How a Beverage Coaster can drive traffic to your Website. The QR Code!

The QR Code is ALIVE, ALIVE!

Our graphic design team here at the Coaster Factory has noticed a huge increase in requests for QR Codes to be imprinted on bar, restaurant and other promotional coasters. Yes, we often get the request from beer companies, but we also get the request from a wide spectrum of customers beyond the beverage industry. Real estate, insurance, medical, financial, government agencies, hospitality & entertainment industry, travel brokers, and retailers are among the growing list turning to the use of QR codes on their coaster designs. Customers who order drink coasters are realizing that QR codes on coasters are an easy way to tie their traditional marketing methods into the new digital landscape. The rapid growth in smart-phones means more and more customers have the power of the Internet at their finger tips almost everywhere they go. By having QR codes printed on your beer coaster, you can make it easy and efficient for your customers to interact with your business’s website.

You thought the QR Code was dead, didn’t you. Admit it. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. QR codes have reported their largest growth spike ever in the last year. Survey’s abound are popping up showing how brands are engaging their customers in the ever changing digital realm, adding value to marketing initiatives delivered through mobile channels, fast becoming the most preferred channel among consumers.

Marketers love QR codes printed on their custom coasters and other advertising pieces because it gives them the ability to measure response rates allowing for easier ROI (return on investment) calculation, which helps justify spending on marketing budgets.

A QR Code is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data. Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR stands for Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. (Definition courtesy of Wikipedia)

According to reports available online, Quick Response (QR) codes are gaining fast acceptance among consumers in North America and around the world, especially for consumers aged 18-44 years who make up nearly half the scan audience. These days, it feels like no matter where you go, everyone is using a smartphone. More than half of all Americans are smartphone users. Analysis of the source and location of QR code scanning revealed further insights into how consumers are interacting with this marketing tool. The most popular source of a scanned QR code was a printed magazine or newspaper, with nearly half scanning QR codes from this source. Product packaging was the source of QR code scanning for 35.3 percent of the audience, while 27.4 percent scanned a code from a website on a PC and 23.5 percent scanned codes from a poster, flyer or kiosk.

ScanLife Q1 2013 Mobile Barcode Trend Report reveals very exciting statistics about QR Code scanning activity. http://www.scanlife.com/en/trend-reports

One of the BIGGEST benefits for marketers is that the QR code is FREE to create.

All you need is a QR code generator and a website URL to point to. However you decide to use QR codes, make sure you have a clear goal in mind, a location that makes sense, and a call to action that will get your customers to take out their smartphones, scan your code, and take action!

Once scanned by your mobile device, such as a smartphone loaded with a QR scanner app, you find yourself seamlessly ported to a digitally enhanced customer experience. The payoff for your scanned efforts sometimes can be special coupon offers, or loyalty reward or any number of intelligent interactions.

“Consumers have become conditioned to getting things at their fingertips and QR Codes enable the coupons and deals that appeal to be easily accessible,” said Justin Amendola, vice president, global SMB digital strategy, Pitney Bowes. “Whether you are a local bridal shop or a multinational packaged goods brand, QR codes are a measurable new marketing tool that’s gaining traction with consumers.” ~ from a report on the 2012/13 QR Code Use in the United States and Europe.

Here area a few suggestions when using QR codes on your next promotional coaster order:

1. Use QR Codes printed on coasters to integrate your digital and traditional marketing programs
2. Let your custom know the value of scanning the code
3. Create a mobile-friendly landing page
4. Measure and analyze results
5. Always acknowledge and thank your customers.

While the possibilities are limitless here’s some additional QR code uses and ideas to get you started. However, before creating your QR code, you will need to decide what it will convey to your customer.  QR Codes can contain numerous types of information, such as a catchy phrase, website URL, Facebook ID, coupons, event details, product details, and so on.

• QR codes are also used at trade shows and in conferences all the time.
• Billboards, outdoor signage, In-store displays
• Give away FREE music with purchase of Wine or Beer
• Event registrations, ticketing and tracking
• Coasters, Brochures, flyers, newsletters, e-mail blasts
• Special coupon offers and Contests
• Community event display tables (health fair, chamber functions)
• Custom logo adaptations
• Company vehicles
• Customer/patient feedback and satisfaction survey on receipts and checkout papers
• Directional signs, maps, event info boards
• Email signatures, business cards, name tags
• Direct-Marketing campaigns
• Generate Facebook Likes using QR Codes or other social media connection
• Inside signs, posters, labels
• Journal and publication articles
• Launch a podcast
• Links to patient education or how-to videos
• Online advertisements or special web pages
• Print advertising (newspapers, magazines, direct mail)
• Product data, specs or user reviews on displays and/or labels
• Product reorder or service recall schedule
• RSVP on event direct mail
• T-shirts, clothing
• Windows, showcase, reception area displays
• Sponsoring a sporting event or music festival? Place QR codes on event banners.

QR Code mobile videos - an engaging and compelling media piece:

If you are in marketing, have you tried a promotional campaign that uses a digital response video? Are you thinking that this might be a fun tactic for you to try at your business? Here are some suggestions...

1. Technical videos
2. Customer testimonials
3. Fun facts videos
4. How it’s made videos
5. Product benefits videos
6. Do It Yourself Videos

​Here's a link to an Online Social Media YouTube Video QR Code Generator.

Coaster Factory is North America’s premier beer coaster manufacturer, providing exceptional service and the highest quality custom coasters printed on premium European pulpboard.

High Quality, Coaster Printing, Colors & Materials: Our offset presses print FULL color (CMYK) on BOTH sides of your coasters (spot color is available). Not only do Coaster Factory's authentic European Pulpboard coasters effectively absorb spills, they’re lightweight, firm, and look great too!

Great Prices: We offer competitive pricing on any size coaster order, from 1,200 into the millions! We have standard value pack pricing for most common quantities and can provide quotes for larger or customized orders. Have your artwork, logo, picture or design printed full color on both sides with many size and custom shape options.

Fast Delivery: Need your coasters quickly? Whether your order is large or small, you'll receive your custom coasters fast. We offer standard as well as GUARANTEED RUSH production options (extra fees apply).

Your brand is the most powerful tool in your toolbox and coasters are a unique, useful and cost effective way to promote your product or message. The biggest brands have known this for a very long time!