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QR Codes Are Everywhere!

Statistics from Mobio Identity Systems, Inc. show that QR code scanning is becoming increasingly popular among U.S. consumers. Magazines, retail establishments, and industry vendors are also beginning to adopt QR codes to entice people into using their mobile phones to interact more deeply with advertising. This article provides compelling statistics and discusses how companies of all sizes are leveraging QR codes to expand their reach.

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Many marketers are adopting quick response (QR) codes as a way to entice people into using their mobile phones to obtain more information about products and services or otherwise interact more deeply with advertising. Outdoor ads invite consumers waiting for the bus to scan a poster to reach a relevant Website, catalogs integrate QR codes to hook directly into e-commerce sites, and stores place codes next to products that direct shoppers to online how-to videos.

According to a report from Mobio Identity Systems, Inc (a mobile payment and marketing company), QR code scanning increased by 1,200% across North America during the final six months of 2010. According to the report, the greatest percentage of QR code scanning is occurring among individuals in the 35-44 age bracket (25%). Meanwhile, 84% of individuals who scan QR codes are between the ages of 18 and 54.

Figure 1: Share of QR Code Scanners by Age Range




As illustrated in the Figure below, the majority of QR code scanners are women. In relation to males, females show more interest in obtaining information on products and services, entering contests, and making purchases with their smartphones.

Figure 2: Share of QR Code Scanners by Gender


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About Barb Pellow

A digital printing and publishing pioneer, marketing expert and Group Director at InfoTrends, Barbara Pellow helps companies develop multi-media strategies that ride the information wave. Barb brings the knowledge and skills to help companies expand and grow business opportunity.

Please offer your feedback to Barb. She can be reached at [email protected].

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