10 Basic QR Code Ideas for Tradeshows

Posted by CSW Corp on Aug 29, 2011 in Blog, Featured, Portfolio | 0 comments

QR codes are starting to pop up everywhere including trade show exhibitor booths. When used properly they can generate traffic and engagement opportunities for company staff. Don’t simply place a QR code somewhere in your exhibit that is linked to your company website. Consider QR codes as a marketing campaign and have specific objectives.

Recent experiences from several shows indicate that successful QR code use means making sure the basics are covered first.

1. Have clear objectives for using QR codes such as:
- grow your email list
- increase Likes to a company Facebook page
- increase blog subscribers

2. Know your target audience. Tech savvy attendees will understand how to scan QR codes but for others you may be required to give a demonstration. Make sure your staff knows which QR code reader apps are best for different phones. Here is a handy guide: CSW Corp Recommended QR Code Readers

3. Make sure the landing page linked to QR codes is optimized for viewing on a smartphone. Make sure all exhibitor booth staff have a smartphone to demonstrate how to scan a QR code.

4. Provide useful and valuable incentives after attendees provide information such as their email address:
- download company material instead of loading attendees down with print material.
- demonstrate a product or service with video
- enter a tradeshow contest for a valuable give away

5. Track QR code use by setting up the links so that “clicks” are counted during the tradeshow. A simple way is with bit.ly which also shortens long URLs.

6. Display the QR Code in an easily accessible exhibit booth location, ideally about 12” x 12” in size. Place it about head height with no barriers and print it in black ink on a white background. Smartphones need to be able to recognize the code.

7. Include a Call to Action such as “Scan me to win” or “Scan for a product video” and print it above the QR code. Tell attendees what to expect when then scan the QR code.

8. All exhibit booth staff wears name tags with QR codes that link to specific company information and place company business cards with company name, web address and QR code. The QR code is linked to a show experience on video. The web address is already on the card so link the QR code to an experience that lives on after the tradeshow.

9. Provide qualified attendees a useful but inexpensive branded promotional product with a QR code imprint. Reusable non-woven bags are a good choice or branded emery boards anyone can slip into their purse or pocket. This is an example of integrating company outbound tradeshow marketing with tangible marketing.

10. Focus on the value of one to one engagement. Use QR codes as a tool to provide information to attendees and not try to convince them to engage using a smartphone. Staff your exhibit booth with friendly professionals to represent your company and engage future clients.

 

Scott F. McFadden, Ph.D. is President of CSW Corp.