A Quick, Easy Strategy For Entering The QR Code Space

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QR Codes, or 2D Barcodes, are now starting to see some penetration in the U.S.  While still not widespread, the usage pattern for these codes will continue to trend up, following the same curve as smartphone adoption.   Now is the time to looks at two easy ways to integrate a QR code strategy.

1.  Build a code strategy into an existing campaign.   Implementing a QR code means nothing in the Marketing world if you are not promoting the code itself, so it is vital to integrate the code into an existing campaign or build a campaign around it.   Also, remember that the code should not be an a "tag" in your existing creative.  Don't throw it in like you would a website address or Twitter profile.   You need to briefly explain the purpose of the code (educate) and explain why the user should scan it (offer).  Give fans/users a reason to click.

2. Use QR Codes to quickly promote and move the audience to a mobile device.   Does your company have an app?  Use the code on your web site or other creative to inform your audience that you have an app and give them an easy way to acquire it.   Are you local or are directions/location an important part of your message?  Use the code to link to a map or where your event or business is located.

For more on 2D Barcode Best Practices:  2D Barcode Best Practices @ 2dbarcodestrategy.com

Mobile Apps for Mobile Maps

I'll be honest.  When thinking of navigation and location and how they tie into mobile, I have always thought more about a user in a car driving around looking for directions or maybe a traveler in a city they are not familiar with.   With the exception of finding public transportation, I had never given much thought about how important maps/GPS are to people walking.   Just read this story about a survey Nokia's navigation division did where two thirds of those surveyed want both driving and walking directions.   The survey also identified 4 things that users want from walking navigation.  Those listed in the article were: 

1. Public Transportation information with real-time data.                                                 
2. “Logical Guidance” or shortcuts and specific routes.
3. Guidance such as landmarks.
4. Micro Maps of destinations such as airports and shopping malls

There are plenty of apps that cover public transportation and #3 sounds a bit like a specific Layar but, more than anything, it shows that there is much more that ties into Location than just a map and directions.  In fact, at some point, I have to think the App store craze will eventually morph into the Map Store movement.   Just think "Apps for your Maps".  Given that Mobile devices are just that- Mobile, shouldn't everything we do revolve around our location?   The map could be an even more central piece of your mobile phone where map stores could start popping up that offer free/sell small map extensions or add-ons that do the above and so much more.  Every landmark, shopping zone, park etc. could have it's own add-on.  Basically it would be the app store but tied back to the map where the location is what ties everything together.    OK, it may be an idea that never happens but it illustrates that there is still so much innovation yet to come with mobile and with that so many new and exciting ways to market to people through their mobile device.

Posted via email from Dimo Mobile

Location and Mobile in 2010

Location Based Social Networks/Games should have a much larger profile in 2010.  As Mashable points out in this new post, Location, Location, Location: 5 Big Predictions for 2010 , we could see explosive growth if Facebook, Google or Twitter dive deeper into integrating location into their services.  A Facebook integration alone would push location into the mainstream (along with the privacy issues that come with it).    Given the rise of Twitter over the past year, you have to believe the location feature of Smartphones will be more important to the average user in the coming year.   After all, do you see the average  Joe user using a portable blogging tool or utilizing their phones GPS to find the nearest restaurant or store while they are out?  I am always blown away that we don't hear more talk about Google Maps and Marketing Opportunity that exists there.  If you have never searched Google Maps with your phones GPS on while you were out to find a certain business, you should try that right now.  You will quickly understand how this will quickly become the Yellow Pages on steroids in the coming decade. 
 
   

The talk and hype over the past several years about Mobile has been how it is the most personal device, it's always on, it's always in your pocket etc. etc.   Well, location is another piece of the puzzle that plays perfect into all of those in that the message has more relevancy due to the proximity of the recipient.   The industry has been so excited about SMS and the conversion rates there.   Can you imagine how the conversion improves if, say you are a restaurant near a busy shopping area, and every Saturday and Sunday around Noon, you blast an MMS with a picture of your most popular dish to every user on your list within 3 miles of your establishment?  When considering location, you could actually build an entire campaign around location by including ideas like the above and by utilizing upcoming location based ad platforms like AdLocal  or Placecast.

       

Add to your campaign a component involving Gowalla and/or Foursquare or Mobile coupons from Yowsa! or up and coming Coupious and you will start to see how big Location can be in 2010.

Posted via email from Dimo Mobile