Thursday, October 06, 2011
In today's society where the use of smartphones is rising
rapidly, more and more businesses are hoping to leverage the new
technology to market their products and services. To succeed,
businesses need to make smart technology choices that support their
mobile marketing goals. Currently, there are two major mobile
marketing technologies available: QR (Quick Response) codes and NFC
(Near Field Communication). The information below can help you
determine which is best for your business.
QR CODES
QR or Quick Response codes have become increasingly popular
within the last year. If you aren't familiar with QR codes, they
are very similar to barcodes that retailers use to track inventory.
However a QR code can hold a lot more data than a barcode can.
What is a QR code?
QR codes are those little black and white square labels that are
popping up on signs, advertisements, billboards, business cards,
and even t-shirts. People use their smartphones to take a picture
of the QR codes and then they are linked to web content and contact
information for the company. QR codes are able to quickly connect
people with multimedia content which is why many businesses are
seeing the benefits of using such codes.
NFC
NFC or Near Field Communication is a new wave of mobile
technology that is expected to have a big impact on mobile
marketing for businesses. It uses some of the technology found in
QR codes but incorporates many more options that enhance
usability.
What is NFC?
NFC is a new type of chip that can be embedded into items like
posters, advertisements, or branded giveaways. Like QR codes, NFC
chips contain information and data about a company or product,
however a smartphone just needs to be waved over the designated
area to be linked to the company; no picture need be taken. NFC
chips also allow people who have NFC-enabled phones to transfer
photos and other files to each other by simply touching their
phones together. The biggest benefit that businesses will see with
NFC codes is that people will be able to use their smartphones to
quickly (and safely) purchase products.
Which Mobile Marketing Technology Should Your Business
Use?
Both technologies are popular and on the rise. NFC is a newer
technology so all the kinks may not be worked out, while QR codes
already have been proven effective. On the other hand, NFC
technology allows the consumer to do much more than a QR code does.
It is up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide which option
is right for your business. Either way, you really ought to be
looking into mobile marketing, especially since so many of your
customers are using smartphones.
If you're grappling with all the options and steps needed to
take the plunge into mobile
marketing, we can help. Request a consultation today!
