Fruitbowl - Fresh Ideas from Hawke's Bay

The Japanese have been using them for years and the Americans have recently taken up the technology. QR codes (quick response codes) are the next big thing here in Hawke’s Bay.

They work like a barcode, which is scanned with the camera on your mobile phone. The barcode then takes you through to a ‘Mobi’ site (small version of your website).

Visit Tokyo, New York and almost any major city around the world and you will see QR codes on billboards, in the newspaper, on public transport, street signs and virtually everywhere you turn. McDonald’s are even printing QR codes on their packaging, providing diners with the nutritional value of their hamburger.

With ‘internet on your mobile’ becoming increasingly popular, the need to have a ‘Mobi’ site is becoming more imminent. A ‘Mobi’ site is usually a basic version of your website. It should include summaries of your key services or products but most of all a call to action (preferably a phone number to make it easy for the potential client to contact you).

A local subdivision specialist, The Surveying Company, is one of the local companies that have embraced this new technology. After completing a big job at Te Mata Peak, Seamus from The Surveying Company seized the opportunity to put a QR code on the sign that linked to their website. The code was printed on a sticker that was then placed on the sign.

Hawke’s Bay Real Estate Photography service and website franchise open2view.com uses QR codes throughout its business from larger stickers on roadside real estate signs, codes printed on window sheets and brochures, newspaper advertising to small codes next to every property on Open2views Frame For Living magazine. This means that potential buyers can access full details and photographs of a property at the point they first see it whether that be on the roadside or reading the magazine in the Koru Lounge.

QR codes would be fantastic on wine labels.  Imagine sitting in a restaurant and scanning the bottle to easily get the story behind the wine.  A great way to stimulate dinner conversation and create a deeper connection with your customers.

While many new phones now come with the software pre-installed to scan these QR codes, some don’t, and it’s a simple 2min process to install the free software by following the steps printed on Open2views roadside QR stickers.

The technology, QR codes and the use of Mobi sites, are a great way to provide people that are ‘on the go’ with more information. Having the information digital enables you to update the content as often as you like, whether it be changing the project status or the pricing of a product.

References:

http://www.gomonews.com/we-know-how-consumers-access-the-mobile-internet-says-buzzcity/
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/business/01code.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/qr-codes-can-digitize-your-world-and-back-again/