The Latest Social Media Tool: The QR Code

Have you noticed we live in a digital age? People want to do everything from their smart phones and they want to do it now. Enter stage left the QR code. A QR code is a funny little square of what looks like random blocks. You scan the QR code with your smart phone and it takes you somewhere — to a website, a video, etc. I had a chat with Jason Lancaster from Code Marketing to get some more information on these mysterious blocks of data.
 

Why should a salon have a QR code?

Most service professionals use social media to market themselves. QR codes are the best way for customers and potential customers to connect to social media. It is most important to combine QR codes and mobile websites together.

In what ways can the QR code be used?

Codes can be used anywhere. Business cards, thank you notes, any print media, coasters, T-shirts, temporary tattoos, permanent tattoos, etc., can all be used to market your code.  The easiest and most effective way is to place a sticker with your code on it at your station. That way customers can scan while they sit.

What if I don't have a phone that will scan QR codes?

Provided that your phone can view web pages, the web page behind the code can be sent in a text message. In fact that is a great way to start your campaign.

How do I learn how to scan QR codes?

QR codes are very simple to scan. You need an app from your app store. Red laser works best for iPhones, anything works for Droid and Blackberry. Once you have your app, open it and point your phone at the code as if you were taking a picture. A link will be presented. Click it to open it in a browser.

How much does it cost to have a QR code and mobile site made?

With our company, there is a $75 set-up fee that covers the basic design of the mobile connect site and your code creation plus $10 a month.  It is very inexpensive considering the convenience and effectiveness. Sixty-four percent of all web browsing is from mobile devices. The number-one demographic using social media is 35- to 40-year-old women. Is that your demographic? Then you must have this.

Jason created a mobile site and QR code for me so that you could see how they might work.  What are your thoughts on QR codes? Have you been scanning them at shows or out of NAILS Mag yet?  Are any of you using QR codes already? What do you think of them? What does your code link to? Where did you get it done?

To keep up with the latest ideas for marketing your code go to code-marketing.com.

— Holly