The Smartphone QR code : Unlocking Secrets from Digital Sigils

[by: COMMANDER ENTERPRISE]

QR codes are to smartphones the slightly same way an encoded message is to an analog receiver; i.e. to send an exclusive message to a particular person. But in this comparison, the message that one gets out of it could be anything: content, photos, multimedia, music, a flash animation, an exclusive email address contact, secret website links or forums, exclusive domains, exclusive promos, direct and viral advertising, and yes even just a simple message.

The QR code makes it possible to encode these things like digital sigils that can only be unlocked exclusively by that certain person on his or her smartphone. That ubiquitous, pixelated square in stores, magazines and some sites may look like a draconian cubist puzzle that’s just taking space, but it’s a great way to present content through the smartphone secretly and exclusively. The only thing needed is a capable smartphone and its wireless broadband connection, especially those that involve downloads, streams, or heavy, dynamic web content, and an app.

A great format to explore for creating new possibilities and opportunities on the smartphone screen format, the challenge is not only to hook the person in checking the QR code, but actually accessing it, and having the content effectively presented to the (often-times well targeted) individual audiences. It is a great newer format that can be used for a number of cool features for the now huge and ever-growing smartphone market.

To Get Started

First things first, the smartphone needs to have a compatible QR code reader and also a generator, and both are downloadable from sites that service either Android or iPhone handsets. This is important to be able to get content of all kinds, and to create one for specific uses. Of special note is that some of these services vary, and can be free but very basic or paid and with complete metrics, tracking and information to manage QR code activity and results.

Once installed, whenever the pixelated-looking black and white cube appears, users can instantly access the exclusive coded information to find links, content, information and all sorts of other cool stuff to check out. This can be used for personal coding and tracking, for medium sized campaigning, advertising or proliferation and very much for large scale, public campaigns and advertising.

Once an idea, message or content has been chosen for encoding to a QR code, it then created and designed and then tested (including the site, server or content it holds) to make sure it works correctly. This is then ready for distribution to the target market or audience.

It works on these levels despite being very personal and exclusive, just from the fact that smartphone usage is huge everywhere, and continuously growing, becoming the common denominator for all possible target audiences. There is a special treatment for this format as it is presented and accessed much differently from major types of “traditional” media and advertising tools.

How do I QR thee? Let me count the ways…

The array of online content available for encoding onto a QR code is as wide and varied as the formats it’s presented in: these can be posted in such forms as shirt designs, hidden in artwork or graphics, at secret location posters or billboards, on packaging, unknown sites, in key places or landmarks, as additional components of resumes or printed materials, private or limited audience printed materials, magazines or comic books, on flyers given to specific people and many others elsewhere, even secretly placed in secret locations or sites, further down the internet rabbit hole, wherever the compact QR code can be conveniently placed, public, private or to a limited group of people.

It can serve many functions aside from giving out encoded content, advertising, sending out messages, etc. It can also be used to help in mapping/ location/ logistics / tracking, confirming information, identity, authorisation, also confirming or sending encoded information, making or authorising online shopping payments, accessing exclusive servers and entering otherwise restricted parts of the internet or a website, as well as many other things that can be linked or redirected to online functions and content.

The QR code and the method of delivering the content or information eliminates the preface of the actual content, and other than the name of the company or any other included information, the person has to get involved directly to get to the “secret”, which makes them invest time and effort, which then effectively makes them commit to get the promised exclusive content when doing so, making it an effective form of Targeted Advertising strategy for all smartphone users, given its ever expanding, wide public reach and the vast pool of target audiences in the wireless broadband scene.

Best of all, this applies to all types of things embedded within the code. It operates on a much different level than direct presentation where everything is revealed out right. The mystery and surprise factor is enough to warrant a favorable reaction or to get people to check something out, and re-frames the audience’s attention with something different, direct and personal, compared to the mass media presentation of the common and traditional formats.