I did the Santa Fe College show in Gainesville FL this past weekend, and although sales at the show were nothing special, the show was well-run and provided a tech milestone of sorts: The first show I've done where the organizers put a QR code on each artist booth placard.
For anyone who doesn't know, a QR code is a scanning code that can be read by any smart phone with a QR Reader. (You can download one for free at http://qrcode.kaywa.com , or just Google "QR Reader" and you'll come up with lots of options.)
Why might this be even better than business cards? Well, many debates have raged on these forums (fora?) about whether business cards are worth the trouble and expense, since many visitors take them in order to avoid actually having a conversation with an artist, or to put off a buying decision, etc., etc.
But once I remembered to direct customers to my QR code instead of my business card holder, I found that a surprising number:
a) Knew what a QR Code was;
b) Had a smart phone equipped with a reader;
c) Knew that all they had to do was launch the app, point their phone at the code, and be taken to my website.
Websites visited on the cell phone persist longer than business cards, I'll bet: They can't be misplaced, used for unrelated emergency note-taking, tossed in a trash can, or <shudder> inadvertently tossed into the laundry.
It resulted in one after-the-show sale, already. It will be interesting to see if there are others!
So get yourself a QR code for your website, print it out with an E-Z instruction for your visitors, and see wha' happens.
PS: Next time I order my biz cards, I'm going to dip into the coffers for the double-sided variety and put the QR Code on the back.
Replies
Next time I send business cards to printer the QR will be on the back.
I have a couple of these signs up in my booth.
QR codes are no replacement for a business card, but they are definitely useful.
I often use these codes on event fliers. Because QR codes are for use with mobile phones, I keep the target page simple and include only the information that a mobile user will find immediately relevant. This is respectful of the user's time, data usage, and the possibility of dodgy connections.
Example:
The QR code on my flier goes to a page describing the venue.
This page contains a short description of the venue, the address, one image, and one link (the image is the link, for easy touching).
The link leads to Google maps so that the user can easily get directions to the venue.
Consider using the full URL. Shortened URLs may be cute, but they're utterly meaningless in a long list of shortened addresses. I scan a lot of codes, and I can tell you that I'm not going hunting for something unless it's really special. An actual URL may provide the clue to the artist I'm looking for.
We have had QR code on our register since last summer. As people become more familar they are scanning it to their phones. I feel it is another way to get your info out there. Won't replace our business cards yet, at least not until everyone has a smartphone.
Deb
I have had my QR code posted at the last 6 or so shows and have only had one person scan it, that I know of. Many people actually thought it was art (seriously!). But I agree, we will see more people using it in the future. Thanks for the tip about making your site mobile app friendly...had not thought about that.
Hmmm, a whole new sub-genre: QR Code Abstracts!
I guess that since you own the website name that the QR Code is generated from, it's original art. So go for it! :-)
Maybe I should stress this how important this is but you should create an entry page to your web site that's mobile device friendly. Otherwise you'll frustrate people who scan the QR codes and visit your web site.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Yes, exactly. That means (among other things):
* Reduce the number of links on your entry page
* Reduce the amount of text
* Make type bigger
Your ISP can probably offer tips on how to design your page to make it more frierndly for mobile devices. In addition, you can pick up a *.mobi companion website inexpensively that can be custom designed for your mobile device users.
At my gallery (a small one in a City Market) we have a big QR code taped to the window, and also on our rack card. Of the hundreds of people who stop in to chat and ask for a card, not one has scanned the 1x1 foot qr code on our window. In fact, many have asked what it is.
Smartphone or not, most people have no clue how to use the features....
Geoff and Larry - thanks both of you for the reminder, we need to place an order for business cards this week, very timely reminder as this was in the back of my mind as something we needed to do. I was actually going back through some of Larry's old emails trying to find the info.
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