULD you? And, if you are incorporating them into your marketing, what things should you be aware of when using QR, a.k.a. 2D codes?

Three tips for using QR codes:

Placement and size: Place the code where viewers can snap it with a smartphone camera. If the code is placed too high (like on an overhead ceiling banner) it is nearly impossible for passers-by to scan.

Complexity: Use a link shortener to compress the URL to which you are directing visitors. Each of those squiggly lines mean something to a QR code reader – short links let users connect to your content more quickly than long links. See the difference a link shortener makes.

Content: Link to content that makes prospects want to engage with your company – Facebook page with customer-only deals; a video of how your company solves customers’ problems; or email list sign-up for exclusive tips & tricks.

Check out the QR code gallery I’ve captured. Let me know which you think is the most effective use of QR code marketing.

619 days ago Short URL

Online Marketing/Print Marketing/QR codes/Small Business Marketing

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08

Sep

Using QR codes: Does link shortener make a difference?

Test whether using a link shortener makes a difference in the time it takes to read and connect to content with a QR code.

 

Without link shortener:

 

qrcode

With link shortener:

 

qrcode

In this case I found the shortened code link was about 1.5 seconds faster than the unshortened link. Customers have come to expect  nearly instant response. Connecting 1.5 seconds faster makes it less likely your customer will bail before they see the whiz bang content you’ve got waiting for them!

 

619 days ago Short URL

Marketing ROI

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30

Aug

QR code definition

QR codes are the next wave of marketing – if your target market is mobile and filled with smartphone users.

Quick Response (QR) codes are the squiggly boxes you see in magazine ads, direct mail postcards, window clings at the mall, transit stops, outdoor ads, indoor ads, sidewalk sandwich boards … well you get the idea, they’re everywhere! QR code examples

A QR code (short for Quick Response) is a bar code that is scanned using a smartphone camera. The code is linked to a website, landing page, video, special offer or coupon – something that engages prospects to take action.

Here is how QR codes work: Someone with a smartphone (iPhone, Droid, HTC, Blackberry to name a few) downloads a QR code reader app (application). They activate the app on their smartphone, scan your code and are connected to your content that will drive sales.

The best thing about QR codes (a.k.a. 2D codes) is they give prospects instant access to information that you’ve chosen for them. Give qr codes a try! Use your smartphone to scan the QR code nearby to get tips for using QR codes to market your business.

Have questions about QR codes? Need help integrating them into your marketing plan? Contact me for a free Strategy Session!

628 days ago Short URL

Marketing ROI/Social Media Marketing

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15

May

Hashtag or pound sign? It’s a small business tool

Twitter has raised the visibility of the once lowly pound sign to new heights. In fact, most people under 30 only know “#” as a hashtag.

The hashtag, or pound sign, is used on Twitter to make tweets searchable. Social networks use hashtags to group information and make it easy to find. Website “tweetrolls” display messages with hashtags to show who is tweeting things that their visitors want to know about.

A great example of how to use hashtags is #thevoice.

Best of all, hashtags add heft to your search engine results. Great news for small business owners – no matter what their age!

 

 

735 days ago Short URL

Online Marketing/Social Media

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15

Dec

5 Reasons Small Businesses Fail At Social Media: Ignoring Analytics

Using social media to drive search engine optimization and grow your small business can be tricky – especially if you’re trying to do-it-yourself (DIY). Another reason small business owners fail at using social media is they ignore their website analytics.

Analytics can drive your business activities:

  • See what content visitors look at most on your website (and what they don’t)
  • Find out how they are finding your site

Today’s tips:

  • Google Analytics reports are FREE and provide a wealth of data on how visitors find and move around on your blog or website.
  • Review analytics report monthly for indicators that can help you drive business.  Google Analytics is FREE but the ability to use the data to drive your business is priceless.

Business owners, CEOs and savvy managers want to make the most of their marketing budgets.  Many try the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach hoping they’ll get the results they want.  Hey, I know a great social media & SEO consultant who can help…me! Call or click for a free consultation.

886 days ago Short URL

b2b Social Media/Marketing ROI/Social Media Marketing

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