QR Codes Uncensored

QR code to www.srg.com

It’s hard to believe that Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, have been around since 1994. Developed by Toyota subsidy Denso-Wave Corp. these two-dimensional barcodes act as a physical world hyperlink. Smartphone users scan the barcode with a QR code reader app (various available in both the Android and iPhone app market) and the QR code serves the user relevant content. With smartphone market penetration reaching 50% in 2011 this trend is not likely to go away anytime soon. Marketers have begun integrating the technology into advertisements in magazines, newspapers, billboards, and even in-store. Anyone can create these barcodes for free by visiting one of several QR code generating websites. While the technology is relatively new to the mainstream United States, QR codes have already become commonplace in Japan and South Korea. With all new technologies it is likely that within the next year QR codes will be found just about everywhere, but eventually usage will taper off to only the most appropriate and useful applications.

QR code best practices:

• Be sure to link to a mobile landing page
• Provide relevant, valuable content
• Some mediums work better than others

Current QR code uses:

• Tombstones
• Resumes
• Billboard Advertisements
• Menus
• Museums

2011: The Future of Online Video

In 2010 the online video craze took off with the year’s highlights ranging from the notable Old Spice viral campaign to Tuft University encouraging students to submit video applications via YouTube. Online video is fundamentally changing the way we communicate with one another and the way advertisers communicate with their consumers. In 2011 we can expect the landscape to continue to transform with the increase in mobile video advertising and as brands target niche audiences with their own sought-after content. In the New Year advertisers “branded entertainment” videos must encourage engagement and laughter will continue to be the common theme throughout. Also, 2011 is the year to drop the “online” from “online videos” because “television and the Internet are on a collision course. With the rise of GoogleTV or Apple TV, we're beginning to glimpse a future when online content can be accessed through the television.” What’s next? Video resumes?