The Sawyer County Record has just announced the inclusion of quick response barcodes.
The latest addition to the Sawyer County Record will be the use of QR codes within its business directory, in order to help to enhance the paper in yet another step toward the digital world.
These barcodes will be used to bring the print paper together with the virtual universe via smartphones and tablets.
Readers will be able to use their mobile devices in order to scan the QR codes that are printed within the paper in order to access the digital content – primarily websites – that is relevant to their location in the newspaper. Within the Sawyer County Record, they will also provide opportunities for deals, special sales, and other unique features that advertisers would like to offer consumers.
QR codes are very commonly found in print media such as newspapers, magazines, and billboards.
This newspaper will now be selling ads to organizations and businesses who wish to make this type of offer to consumers through a simple scan from mobile devices. This type of mobile marketing is becoming increasingly common as print media works to keep its advertisers and draw new ones who may not otherwise have considered print.
David LaPorte, the Record sales manager explained that “With over 50 percent of web searches coming from a mobile device these days, this code will allow a user to scan it and take them directly to business websites.”
It has recently been estimated that in the United States alone, there are approximately 20 million QR codes scans occurring every day. This figure is only expected to rise as the penetration of smartphones continues throughout the population . This offers a tremendous opportunity to advertisers and to print media that would like to link the real world to the digital universe.
There are considerable benefits to using QR codes in advertising. Not only are they exceptionally inexpensive to create and to use, but they also open up a small amount of ad space into a virtually unlimited amount of available content and information. This can include formats that would never be possible in print, such as video and audio.
Retailer embraces mobile commerce
HomeShop18, a leading online and on-air retail venture in India, has partnered with the Delhi International Airport to introduce its latest initiative, called the Virtual Shopping Wall. Virtual shopping has become a breakout phenomenon in the retail world. With the number of consumers with mobile devices on the rise, retailers have had to find new ways to engage these people. Because mobile consumers are always on the go, a virtual store could be the ideal way to engage consumers in mobile commerce wherever they are.
Virtual Shopping Wall now open at the Delhi International Airport
The Virtual Shopping Wall has been installed in the Delhi International Airport and features products offered by HomeShop18. The retailer believes that mobile commerce has become a major hit in India and elsewhere. Consumers have shown a great interest in using their mobile devices to shop for and purchase products that they like and HomeShop18 is working to position itself to take advantage of this growing trend.
QR codes used to sell products
Anyone with a smart phone or tablet can make use of the Virtual Shopping Wall. All of the products associated with the virtual store feature their own QR codes. When these codes are scanned with a mobile device, these codes direct consumers to a mobile website where they can purchase the products linked to the QR codes. The codes have long been a powerful marketing tool, but have recently become more prominent in mobile commerce throughout the world. QR codes are quickly establishing themselves as ideal tools for virtual stores and have been used in such initiatives in the past by other retail companies.
Retailer takes steps to ensure mobile commerce is enjoyed by all
HomeShop18 is not simply following a trend it has seen emerge in the retail industry. The retailer has invested heavily in the research and development of its mobile commerce pursuits. Other companies that have taken steps to incorporate mobile commerce services have experienced some complications in their endeavors. HomeShop18 is keen to avoid the pitfalls associated with mobile commerce and has been working to ensure that it can provide the best possible experience for consumers through its Virtual Shopping Wall.
