Digital Media News

They have been around since the early 1990’s, but Quick Response or ‘QR’ codes are still an enigma to many marketers. It is only with the widespread adoption of smartphones that they have entered the mainstream and now they appear everywhere, from bus shelters to beer mats.

So what exactly are QR codes?

Invented in Japan, QR codes are like barcodes, except they can store much more data, including downloadable content. Users scan a QR code with a smartphone, which takes them to aparticular website, promotional offer, or social media page.

Some marketers believe QR codes to be ineffective eye-sores that are mostlyignored, or if they are scanned, offer a disappointing experience for customers. But advocates firmly believe that used correctly, QR codes can be an easy and engaging way to surprise and delight consumers.

This article was written by Tim Nichols and originally published by ClickZ.

Beacons have the ability to accelerate the mobile shopping experience and create increased engagement with consumers. Here are some examples of companies utilizing the technology to influence purchasing behavior.

The entire planet is going mobile, according to a report by eMarketer. There are now 4.5 billion mobile phones and 1.75 billion smart phones in use, resulting in a new generation of technology and apps that are changing how we spend our time, how we communicate with each other, and how we shop.

As smartphone usage increases every day, the field of proximity marketing is heating up, and one of the hottest trends of the moment is beacon technology. A beacon is a low-cost piece of hardware - small enough to attach to a wall - which uses a low-energy Bluetooth connection to pinpoint a visitor’s location on a shop floor. Tailored messages are then sent to that phone, promoting offers relevant to the products in the area the shopper is.

Engaging Consumers With Creative QR Code Campaigns

Proximity Marketing With Beacons