A hot trend in mobile technology is QR, or "Quick Response" Codes, which are two-dimensional bar codes that can be scanned by cameras on a web-enabled device like a smartphone or tablet to automatically pull up websites, forms, documents, photos, videos, audio, and more. QR Codes can also add calendar events, contact information and digital business cards to another person’s address book, as well as initiate phone calls and text & SMS messages.
They were originally created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994 to track vehicle parts in manufacturing, but the practical uses today are nearly endless. Now, there are other similar types of codes such as Microsoft Tags and JAGTAG, but this post will focus specifically on QR Codes.
How to create and scan QR Codes
Perform a Google search for the term “QR Code generator” or "create QR code" and you'll find hundreds of websites to create QR Codes. I recommend Kaywa because it is quick, easy and free to use. iCandy is a bit more robust, helping you track scans and perform advanced analytics – but it's more involved and probably not great for those just starting out. Several QR Code reader apps can be downloaded for free to any smart phone or tablet. Search for "QR Code" or "barcode scanner" in the application store of your phone or tablet and you'll find several of them. I use RedLaser and Google Goggles and they both work great.How can a roofing contractor use QR Codes?
- You could include a QR Code on your brochures, door hangers, yard signs, or even on your service vehicles that, when scanned, launches a 30-second commercial, a customer's video or audio testimonial, or even an online form to request a roof inspection or repair work.
- You can put QR Codes on printed proposals, in articles, or on trade show materials that launch a video blog explaining the benefits of a certain product or roof system, how warranties work, or the importance of roof cleaning and maintenance to help communicate more effectively than you could in print. Please visit YouTube.com/RoofPal for examples of video blogs.
- A QR Code could be printed on a sticker that you place on a roof hatch so the building's maintenance professional contacts you directly when there is a leak, when the roof requires cleaning or maintenance, when it might be time to evaluate re-roofing, or even so they can access basic information about the roof warranty. The same can be done with refrigerator or garage door magnets for residential roofs.
- Try putting a QR Code on your business cards to make it easy for people to upload your contact information into their phone.
- At trade shows or networking events, you could put one on your name tag that takes them directly to your LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ or Twitter profile to make it really simple to connect online right there while you are talking to them.
The bottom line is that QR Codes are still new enough that not everyone is using them... yet. If you begin integrating them now to engage with customers and make contacting and dealing with your roofing company easier, you will be ahead of the curve and will have the opportunity to generate additional revenue in a very inexpensive - if not completely free way.
If you have any questions about using QR Codes in the roofing industry, or would like help developing and implementing a QR Code strategy, please contact me any time at RoofPal@gmail.com.
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Great post Chris. We just started using these for some applications, internally and externally and these were some great ideas.
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