WhatTheyThink

Premium Commentary & Analysis

QR Codes: A Reality for B2B Marketers

Although they first gained popularity overseas, QR codes are now becoming popular in the United States. This is particularly the case for marketing applications. As is the case in the business-to-consumer (B2C) market, QR codes can be used to bridge the gap between print and mobile in the business world. This article discusses how B2B marketers are leveraging QR codes to expand their reach and improve their return on investment.

Thursday, June 02, 2011

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding QR codes. A QR (quick response) code is a square two-dimensional barcode that is readable by mobile phones with photo/scanner capabilities. According to Wikipedia, "the code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL, or other data."

These days, QR codes are appearing everywhere. You can find them on apparel, art, billboards, buses, business cards, direct mail, in-store displays, posters, print ads, and even tattoos! Scanning a QR code with your mobile phone will typically take you to a landing page or launch a video without the need to manually type in a URL.

The primary users of QR codes are females between the ages of 35 and 44.

Although they first gained popularity overseas, QR codes are now catching on in the U.S., especially for marketing applications. According to Vancouver-based Mobio Identity Systems in its May 2011 report entitled "The Naked Facts: Whiplash Edition," QR barcode use in North America grew by an astounding 4,549% during Q1 2011 in relation to the same quarter last year. The primary users of QR codes are female Generation X-ers between the ages of 35 and 44.


Continue reading your article
with a WhatTheyThink membership.

WhatTheyThink Annual Membership

Less than $4/week.

Get unlimited access to in-depth commentary and analysis covering the latest trends, emerging technologies, operational strategies, and key events across every segment of today's printing industry.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Stay ahead.
WhatTheyThink Day Pass

$5 for 24 hours

Unlimited access to all of WhatTheyThink. Get your Day Pass

Already a member?
Sign In

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].

Recent Articles from Barb Pellow

It’s an Omni-Channel World… Especially During the Holidays!

This holiday season, savvy retailers are working to meet customers on the channels where they are shopping and buying, whether it’s in a physical store, online, or via social media. This article highlights how various retailers are driving sales and encouraging engagement with multi-channel integrated campaigns. Read More

Differentiating Your Business with Wide Format

Wide format printing is a profitable and complementary product offering for print service providers that are seeking new markets and higher-margin businesses. This article discusses the three key practices for success in this market. Read More

It’s Time to Take the 15 Page a Day Challenge… and Share it with Friends!

This past July, the Paper and Packaging Board launched its 15 Pages a Day Challenge, which encourages everyone to commit to reading 15 pages each day. This article cites recent research to highlight the benefits of reading on paper and also provides information on the challenge. Read More

Industry 4.0 Will be Everywhere at Print 2017

Many historians agree that there have been three industrial revolutions to date, but interconnected digital technology might be triggering the fourth. Print 2017 is nearly upon us, and the concept of “Industry 4.0” will likely be a major theme at the event. This article discusses some of the Print 2017 advancements that are expected to change how print is manufactured, what service providers produce, and who print service providers will become as they transform their businesses to better align with digital technologies. Read More

Pricing Strategy: Labor Theory of Value versus Value-based Pricing

Companies within in the printing industry have historically had a manufacturing mentality—they subscribe to the labor theory of value, which states that the value of a service is determined by the amount of labor that goes into production. Now, thousands of firms in a variety of industries are pricing their services according to the external value created—as perceived and determined by the client—rather than the internal costs incurred in generating services. This article explores the concept of value-based pricing and highlights some real-world examples of companies that are embracing this strategy. Read More