Interactive Ads with Quick Response Codes (Tags)

Microsoft Tag

A QR (Quick Response) Tag is a high-capacity color barcode (HCCB) with encoded information. You can give your mobile audience an expanded experience with QR Codes (or Tags) on just about anything: postcards, ads, posters, websites, buildings, signage, trucks, packaging, business cards…

Create specific Tags by using the tag creators web service. (For example: we’re using the Microsoft Tag Reader – to create tags using Tag Manager (you must sign in using a Windows LiveID) Go to: tag.microsoft.com. The Tag Manager website, where you can create Tags, and which provides detailed reporting and analytics capabilities that let you monitor and improve the effectiveness of your Microsoft Tag campaigns. You can change the content of your tag any time!

• You must have a tag reader’s application installed on a mobile device, This works on Windows Mobile, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android-based Internet-capable mobile phones that have cameras.
• Open your app and hold within a frame on your mobile device and it will be scanned into the reader – and voila! there is the reward!
• Although Tags are easy to create, how Tags are used determine their effectiveness in communicating the encoded information to the audience.
• There are 4 basic Tag types: URL, free text, vCard, and dialer
• Be sure to add directions for getting the mobile reader i.e.:  get the free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi

What do they look like? Here’s just some of the variety that tags and 2D codes come in:

What are some ways to use them?

• This fall Glamour Magazine’s Issue Will Include 2-D Bar Codes That Trigger Facebook ‘Likes’
• Link to videos that show 360 views (clothes, cars, furniture)
• Put a QR code on your business card that when scanned will add your information to their contact list or dial your number
• Link to a webpage on a postcard that tells your story in length, shows a portfolio or promotes your image
• Create a code on a sign outside your place of business that has an invitation to come inside and use an offer that customers walking by can bring inside and redeem immediately
• A code that brings you to a peak inside via images or video (I.e. a house for sale or office space for lease)
• A code on a trade show banner that takes the audience to your website
• Add it to packaging to make it interactive

Quick Tips:

Size: You must create and display the Tag and its surrounding white space exactly.
Black & White tags should be ⅞” x ⅞”. 5 Row Color Tags must be ¾” x ¾”. Custom tags minimum size must be 1.25″ square. This includes the white border space around the square.

If your code is in the distance (like a sign) the code should be 1″ for each 1 foot away the viewer must stand. Scanning on an angle may not work. Insufficient light or deep shadows across a large QR code can also cause a code to be unscannable.
Be responsible: Don’t tempt drivers to scan while operating a vehicle.

You must create and display the Tag and its surrounding white space exactly

Always TEST before implementing.

Bonus: The USPS is offering a 3% discount on mail sporting 2-D codes if mailed during July or August 2011. Mobile usage continues to grow so maybe it’s time for that direct mail piece and new video you’ve been thinking about.

Got a great idea for using QR code on your next ad or direct mail piece? Contact us today!