QR Codes, or “Quick Response” codes have been around for a while, but what can they really do for a corporate video?

What are QR Codes?

QR Codes are two-dimensional black and white images (similar to a barcode) that can be placed absolutely anywhere, such as on a poster in your library, printed on a product’s tag, or in an advertisement in the newspaper – the possibilities for placement are endless. They can perform an array of actions from saving contact data, sending a text message or email, opening up a webpage, or even sending someone directly to a video online.

How do They Work?

QR codes are similar to barcodes in their functioning: once you scan the code, information is extracted and sent to a device. One typically scans a code with the camera on their smartphone via an application and this will perform the desired function, be it a link to a video, song, coupon, etc. It’s probably worth mentioning that as of today Android-based come with a QR reader built in but most iPhone and Blackberry users will need to download a free reader app.

How long have the codes been around?

QR codes have been in use for over 15 years in Japan, and have been widely utilized throughout Europe for several years as well. QR is actually a registered trademark of Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota.  However, Denso Wave has elected not to exercise their patent rights, thereby encouraging their widespread use. It was only within the past few years that they became an integral part of North American companies’ overall strategies.

How can QR codes be used for marketing?

Of course, a QR code can direct a user’s attention to anything viewable via smartphone, but we believe in directing to your audience to a well-made corporate video (we’re a bit biased). By placing them anywhere, you can provide your audience with access to it via many mediums and outlets, both traditional and non-traditional. Print ads, trade shows, business cards, posters, direct mail, coupons or even company vehicles are all ideal places QR codes can be used for marketing initiatives.

How can I use a QR code?

QR codes are simple and cheap to create, track, and adapt…especially with help from online generators and tracking software. They have become more than just a way to send potential customers to your companies content, as new advances in the design of QR codes has allowed individuals to customize color, shape, angle and some even have company logos in their center. These possibilities allow QR codes and corporate video to bring about brand awareness simply from their visual appeal. Check out more innovative uses for QR Codes.

Their Use In Corporate Video

Companies know that videos capture attention at a much greater rate than text or even still images can. That is why they hire professional producers to create influential videos that will showcase their company in a positive light. But what good are those videos if they do not reach a large enough audience, or do not reach their target audience?

QR codes and corporate video provide the possibility of capturing that specific market which individual companies are seeking, in a quick and affordable manner. With the ability to put QR codes on basically any product you wish, you can help clients target audiences in certain locations like

• Advertisements on niche websites
• Business cards
• At your place of business
• Specific brick and mortar locations
• On a product or service itself

QR codes in well-thought-out locations can send that targeted audience to their corporate video, and gain the attention they would have not otherwise received.

As a production company yourself, utilizing QR codes for the promotion of your own service is also a benefit. It allows you to promote the work you have done to help other companies stand out, by showcasing links to recent work or to a landing page of past projects.

There are many other uses for QR codes that companies can build on after or in conjunction with a corporate video, including:

• Fast access to information
• Social networking abilities
• Direct downloads
• Data transmission
• Tracking and analyzing the effect of a campaign

When linking your QR code to video, it’s important to make sure that it’s properly formatted for smartphone use. Ensure that the video has an appropriate file size and is easily viewable on a smartphone. The length of the video is also important, as many people tend to watch much shorter videos on their phones, as opposed to their computers.

Other Benefits

QR codes don’t need to be used solely to link to a video, they can also be incorporated into videos. This can be incredibly useful for tracking your viewership and audience patterns, as in the case of Dynomighty:

What is so amazing about being able to track every scan of the QR code in real time is that I can see exactly at what minute our ads ran, and get a quick read of the ad’s effectiveness on a particular time slot, channel, or audience. The YouTube video ad, by comparison, is much more random and spread out over time as viewers discover the ad organically throughout the day.

The performance of the QR code was something that I wasn’t sure was going to get a lot of actual scans, but it was definitely going to be cool factor which would be a nice reflection on our company and our innovate products. What I didn’t expect was that it was going increase our mobile user traffic to 26%

Read more at: How to use QR Codes in Video Marketing and E-Commerce Video Marketing

Remember, every marketing strategy works best when it is customized for a target audience!