The Pros & Cons of QR Codes

This week when presenting my group project Public Service Announcement campaign, which we included a QR code on our print flyers, we received the feedback of "isn't using QR codes dead?". This question made me wondering, are QR codes really ineffective in advertising or are they still viable to be used. I know personally, I see QR codes all over products. There is no limit for where QR codes can be used. 

Pros

• QR Codes are now well-known and simple to use. The audience simply has to take a picture through their app.
• The codes usage can be tracked. You can see how effective you product or ad is. You know how many consumers are scanning and using your codes. 
• Opposite to this is if you only offer a number for your audience to text, you may face some concerns of your audience worrying about charges. Although it is not as common anymore with unlimited phone plans, some people may not want to use their texts. They may also not want to give out their phone number to continue to receive unwanted messages in the future. 

Cons

• Sometimes they just do not work, you need to know your target and sometimes it is a matter of trial and error. 
• People just don't use them, they are easy to use but they may not have the app installed or it is still a reality not all people have smartphones. 
• The codes are misused and put in places where people can not reach them, take the time to use them or even WiFi. 

In my opinion, I can fully see the side of why QR Codes are not quite as popular as they once were. I think there are certainly more creative things which can be done to have more information, or linking on creative ads. I also believe everything goes back to your audience and if there is room to test out and do the proper research, you will find how your audience will be most receptive. For my own group campaign, I believe we could further our creative campaign with augmented reality. In relation to our campaign, this would be an additional feature to utilize and get the audience interacting and looking for more information. 

Print & Media: Are They Different?

This week, I was reading for fun with a fictional book. I came to find out that this book, which may be geared more towards the late teens/early 20's because at the end of most of the chapters, there were hash tags which related to the events of the chapter. This was new and pretty interesting for me to see. The hash tags are attempting to create a community of readers where they can connect on Twitter and even Facebook. It is logical to think that the audience which is loyal to  the author or series, then they are more likely to look up or even tweet with the hash tag. Readers can see what other readers have to say about the chapter and can create a connection through this.

How Do They Differ Anymore?

More and more we are seeing the two forms of media come together, print uses digital to compete to keep up with the times. Social media is growing continuously and can be incorporated in various ways to other media. This use of social media expands my already held knowledge. I have seen hash tags used in magazine ads and different transit ads, but never in a book I have read. SO, my question is, how do the two forms of media differ anymore. They are not separate but melding together in a way. I think it is also important to note that with the changes in technology, the way we read original print media is now different than it once was. 

People have nooks, kindles, tablets, apps and smartphones in which reading is small and portable for on the go reading. We can now  read the newspaper online, magazines and so much more. So where will this lead? We can not even read a book without being reminded of digital media and social media. 

Is Mobile Really A Second Screen?

This week I was reading an article on Bloomberg Business Week about the major increase our society is spending on mobile devices versus watching television. This article shares that on average, a person is spending 2 hours and 48 minutes on their mobile device a day. The distinction is above the time distinction spend watching television now. On average, 177 minutes is spent on a mobile device and 168 minutes watching television. In my opinion, I believe the gap is going to increase between time spent on both technologies. So, is mobile really what marketers call a "second screen'?

Mobile Versus Television

Typically, television is referred to as a first screen in which marketers can reach consumers. Mobile would be called a second screen marketers can reach their consumers with ads and messages. With the large growth seen in time spent on mobile, will it take over the first screen slot. I believe that this distinction will stay the same for consistency sake, but mobile is clearly beating out reaching consumers on the television. With the technological advances we have seen within just the last year or two, watching television or videos on your mobile device is easy and portable. Consumers may start to choose to watch through their smartphones rather than directly through a television. Alternately, I have noticed that if you visit some regular station websites to watch videos, such as CBS or ABC, you must confirm your television provider to receive the videos. I do believe people will continue with television providers for reasons such as this. 

What Should Marketers Do?

As mentioned in prior posts, it is always imperative for marketers to know where their consumers are spending their time. If you as a marketer know your target is spending a significant amount of time on mobile versus television, then advertising more on mobile will be more effective. It is interesting to see how this trend is growing right in front of my eyes. Only a few years ago I personally did not have a smartphone, or even a cell phone in general. Now I look around and practically everyone is on a smartphone...and for a majority of their time. I see how my younger cousins can be glued to their devices even to just play games with each other. This concept is already so different from when I was their age and they were much younger. If marketers are trying to reach consumers my cousins' ages, then mobile will certainly be worth it. 

Bloomberg Article mentioned: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-11-19/we-now-spend-more-time-staring-at-phones-than-tvs