We have been seeing more and more QR codes popping up on signs, windows, packages, and even magazines and tabletops; it’s time to see how we could use QR codes in the Monterey Bay.
They are not new, just new to the United States. Japan has employed QR codes for years, and Europe was next. They are going to be used here extensively, so let’s stay ahead of the curve!
QR codes are 2 dimensional, scannable bar codes. QR stands for “quick release” as in quick release of information. We are used to having our groceries or purchases scanned, right? QR codes take it a few steps further, and the possibilities are impressive. I think of it like having access to computer information no matter where you are. Your smart phone
is your computer.
Smart phones in the future will be sold with scanners built into them; for now they can be downloaded from app stores. You point your scanner at a QR code, and it reveals whatever its owner/developer wants to share with you: a web page, an item for sale, information about a person, place or thing, a video, a calendar, directions, phone number…it’s exciting to contemplate. I can see them aggregating individual information; all your online information in one place. Your vital statistics on a card that when scanned can help your health provider treat you, no matter where you are, and in an emergency.
Back to business. Exploring a few ways QR codes could help with tourism, there are some intriguing thoughts offered here:
Points of Interest
QR codes could be implemented with location-based areas around Monterey. A simple map of local wineries comes to life with QR codes; a quick scan could provide a video of the winery, directions, coupons, and even a quick ‘buy now’ to place an order. (Local limo drivers could place a small ad there to offer a tour!)
Get a free Monterey Bay Insider App! Download from iTunes today; search for Monterey Bay Insider.
Monterey is rich in history: We could include QR codes in touring maps of Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey History and Art Association, the Old Adobes, and more. Visitors could scan any of our important landmarks to learn more about this beautiful bay. Whale watching guides could show their awesome videos of hump backs close-up, and get people in the boat!
Art galleries could have QR codes on a map, in their window, and in art magazines, increasing their reach multiple times over.
Tourism
We could bring our area to life using QR codes. How hard would it be to have posters in other cities with codes that reveal videos of the Monterey Bay? People planning vacations, weddings, and corporate events would appreciate it and you can engage them so much earlier in the decision-making process.
Entertainment and Education
Schools and tourists alike could participate in fact-finding games around the Peninsula, with local businesses sponsoring events. This has been done successfully in Central Park in Manhattan and Moscow, for example.
Commerce
With a QR code on the storefront, business owners could sell or showcase products around the clock. Small businesses too; with the new capability to pay securely by smart phones (which the use of is growing every month), in other cities tourists are used to typing what they are looking for into their phone’s browser whether it is for pizza, coffee, or a hotel. You can sell them what they want and the transaction has taken place before they arrive.
Your storefront QR code could state that there are coupons, or random giveaways set up in the QR. Like an instant contest.
Print Advertising
Virtually any client you have, should have a QR code in print. It gives the client an opportunity to share more with their audience. Maybe the QR code reveals a recipe; it could also include alternative options for people with restrictions.
Musicians
An idea here; local musicians could have posters placed with QR codes linking to their gigs, a free track download, and more.
Professional Services
A QR code on your business card is invaluable: it could reveal a list of services, your bio, a click-to-call feature (for people on the road), a link to your website, your Google Places page, testimonials – you get to decide.
Products
There are already wineries with QR codes that include tips from the winemaker: pairings, tasting notes, etc. QR codes have been placed on objects for sale; this is a great idea for re-used items, as the product’s history can be shared.
QR codes can share samples before buying. As mentioned above, listening to music tracks can help in the purchase cycle. Restaurants can offer the promise of free samples to get people in the door.
Real Estate
People could scan a QR code outside of a home they like and get an instant virtual tour; agents could alternatively place them in a brochure, national magazine, or in their office window. Imagine a potential client thumbing through a real estate magazine when they are not neara computer, yet they can instantly have access to information and to a realtor.
Another thing we like is the scanner itself; you just point the camera and it does the job.
No more texting! These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg, QR codes will do a lot for the Monterey Bay.
How to Get a QR Code
It is not hard to get a QR code, however, after researching, there are different types of codes. To start off, you probably want to have a custom QR code that sets you apart. Ours has our logo in it for branding purposes.
You also need to know how you want to use the code. Do you want the person scanning the code to learn more about you, your service, or simply to call your business?
Please call Nika Bleu Marketing at (831) 595-0589 or contact us here to set up your QR code. You can access this and implement it immediately. And you do not need a website. You won’t regret it!
