We’ve all become pretty familiar with QR Codes within the past year. What seemed to be the strangest little box with a mess of black and white lines is now being used on everything from t-shirts, signs and food products, to magazines and business cards, or anywhere else you can think of! The nation quickly went from, “what is it?!” to “where else can I use it?!” almost overnight.
Real Estate agents have caught on quickly as this cutting edge technology is helping to reach clients in the race for immediate information and to boost the appeal of their business. The question that arises, however, is: are QR Codes being used correctly?
Our Founder and President, Carrie Gable, recently addressed this pertinent question in a blog interview by Gwen Moran of The Residential Specialist. In this article, Code Game: QR Codes Can Be A Valuable Tool- If Used Properly, Carrie notes that she’s seeing agents who aren’t using QR Codes the way they were intended to be used.
It’s time to take a closer look at why we use QR Codes, how they should not be used and how they are most effective!
Why We Use QR Codes:
QR Codes...
- Effectively link up print and online marketing efforts
- Can track leads
- Offer immediate access for Smartphone users to the information they want
In the interview Carrie explains that “The goal of QR codes is to give the user what they want. So it’s important that QR codes direct interested parties to the specific page they are looking for...”
How QR Codes Should Not Be Used:
Do Not Use QR Codes...
- On websites
- On blogs
- In email signatures
“Why would I pick up my phone to take a picture of a QR code that will take me to a website that I’m already looking at? That doesn’t make sense,” explains Carrie.
- If they do not link directly to the desired information
“For example,’ notes Carrie, ‘when promoting a first-time homebuyer seminar, the QR code on the postcard or flier should link to a sign-up page on the website, not the agent’s homepage. “You need to have a clear idea what the QR code should do. Sending them to your homepage [when they want to go somewhere else on the site] does a disservice to users.”
How QR Codes are Most Effective:
QR Codes are Effective When...
- Used on flyers, postcards and other print marketing materials
- Placed on a yard sign directing potential buyers to more information on the home that’s for sale
- You understand your consumer and know that they are the type of people who would utilize this technology
- The page you are directing people to is set up for use on a Smartphone
Interested in learning more about QR Codes and how to use them to their fullest potential?
Join our FREE QR Code webinar hosted by our Founder and President Carrie Gable on Wednesday, September 14 from 2-3pm CST! You won’t want to miss out on this informative webinar by an expert in the industry!
Register now for Utilizing QR Codes in Real Estate to Capture Leads!
You can also view the full article from The Residential Specialist in which Carrie was featured!
We hope you take advantage of our FREE webinar that will help guide you in how to boost your business with this cutting edge technology!
As always, feel free to contact us at anytime with any questions or to get started using a Real Estate Virtual Assistant for all of your marketing needs!
Allie Coyle
Blogging & Copywriting Specialist
