Creative QR Codes

"Scan and Print" - that's what enable us to scan and print our document fast, and while we are on the GO.

With modern technology and creative out-of-box advertising techniques, marketers have been able to put a Fast Marketing Campaign, without complex deployment.

A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data. - quoted from Wikipedia

QR code is unique as it generates a URL (for G2000), allowing the mobile users (since it's downloaded using mobile app) to create bookmark for http://www.g2000.com.sg/ss11/

Instead of memorizing the URLs, it typically makes use of graphical capturing technology of a barcode reader or camera. Mobile phone, nowadays, comes with camera - more than sufficient to cater for such needs. Making a campaign much more "enjoyable" and fun for consumers. Marketer may also require users to have a login - this, in turn, loops back to CRM (Customer Relationship Management) for loyalty and retention programme.

The challenges may arise when users do not have a "reader". QR codes may need proper tagging and categorizing by marketers to prevent mix-up.

How long can a marketer use QR codes for advertising purpose? Who's there to keep tag? What's if the barcode mis-read? Will it cause a commotion, especially for a campaign which lacks of proper control and reporting?

Side note:
Considering using a QR code on Name cards, which you can re-direct recipients to more information - Read more

Great Singapore Sales 2011

Great Singapore Sales (GSS) has finally come. This annual affair is uniquely Singapore, where the May-June period features retailers and fabulous promotions. Business owners dish out huge marketing dollars to entice consumers to make the extra purchase.

Looking at this form of marketing, GSS appeal is slowly dying. Will consumer make the purchase just because of the additional discount given?

We look at the recent crave: group buying coupons and discount phenomenon - Example, Groupon. How are they changing consumer behaviour. I look at Groupon as more of a sampling method for consumers. To advertisers, they are getting bulk sales which is ideal for new setup company to create awareness.

The pitfall for consumers come when they make purchase in GSS. Similar analogue in "Relativity and Immediate Gratification", a simple sales tactic "20% for 2nd Pair of shoes, 30% for 3rd Pair", in fact ask consumers to buy more FAST. Intentionally, discount is given but at tier level. This is good for retailers to clear their stock. Not to forget, their product costing includes shipping. With bulk order, the 20-30% is relatively covered. On top of that, they may save on warehousing since you have help to clear their stocks. Of course, all these are done with carefully planning. You do have to give credits to the merchandising department.

Create more Social Media Links

Someone just tasked me to create more social media tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn. Well, I do agree to populate the internet as these provide useful backlinks and garner more eyeballs. My only concern would be to manage them.

Operating in an Asian context, users are still skeptical on sharing their personal information online. Personally, LinkedIn offers upload of resumes, thus allowing resume search by potential employers. This is not ideal if your boss realise you are going on a job shopping spree.

To man the various new media tools require articulated use and proper monitoring. Being a user, I'm caught in a dilemma: resources management VS KPIs

When an organisation decides to embark on the new media platform, it must prepare to take on a new online identity. Thus, also allow for headcounts for such projects.