10 Ways To Use QR Codes On Signage

November 11, 2010
Tags: Microsoft Tag Reader, QR Codes

For the purpose of this article, I’m going to use the phrase ‘QR Codes’ to encompass all mobile tag readers. Technically speaking, QR Codes are a black and white ‘Box Code’ (think: Bar Code but with boxes instead of bars). QR Codes were created by Toyota and have been popular in Japan for centuries (well, since 1994, but that’s practically centuries in techy years). QR is the acronym of Quick Response. Check out the Wiki article on QR Codes for more geek history.

Thus, I will use ‘QR Codes’ to also refer to Microsoft Tags (see image at left) which is a color version of the QR Code technology providing much of the same functionality. Who will be the dominate creator and distributor of mobile tags and the readers that support them? I don’t know. What I do know is that the development of this technology is an exciting step in the two way communication between businesses and consumers.

Before we get started, you should probably install a couple of the code readers on your smartphone. I’m a fan of Microsoft’s Tag Reader which you can find by searching your relevant App Store. It’s handy to have the MS Tag Reader plus at least one of the pure QR Code Readers on your device because I haven’t seen a reader that can scan all of the QR Code technologies effectively.

On the consumer side of things here are my top five practical ways to use QR Codes on signs:

1.Real Estate – For signage, this is probably the current most common use of QR Codes in the United States. When shopping for homes or property be aware of any QR Codes that are on the real estate signs. This could take you to information on how to contact the realtor, in depth info of the house (360deg walkthrus, interior pics, etc)
2. Coupons and special deals – A favorite of retail stores and bars. 10% off your purchase is always a welcome thing. Look for these coupon codes at the entrance of the establishment on windows, sidewalk signs, or yard signs.
3. Shopping – Especially for electronics, shopping is enhanced by QR Codes. Check out this blog article on checking reviews via scanning QR Codes at BestBuy. Point of Sale signs or Point of Purchase signs can also use QR Codes to educate the shopper about other products that are similar or other items that are supplemental to the products they are looking for.
4. Public Transit – Evansville, Indiana, is a woefully inadequate city when it comes to public transportation. However, QR Codes in subway and train stations, bus terminals and shelters, and airports, could be used for information and entertainment while you are waiting for your ride.
5. Events, Zoos, Museums – Want to see videos on Pygmy Hippos? Scan the QR Code accompanying the basic information sign at your local zoo. At the next festival or sporting event you attend, check out the QR Codes that will likely aid in providing information about your favorite team or band.

For businesses, you have a special responsibility to cater to the ubergeeks as well as the casual users on the lookout for QR Code specials and information. Here are 5 practical ways you can use QR Codes for your business signs.

1. Develop a plan – Uggh. Boring, I know. But as with everything else in marketing and customer interaction and indeed, business, without a plan, you’ll flop about aimlessly and miss some golden opportunities. So before you even begin creating your QR Codes, get your team together and brainstorm how your customers could potentially use them. Get with your marketing/graphics/IT department to determine where you will store all of the created tags, your naming conventions and who will have access to create and distribute tags. Will your customers benefit from engaging you through QR Codes? QR Codes aren’t for every business in every industry. Some businesses will benefit far more from the traditional logistics uses of QR Codes than from the marketing uses. That’s fine. Do what benefits your customers and they will love you for it.
2. Business Cards – Every business card has a front and a back (sometimes they call me Captain Obvious). Many times the back of your business card is blank. By including a QR Code on the back of your card, you can direct your customer to your website, send an SMS with your contact info, add your contact info the the customer’s smartphone (depends on the reader), or even use the smartphone as an actual phone and have it call your phone number.
3. Vehicle graphics – Please be careful with this one. We don’t want to encourage people to be using their smartphones while they are driving. However, QR Codes on vehicles can still be a really good idea if your vehicle is parked much of the time in a high pedestrian traffic area.
4. Trade Show Displays and Banner Stands – I love attending trade shows. What I hate is all the stacks and stacks of papers and fliers I get from all the vendors. Why not have a QR Code in your booth that takes the visitor to a website where they can sign up for info to be sent to them. You can track how many people scanned the code, how many people took whatever action you wanted them to take, and how many leads you got from those folks.
5. Learn how other industries are using this technology. Let’s start out here: the city of Manor, Texas. And then we go to Winter Park, Colorado to see how they integrate QR Codes to inform skiers and snowboarders of current conditions. And now mosey on over to Microsoft Tag Reader site to check out their showcase of how they envision their tech being used.

QR Codes have great potential for business to consumer engagement. How are you using QR tags?

Credit: Signarama Evansville

10 Ways To Use QR Codes On Signage

Is Website Design That Important?

By Luanna RodhamAh, a website–the greatest marketing tool of the 21st century! Some small business owners believe all they need is a website. It doesn’t really matter what the colors look like and if it’s easy to navigate. It should be enough just to have a website that displays your product, right?Not necessarily. Research shows that a potential customer will come to your website up to seven times before they actually buy your product. Colors and navigation in this situation do matter. The tips below show how important website design really is.

Effective Website Design Tips to Improve Your Online Sales
The first thing to keep in mind is to have a fast loading website. One fact I found being in telecommunications is that many folks only still have 56K internet access at their homes. The majority of them feel they have DSL or T1 service at work and only need 56K service at home for checking emails and light surfing. The next is to steer your customers to your order page. Do not place a bunch of useless links nor clutter your site with unnecessary text. Give your visitor the needed information to make an educated decision to purchase your product and/or service and steer them to your order page. You also need to offer an opt-in email to capture names and emails of your visitors. This enables you to follow up numerous times and get them to return at a future date to place their order. This is the cheapest and yet the most effective way to advertise!
- Bruce Galle getting started online expert

3 Tips to Make Your Website Sell
I’ve seen some pretty awful websites. Color combinations that made the text impossible to read; navigation buttons that change from page to page; pages that start talking or play music as soon as you open them (with no way to adjust the volume or turn it off!); and pages crammed full of tiny text (and ads) in wall-to-wall boxes — these are among my pet peeves! My three tips for solo and small business owners: 1) If you are selling a product, your page should do just that…and ONLY that. Don’t fill up your page with links that take visitors away from the one action you want them to take: to buy your product. 2) For non-sales pages on your site, keep your navigation simple and consistent, and use white space liberally. You don’t need to fill every available spot with an ad or link! 3) Buy, and read, the book, “Don’t Make Me Think,” by Steve Krug. It’s a fun, lighthearted book with seriously great website layout advice. You’ll never look at your website the same way again! Don’t Make Me Think — A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability
- Terri Zwierzynski self employment expert

Design the Correct Website and Increase Your Success
Website design comes in many shapes, colors and forms. You should plan your type of design according to the website, theme and outcome you wish to achieve from your visitors. Some sites easy navigation is most important, in others the overall look. But what is a must to creating or designing a site requires an understanding of website design. Even better than understanding it is to do it yourself! Learning how to create successful websites without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars will put you ahead of most competition. It really isn’t that hard when you use new web 2.0 easy to follow courses based on video. You can do it! Why make it harder than it is. Take a look at The Website Design Success Video Package!
- Kenth Nasstrom affiliate marketing expert

Get Inside the Head and Heart of Your Visitors
The best website designs get inside the head and heart of the ideal visitor. Work with your website design company to create a profile of your perfect customer. Describe who that person is – their gender, education, socio-economic level, interests, problems, etc. Once you capture the essence of this person, you will gain a sense of what they want and how you can engage them in your message. Pictures and testimonials that show benefits received through your products and/or services are likely to be particularly effective. This is where a video or flash presentation can be extremely advantageous.
- Ruth Kuttler web design expert

Website design is important in attracting and keeping potential customers. The above experts have defined how to format your website for success. By following these tips, your website will be able to increase profits in your business and provide you with success in your field.

Luanna is a Virtual Assistant and Staff Editor for IdeaMarketers. She helps small business owners save their precious time by taking care of the basic needs they have to keep their businesses up and running.

Luanna Rodham may be contacted at http://www.LuannaRodham.com or Luanna@LuannaRodham.com

www.maderweb.com

Is Website Design That Important?

Lifetime Engine Warranty on Used Cars

Ray Hutson Used Cars has just announced one more great reason to shop and buy your next used vehicle from Ray Hutson----nearly every vehicle on our lot comes, at no extra cost to you, with a limited Lifetime Engine Warranty.

We understand the concerns many people have when shopping for a used vehicle-----

1. Has it been well maintained?
2. Will it be dependable?
3. How do I know something major won't fail and result in a huge expense?

Ray Hutson Used Cars | Used Cars in La Crosse Wisconsin | Lifetime Engine Warranty On Used Cars

That's why we have obtained the exclusive right to offer this special warranty coverage. "Extra peace of mind at no extra cost to you."

Administered by Western General and backed by Protective Insurance Company, this plan covers all internally lubricated parts of the engine in the event of mechanical failure. It is valid throughout the United States and Canada at any Authorized Repair Facility. There is also a rental reimbursement provision in the event your vehicle is tied up for repairs.

The owner's obligation is simply to maintain the vehicle in accordance with the recommendations provided by the manufacturer and to be able to supply proof of all maintenance activities in the event of a claim.

Additionally, if you desire to expand the warranty coverage on your vehicle beyond the engine, we will be able to provide an additional discount on the purchase of a service contract on vehicles carrying this Lifetime Engine Warranty.

Stop in today, give us a call, or shop at www.rayhutson.com to see the exciting vehicles we have to offer.

The Ray Hutson Sales Team is ready to assist you with the professional service you've come to expect from Ray Hutson.

http://www.rayhutson.com/

Lifetime Engine Warranty on Used Cars

Ray Hutson Used Cars ties Web site to Billboard advertising

Ray Huston Used Cars in La Crosse recently started a campaign using their Web site in other conventional advertising. They are featuring their site in television and outdoor advertising.

They have segmented their inventory by monthly payment allowing customers to view only the cars they qualify for. Customers, when viewing the listed vehicles can tell they qualify for all vehicle in the list.

Promoting their Web site in off-site advertising generates traffic to their Web site allowing it to become more effective and in turn driving more traffic to the showroom.

www.rayhutson.com

Ray Hutson Used Cars ties Web site to Billboard advertising

Cascading Style Sheets CSS. What an Efficient Concept.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) uses two broad concepts to create web pages. It defines the layout and it defines the fonts.

Layout:
Using CSS margins, padding and borders in CSS you can build the framework for the site. Prior to widespread use of CSS the only way was the use of tables. Tables were not meant for layout but many designers used tables to layout the pages into many different ways. Nesting tables inside one another created hard to manage code. A table for layout was wide spread on the Web including site such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. It was the only way. Even after CSS was introduced, many browsers did not fully support CSS.

Fonts:
Prior to widespread support for CSS, a page would be covered in tags. It was difficult to find the actual content and an inefficient way to build and manage a page. With CSS content is separated from the layout. All the fonts, links and colors are defined in the CSS code and then applied to the entire site.

All CSS in external files:
Linking an external file now made changing a site easier. Each HTML file contains a link to the external CSS file. Changes made in the external file (linked from the individual files) then cascaded through the entire site.

CSS. An efficient concept!

www.maderweb.com

Cascading Style Sheets CSS. What an Efficient Concept.

What PC computer security do I need in 2010?

It’s 2010 and I am afraid to use my computer for fear of infection. What do I do?

Security programs:
You need some sort of security software in place. A virus protection program is essential. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free program from Microsoft. I have used it and installed it on countless computers and it is sufficient for home users. Never run two anti-virus programs. They will conflict with one another and leave you without protection. I would also recommend a couple Malware programs to help keep intruders at bay. Any anti-malware program you run will find something on your computer (even if you run it right after you have run another). Super-Antispyware and Malwarebytes are two popular anti-malware programs I would recommend.

You can pay for a security suite but I have a problem paying for security in addition to the cost of a computer. The two major suites (MacAfee and Symantec) will cost you $50 a year or more and I have reinstalled the OS on many computers with those two in place because of nasty infections. Free programs will provide adequate protection because none of them can provide a guarantee.

E-mails:
Do not open e-mails you are not expecting or you do not know who the sender is. Never click on a link in an e-mail you are not expecting. Do not open and pass along jokes or stuff that others are passing around.

Web sites:
Do not visit Web sites that are in the following categories:
• Gaming sites
• Porn Sites

Following these simple rules will reduce the possibility of infection. You are never 100% safe. It is not a matter of if, but a matter of when you will become infected. The expectation of infection is reduced if you are using a non windows operating system. Mac or Linux operating systems are less vulnerable to attack.

www.maderweb.com

What PC computer security do I need in 2010?

I want to be number one on Google. Doesn't everyone?

Q. I want to be number one on Google. How can I do that?

A. So does everyone else in the same business. We can do a number of things using Search Engine Optimizations (SEO) that will make your site “search engine friendly” that it make it more likely to get high ranking in Google.

Relevancy is the keyword when talking about Google rankings. Making your site more relevant than your competitors is the goal. Your competitors in this case may not be your direct local competitors but they are the ones above you in the rankings.

• Other site may have been around longer making them more relevant according to Google. This is a hard obstacle to overcome for a new site.

• Other site may have more sites linking to theirs making them more relevant according to Google. This can be done by creating social networking links, blogs and relevant articles pointing back to your site. This will not happen overnight and may take up to 6 months to get good rankings.

• Google may not know your site exists or it cannot index your site. This can be remedied by using Google Webmaster tools and creating a site that is search engine friendly using text to your advantage. This will not happen overnight and may take up to 6 months to get good rankings.

There are two types of listing on Google: Organic listings and Sponsored Links. Organic listings are the ones on the left that most people use. On the right side of the page (and sometime the first few on the left) are sponsored links. Sponsored link are paid for using Google Adwords accounts. A bidding process gets your listing higher on the page. Sponsored Links may be the best way (short term) to get high listing in Google.

No one can guarantee organic rankings in Google. Run the opposite direction from anyone who states they can.

When you finally get good rankings, it is ongoing monitoring and tweaking using these methods (link building, updating and adding relevant content) that keep you there.

Mader Web Design, LLC

I want to be number one on Google. Doesn't everyone?