QR – short for ‘Quick Response’ – codes are being added to agency signboards more and more. If you’ve been wondering why they’re there or what they are, we’ll explain that to you. If you’ve also been wondering if you should have them on your boards too, we’ll take a look at whether you should.
The physical presence of ‘for sale’ and ‘for lease’ boards has remained constant in the real estate industry, despite the ever-shifting marketing strategies of the online revolution.
This techno-savvy era hasn’t left physical signage untouched, however. Take a close look at some of the signage the next time you’re driving through a neighbourhood, and you may notice a small, square pixelated code—this is a QR code.
QR Codes Explained
Mobile users scan this code using their mobile device and are immediately taken to online content that contains more information about a property. The information that the code links to is all information you don’t have to print on your signage, making it less cluttered and more visually appealing. It’s one of the most direct ways to connect buyers to the information they’re looking for.
Within the real estate industry, there’s much talk about the widening gap of digital and print media. Many agencies are still trying to strike a balance in their marketing strategies between online and print advertising, and it can be a challenge.
QR works with almost all mobile devices, all you require is a QR code reader application. The most used application is i-nigma reader, to download this application go to www.i-nigma.mobi on your mobile phone. i-nigma will automatically identify your handset type, download and install i-nigma. Once you have the application installed, simply open it up and with the camera on your phone scan the QR code.
Bridging the Gap
Nelson Alexander is using QR codes as an efficient way to bridge the digital-print gap, but they’re not doing so blindly. They’re using QR codes and experimenting with NFC as a way to reach a tech-savvy audience, and they’re measuring results – noticing an increase in individuals tapping the NFC chip or scanning the QR code during OFIs on Saturdays.
QR codes allow agencies to combine digital and print advertising. It’s a win-win, because potential buyers—both tech-savvy and otherwise— have access to information and there’s not an added cost that’s passed down to the vendor.
QR Codes Here to Stay
Other agencies are somewhat slower in adopting QR codes, but their presence and popularity will likely increase. In fact, in the U.S. they’re used quite frequently.
With all that being said, will QR codes be your next marketing strategy to bridge the gap between print and digital marketing? Will you go as far as Nelson Alexander and measure results?