I don’t know about you, but I see these square things with a white background and tiny black squares almost everywhere I go now. Whether online, on street billboards, or even ads on the bus, there they are. Being the inquisitive type, I had to find out what they were about.
It turns out; they are coded ads called QR codes (Quick Response codes) designed for smartphones. Yes, with a free piece of software called a QR Reader, iPhones Androids, and Blackberries can read QR codes which usually consist of a link to a website, video, advertisement and so forth. All that’s needed is to start the app and point the device’s camera to scan the code, and voila! You’re immediately taken to the target website. How’s that for 21st century technology?
Mostly popular in Japan, the technology is slowly but surely making its way to the West. Major Companies like Best Buy, Coca-Cola, Ford are now utilizing this technology to get their advertising message across to the masses. And if it’s good enough for major companies, its good enough for real estate agents. So, how can real estate agents get in on the action and start reaching more potential customers with their advertising message?
Real estate agents can use this technology on flyers, business cards, brochures, lawn signs, direct mail, magnets, and more. You can go as far as your creativity takes you with this. Think about it, how much would it cost to get your website (you do have a website, right?) to rank high up on search engine results? If you prefer the paid internet advertising route, how much would it cost to place your ads in front of hundreds if not thousands of targeted, local prospects?
Well, this costs a fraction of that; in fact, there are print shops that will add a QR code to your marketing materials free of charge when you use their printing services. Heck, you can even generate your own codes with free online QR code generators; kaywa.com is a one you could use. Folks having to type a web address on a phone takes an effort, a small one but an effort nonetheless. Why not make it easier for potential leads to see your listings? Talk about a veritable no-brainer.
One thing to note, however, is that most traditional websites don’t appear in their entirety on mobile phones. The small screen of iPhones, Androids and Blackberries can only show a small portion of the website forcing the user to have to perform quite a bit of scrolling in order to cover all the information.
Given the fickle nature of most internet users, they’re more than likely to lose interest and leave if you’re not mobile ready. I suggest you create a second version of your website that is mobile-friendly – a small price to pay for a chance at low to no-cost marketing. You can see a nice example at www.ilakeandcityhomes.com, the mobile site I had built for my Madison WI real estate website.
If you’re not familiar with QR codes, you’ll do yourself a tremendous service by learning more about what they can do for you. Implement this technology in your marketing efforts and reap its benefits. Given the ever-rising number of smartphone users, a trend that’s not about to fade any time soon, why wouldn’t you?
Article Provided by Jolenta Averill: For more information about Jolenta, please visit her Madison Wisconsin real estate website. You can even view her website on your mobile phone!
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I think i might start to use these, hope they work and add value! =o)