Do you use QR codes?

[William Paul]

I'm interested in how many businesses use QR codes to reach their audience with printed media.
Would you be interested in a service that creates 'dynamic' QR codes that allow you to track the number of scans, and update the destination after publishing,

 

[fisicx]

Can’t even remember the last time I saw a QR code.

 

[William Paul]

Can’t even remember the last time I saw a QR code.

That is surprising! But useful info nonetheless

 

[Ian J]

Can’t even remember the last time I saw a QR code.

Having just come back from the Canary Islands most of the restaurants out there use QR codes rather than printed menus

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Scan codes were being stuck on some international freight . Now it appears to be less I was under the impression some time ago that these codes had their day then they become famous during the pandemic

 

[fisicx]

That is surprising! But useful info nonetheless

It's probably because I don't see much printed media.

If I buy 1000 flyers and distribute locally how can the QR code be dynamic?

 

[William Paul]

It's probably because I don't see much printed media.

If I buy 1000 flyers and distribute locally how can the QR code be dynamic?

That's understandable.

This would be the value the service provides. If there's enough interest I would consider building an MVP to show it in action. You'd be able to update the destination of the QR after it has been printed.

 

[fisicx]

Postie has just delivered todays marketing junk. 7 items none of which have a QR code. Which is why I don’t recall seeing one recently.

My wife says she saw on on the back of a builders van which was pointless as she was in the car.

 

[Ozzy]

I tend to see them on every table in most restaurant I go to which as @Ian J says is for the menu and also for paying for your meal. They took off during the pandemic and I think they're here to stay in that area.
I've not seen many elsewhere although I am actually planning on using some for UKBF merchandise for some shows and events we have coming up.

 

[William Paul]

I tend to see them on every table in most restaurant I go to which as @Ian J says is for the menu and also for paying for your meal. They took off during the pandemic and I think they're here to stay in that area.
I've not seen many elsewhere although I am actually planning on using some for UKBF merchandise for some shows and events we have coming up.

Interesting perspective. Would you be interested in a solution that tracked scan analytics for the QR codes you'll be using at events? For example total and unique scans, location, device?

 

[Graham Tyers]

For example total and unique scans, location, device?

Forgive me for being thick, but I would just get the same information out of my Web server or link tracking log wouldn't I?

 

[Ozzy]

Forgive me for being thick, but I would just get the same information out of my Web server or link tracking log wouldn't I?

You beat me to it, but yes to answer your question @William Paul I would already have access to this info from my web server, or at least GA

 

[William Paul]

You beat me to it, but yes to answer your question @William Paul I would already have access to this info from my web server, or at least GA

This is a good point, you could create a QR code linking directly to your website and check GA.

Dynamic QR codes would allow for you create multiple codes and segment the traffic to track performance based on where the QR was placed.

A dedicated solution would also allow you to link to and track different destinations, for example a Facebook Page to get more likes, an App Store listing, a PDF, or an external website.

 

[William Paul]

Forgive me for being thick, but I would just get the same information out of my Web server or link tracking log wouldn't I?

You're certainly not being thick- I mentioned some of the benefits of dynamic QR codes above, in my reply to @Ozzy

Another benefit would be the ability to update the destination any time, so no need to re-print in the event of a mistake or change of plan.

 

[Graham Tyers]

You're certainly not being thick- I mentioned some of the benefits of dynamic QR codes above, in my reply to @Ozzy

Another benefit would be the ability to update the destination any time, so no need to re-print in the event of a mistake or change of plan.

I wouldn't confuse the product and restrict the market to just QR code links.

What you're proposing is a link tracking service where someone would generate a uri ( maybe as a QR code) and associate that with a destination landing page via some api or console; producing stats and information en route. QR code use would just be a tiny segment of the market.

It's something I knock together in 10 mins with half a dozen lines of code, but maybe there are folk out there relying on the functionality built into their shortcode service/email platform /sms platform/affiliate platform that might want to consolidate all their link tracking into one single place maybe?

 

[William Paul]

I wouldn't confuse the product and restrict the market to just QR code links.

What you're proposing is a link tracking service where someone would generate a uri ( maybe as a QR code) and associate that with a destination landing page via some api or console; producing stats and information en route. QR code use would just be a tiny segment of the market.

It's something I knock together in 10 mins with half a dozen lines of code, but maybe there are folk out there relying on the functionality built into their shortcode service/email platform /sms platform/affiliate platform that might want to consolidate all their link tracking into one single place maybe?

Thanks for your considered response. I agree this could be integrated as part of a more general link shortening service as the tech is largely the same. However I wondered if there was a demand for a dedicated QR code service.

 

[fisicx]

Dynamic QR codes would allow for you create multiple codes and segment the traffic to track performance based on where the QR was placed.

I’m a bit confused, in your opening post you specifically mentioned printed material which isn’t going to be dynamic. Or are you just suggesting I can change the target on the fly?

 

[William Paul]

I’m a bit confused, in your opening post you specifically mentioned printed material which isn’t going to be dynamic. Or are you just suggesting I can change the target on the fly?

Exactly, you'll be able to change the target on the fly

 

[fisicx]

That’s going to confuse people if my flyer says to scan the code to visit my website and it then sends people to the App Store.

I do get what you are trying to do, I just can’t see how useful it will be.

 

[William Paul]

That’s going to confuse people if my flyer says to sack the code to visit my website and it then sends people to the App Store.

That's true, it would be confusing if you opted to change the destination to something unrelated to the rest of the copy. That said, I feel there are cases when the ability to correct a mistake, or link to an updated version of the same resource could be useful.

 

[fisicx]

That's true, it would be confusing if you opted to change the destination to something unrelated to the rest of the copy. That said, I feel there are cases when the ability to correct a mistake, or link to an updated version of the same resource could be useful.

You can already do that. I’ve just searched google and all providers appear to have an edit function.

 

[William Paul]

You can already do that. I’ve just searched google and all providers appear to have an edit function.

The fundamental idea isn't novel, that is true. I'd mainly like to learn more about the market and gauge interest/perspective.

 

[fisicx]

The restaurant menu thing works as does a code in a shop to get offers - these can be edited and updated. Tracking visits is part of standard analytics already. So struggle to see what it is you are offering.

I did have one on my business card a while back but as I now rarely see anyone they have become redundant.

 

[Bob Morgan]

'QR Code Charades' and 'Name that Bar Code' make a great Party Game at our Christmas Party!

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Excel-Expert]

The only recent printed applications I have seen are for menus, some events posters and the NHS Covid app. As far as I can remember QR codes were basically on the way out as a marketing tool - they seem to be going through a comeback phase at the moment thanks to the covid app.

Personally, I don't use the menu ones (I don't want to faff about with my phone when I could just pick up a printed menu. I also find it easier to jump from section to section of a printed menu). The NHS QR codes I used as I needed to. I have used the odd QR code from event posters to save me typing in web addresses.

IMO - For a QR code to be worth the print space it needs to have a purpose. Replacing something that works perfectly fine (eg a menu) in its current form, is not a purpose, it is a gimmick and an inconvenience

 

[fisicx]

The QR codes to check in to a location ended up being ignored. People just pointed their phone at the code and pretended. I watched a whole bunch of people do that at a restaurant. Not one had their camera app open.

 

[Excel-Expert]

The QR codes to check in to a location ended up being ignored. People just pointed their phone at the code and pretended. I watched a whole bunch of people do that at a restaurant. Not one had their camera app open.

True, very few places actually checked anything. Strangely enough, the only place that did it with any regularity was Mcdonald's.

 

[HouseReno]

I'm interested in how many businesses use QR codes to reach their audience with printed media.
Would you be interested in a service that creates 'dynamic' QR codes that allow you to track the number of scans, and update the destination after publishing,

QR codes are such a magical thing, makes things so much easier sometimes. Love how iphones have a feature for scanning them

 

[Lion King]

I'm interested in how many businesses use QR codes to reach their audience with printed media.
Would you be interested in a service that creates 'dynamic' QR codes that allow you to track the number of scans, and update the destination after publishing,

QR codes are a bit annoying as they are not natively integrated into smartphones but you need to download a QR scanner app, so people have less incentive to use them. The basic idea about is good, but you do not seem them much more.

 

[simon field]

QR codes are a bit annoying as they are not natively integrated into smartphones but you need to download a QR scanner app, so people have less incentive to use them. The basic idea about is good, but you do not seem them much more.

No you don’t, you just take a photo of it, job done.

 

[fisicx]

QR codes are a bit annoying as they are not natively integrated into smartphones but you need to download a QR scanner app, so people have less incentive to use them. The basic idea about is good, but you do not seem them much more.

On my iPhone it’s built into the camera. No need for an app.