WHO HAS A SMARTPHONE ANYWAY?

In March 2010, the NDP Group reported that 31% of the US population had smartphones and Neilsen predicts that by the end of 2011, one in two Americans will have a smartphone.

Why is that important? Smartphone users love their phones and are looking for ways to use them. Help them out, will ya?

WHO IS USING QR CODES NOW?

Just about everyone. Here's a partial list:

• JCPenney uses QR codes for in-store coupon redemption.
• Ralph Lauren places QR codes in print ads, store signage, catalogs and mailers with access to style guides, exclusive sales and videos.
• Toyota, Nissan & Volkswagen brochures have QR codes linking to detailed information & videos.
• Pepsi bottles with QR Codes took customers to a custom landing page with unique, fun content. It went viral!
• Fans scanning Dick’s Sporting Goods JumboTron QR code, connected to a website offering discounts on purchases.
• CSI recently used QR codes as a plot twist in a TV episode.
• Hardee's QR codes offered a free fries with purchase of a burger coupon.
• Google is using QR codes to highlight “Favorite Places” in search results.
• Calvin Klein displayed a large QR code on a building launching yet another racy campaign.
• Real estate agents put QR codes on “house for sale” signs with links to additional info and virtual tours.
• McDonald’s uses QR codes on packaging in Japan that show nutritional information.
• 20th Century Fox codes connect movie posters to trailers and theatre locations.
• Best Buy has its own QR code app that provides product information.
• Starbucks uses QR codes to distribute coupons and for store locations.
• e-Diner Design & Marketing uses QR codes to help customers make the best use of their marketing dollars.

We call them e-Links.

You may have seen these funny-looking squares and wondered - what the heck?

The "heck" is a new way and effective way to make your printed material interactive. Our e-Links are Quick Response (QR) codes — two-dimensional bar codes that can be scanned by any free QR code scanning app.

When a smartphone scans an e-Link on a brochure, ad, business card, store display, etc., it automatically links the consumer to your websites, to videos, to your phone number — to just about any type of interactive experience you want that consumer to have.

Yes, you heard straight... our e-Links make printed material "linkable" — finally connecting paper to a rich, interactive user experience.

What can e-Links do?
Only your imagination and your business objectives will limit how you can use your own e-Link code. Companies have placed them in magazine ads, catalogs, food packaging, posters, business cards, e-mails, websites, t-shirts and even on the sides of buildings!

Put e-Links anywhere your customers will see them and scan them with their smartphones!

Let's look at a few options of what can be encoded into that funny e-Link square:

• A website or unique landing page
• An informational video
• Contest details and entry
• Dial a phone number automatically
• Download contact information automatically (vCard)
• Register for an event
• Get a coupon
• Receive a text message
• Listen to music soundtracks
• View a menu and make reservations
• Take a listed property's virtual tour and get property details
• Access loyalty program special offers not accessible from any other source
• See movie times and theatre locations
• Scan a store sign to purchase products,
  obtain product information and reviews

What makes e-Links so valuable?
When you place an ad in a magazine, you don't really know if you're reaching your potential consumer. With printed materials, the interaction often ends with viewing.

With e-Links, you know how many consumers are engaging in your offer because you can track their interactions.

Heard enough? Contact us and let's talk about how e-Links can help your business!