“QR Code” stands for “Quick Response Code” and was created back in 1994 by a subsidiary of Toyota to track vehicles during the manufacturing process. It is very much like a barcode in that each unique code relates to unique data but QR Code popularity comes from how quickly and reliably it can be read, plus its large storage capacity.
In today’s marketing world QR Codes are now being used quite creatively to relate promotional information. All you need is a Smartphone with a code reader and you’re off to the races. Here’s an example:
You’re walking down a city sidewalk and see a sign outside a restaurant that features a QR Code. You scan the code using the QR Code reader on your Smart Phone and you get information about a special discount or promotion that the restaurant is offering (or whatever other information the restaurant might want to promote to you).
The way I look at it, using QR Codes is an excellent and exciting guerrilla marketing tool for independent musicians, film makers, promoters, etc. Here’s why, using independent musicians as an example:
One of the toughest things for a musician is to get noticed and get his/her music heard. After all, they exist in a huge sea of other musicians and performers who are also striving to be seen and heard. Through the creative use of QR Codes, you can drive people directly to you and your music. The Codes can be used on all of your promotional materials.
I love the idea of printing up t-shirts with a big Code on the front and the back with a slogan saying, “Listen to this!”. Hand the t-shirts out to friends, and as they walk around at school, or shopping, or at an event, they are going to capture a fair bit of interest. Of course people don’t know what it is the Code will lead them to, and that’s the point. It could be anything, and you want their curiosity to get the better of them!
For a lot of independent musicians, getting their CDs into retail stores (at least reasonably big stores) is pretty much a thing of the past, so wanting a barcode to be added during the CD duplication process has become outdated for most independents. There is still a prevailing sense that having a traditional barcode will make the package look more professional but, again, what’s the point in adding it if it’s not going to be used?
It makes far more sense to start using a QR Code on everything from posters, to t-shirts to CD duplication packaging and deliver content to existing fans and prospective new fans alike.
CDwest.ca provides factory-direct CD manufacturing and CD duplication services with a wide range of popular eco-friendly print and packaging solutions. From our office and facility in Surrey (a suburb of Vancouver) in the province of Britsh Columbia, we ship daily to clients throughout Canada.
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