I’m not yet sold on QR codes, but I’m warming pretty quickly. QR codes are huge in Japan, but in places like Europe, America and Australia, they are still just scratching the surface… Well that will be the case until Google rolls out their new “Google Favourite Places” program for local businesses around the world, starting with over 100,000 local businesses in the US placing new “Google Favourite Places” QR code sticker in their windows as a trial.
The aim is, for people walking by to be able to scan the QR code, and instantly see detailed business information, pricing, reviews, recommendations and the like. Plus, it looks like they are creating a coupon feature (available directly under the QR code reviews) which would have a profound impact in converting passers by into customers.
Click here to check out the Google Favourite Places website.
Basically the URL embedded on the QR code is going to redirect to a proprietary google website.
I swear some people are as dumb as a stack of bricks.
Yes QR codes are a good idea, yes they should be more widely adopted, but go create your own free QR code leading to your own website instead of sending people to a proprietary website that google will want to start charging you for in a few years.
BTW in case you’ve been living under a rock and dont know what QR codes are about feel free to check out http://www.Cognation.net/QR for a “60 second Overview” to bring you up to speed.
Cheers,
Dean
Businesses sticking QR codes in their window as a trial?? I assume these are going to be pretty big so you can snap a shot on your busride home or something …
It just seems ridiculous to me to scan a window and viewing text on my iPhone to figure out if the store suits me or not – if I’m already there. Why not just go inside?
Love how Google is still using traditional print direct marketing to reach the businesses, coming from an online company!
Thanks for posting this Aden. This could be quite powerful for restaurants and cafes. Nick, just say you are walking down a street with 20 restaurants and one has this in the window where you can see some glowing reviews, that might just be the reason that you decide to go there. My wife can be quite indecisive when it comes to food, at least this way I could say “come on honey, 10 people say it is good here”.