What is it ?
www.qrme.co.uk launched in 2008 and enables an interactive element to be easily added to your print based adverts. Large corporations such as Google, Pepsi, Kia motors, Yellow pages, The Sun newspaper, Hrrods, Sony corp, BBS and Ralph lauren are amongst a few who have identified this technology as the next big interactive medium and are actively using it.
How does it work ?
The next generation of barcodes (QR codes) can be read by the camera of normal mobile phones and, once scanned, simply directs the mobile phone to a specific web page that you specify. This technology lets you place a QR code next to an advert, on a billboard, on a poster / flyer, on beermats or any printable surface and invites consumers to interact with your brand, right there and then.To enable this technology to be used to it's full advantage in interactive campaigns www.qrme.co.uk have done a few clever things and have created the QRMe code. It's based on Denso's QR code but also tracks where and when your QR code was scanned - in realtime. Imagine knowing someone's just read your advert and, even better, approximately where they read your advert. See the scans summarised on a Google map or view detailed statistics.When you first register you'll be asked for a user name, password and web page you want to link your QRMe code to and whether you would like your profile to be made available to other members (great for exchanging marketing ideas) . You can also upload your company logo to your profile if you wish. All fields and tabs on your profile have privacy settings to allow you to control who see's what on your profile. Let the public see your profile fields or just allow friends or family to see. It's up to you.
Can all mobile phones read QR codes ?
Nokia pre-bundle a barcode reader with a number of their mobile phones and there are numerous free QR codes readers to download for most of the major mobile phone models. You will find a QR code reader for your mobile phone on the QR Code readers page.
This will never take off... who would want to scan an advert and use up their inclusive mobile surfing allowance?
If your advert grabs attention and the consumer is interested in your product they will scan your QRMe code. Imagine commuters on their blasé daily train / bus journey, reading their daily newaspaper and finding a product the're interested in. You've been there ... mmm good product, must Google it when I get to the office. You get to the office and, after you sort out the phone calls and messages left on your desk, you try to remember the advert in the paper ..that you left on the seat!.The UK government has a broadband for all initiative where their aim is to have all households connected to the net. Ofcom is also currently re-evaluating the original 2G mobile phone spectrum allocation, allocated to a select few mobile phone operators in the 1990's under the Margaret Thatcher era, possibly paving the way for cheaper mobile internet connectivity. We're heading to a DigiMarketing era where, by 2012, most internet connections will be via mobile phones and by 2015 80-90% of internet traffic will also be made by mobile phones.
Can I change which web page my QRMe code points to ?
Yes. You can update your member profile at any time and point your QRMe code to any new web page and changes are instantaneous. The next subsequent scan of your QRMe code will redirect the user to your new landing page. If it's snowing all over the country change your landing page to your wellies and gloves section of your website. If it's sunny then land your visitor on your suncream section.
What reports are available to see who has scanned my QRMe code ?
There are a number of reports you can view to see who's been scanning your QRMe code. These include :-
- Detailed report. Shows detailed information including date / time scanned, the web page the mobile phone was directed to and the location.
- By browser. Shows the web browser type used by the mobile phone (Blackberry, Sony Erricson, Mozilla, Internet explorer, Palm etc..).
- By platform. Shows the platform used b the mobile phone (Apple Mac, Windows, Unix etc..).
- By web page. Shows you which web pages the mobile phone was directed to.
- By date. Shows by date the number of scans along with a graphical line chart.
Why would I use one of these ?
The younger generation are tech savy about this technology and it's ideal for interactive advertising. Pepsi MAX are using QR codes to allow their consumers to interact with their brand without being in front of a PC. Over 400 million Pepsi cans and bottles are being printed with a QR code on them. Simply place a QRMe codes on anything you want your customers to interact with.
Give me some examples of where I can put these
- On the side of your business transport
- On your blog / website
- On a billboard ad
- In your companies reception
- On your business card
- On the side of a bus stop
- On your T-shirt
- On your products
- On a billboard
- In your newspaper ad
- On a promotional mouse mat
- In your shop window
What if I don't have a mobile web site ?
If you don't have a mobile website you can create one for free from companies such as winksite, wirenode and zinadoo (http://www.qrme.co.uk/qr-code-resources/free-mobile-web-sites.html). You can set up you're very own mobile website in a matter of minutes.
How can I get the QR code onto my artwork ?
Just right click on your QR code, select the 'Save image as' option and save it to your PC ready for emailing. Note: Left clicking on your QR code will show you your reports
Where can I get a free QR code reader to start playing with these things ?
Select QR Code readers from the QR code Resources menu or click http://www.qrme.co.uk/qr-code-resources/qr-code-readers.html
Can you give me some examples of where my QRMe code can point to ?
How often are the reporting statistics updated ?
Immediately. As soon as your QRMe code is scanned (anywhere in the world) you'll see the scan appear in the graph in the right hand column and in your reports (You will have to refresh your webpage to see the updated graph)
Why would I want to change where the QRMe code points to ?
Your website, www.PreparedForAnyDay.com, sells a range of accessories and clothing for (mainly) sunny days. These take up 90% of your stock and the remainder is for rainy days. Your QRMe code always points to your main page showing T-shirts and sunglasses. The heavens open and your're in for a good few hours of rain. Point your QRMe code to your rainy days section of your website. Your QRMe code is updated instantly and your potential customers will now see Wellington boots and raincoats on your landing page.But I'm based in xxxxx and not in the UK. Will the service still work?
Yes. The QRMe code just contains a web address so your QR code reader will open up a web browser window and redirect the phone to whatever web page your profile specifies.
Wheres the payment screen so I can start using this service ?
The www.QRMe .co.uk service is free.
So what are QRMe codes ?
QRMe codes are based on Denso Waves's QR codes which can be read by all of the QR code readers. QR codes are becoming the mainstream 2D code in todays market thanks to Denso allowing QR codes to be used royalty and licence free throughout the world in order to allow individuals and corporations to freely benefit from using this technology.
