First developed in 2004 by the DENSO Corporation – an automotive group in Japan – QR codes (or, Quick Response codes) are the hot new way to advertise yourself and your listings. A Quick Response (QR) code is a 2D barcode. When the QR code is scanned by a Smartphone camera or barcode scanner, it pulls up text, images or video, or takes the user to a website.
In an era where instant gratification is the rule, QR codes represent the quickest way to connect with your clients and engage with future prospects. Immediate access to valuable information – contact information, your website link, home details, etc. – can help you be more successful.
How it works
Who’s using QR codes?
QR codes are still most popular in Japan. But as QR codes become more popular in the U.S. and in Canada, savvy marketers are finding more and more ways to use them. Understandably, QR Codes are playing a huge role in the real estate world. Savvy agents love to advertise with them because of the fast response and immediate access to valuable information they offer, with nothing more than a simple scan from the Smartphone.
QR advertising for agents
Property boxes: Instead of including paper fliers in property boxes, include a QR code right on the real estate sign. You’ll save paper and money, plus you’ll be able to offer more detailed information than you could on the flier (including photos of the listed home, a virtual tour, neighborhood specs, access to the MLS for other similar properties on the market, etc.).
Fliers: Place a QR code on your real estate fliers to direct prospects to your website. Doing this will give extra information on top of what is already on the flier – so you can show off everything you have to offer as an agent.
Direct mail newsletters/postcards: Print a QR code on your monthly newsletter or postcard to link clients back to your website. Or save money by sending a postcard “teaser” newsletter with a QR code linking to the full newsletter on the web.
Magnets: Try something new and catchy for your next batch of promotional items. Print a QR code with the phrase “Scan Me” above it on a magnet. Use the code to link people into your contact database, to your website, or your blog. Because QR codes are still relatively novel, you have a unique opportunity now to stand out – take advantage of it!
Business cards: Instead of using the same boring business card break out of the box and add a QR Code with your picture next to it. That QR code can link people to your social media sites, to your website, or directly into your contact database. (For people without Smartphones, print your most pertinent contact information – name, phone number, email address – directly on the business card as well.)
Create your own QR code
If you’re interested in creating a QR code to advertise yourself and/or market your listings, there are a number of great QR code generators out on the web. Kaywa.com is free and gives you four different QR code options: URL, text, phone number, and SMS. After deciding what kind of information you want to provide, enter that in, click Generate, and your QR code will appear.
Other QR code generators include:
Where does the QR code lead?
Of course, you’ll need a good place to direct people after they scan the QR code (or, if the QR code is the messenger, you’ve got to deliver a good message). If you’re directing people to your website, making sure you have a great landing page is key.
Learn More/Get in Touch
Website: www.CMRealEstateMarketing.com
E-mail:molly@cmrealestatemarketing.com
Telephone: 480–987–7958
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