Are You Using QR Codes?

Earlier this week I posted a story about QR codes.

I've got one on my websites which will take you to my home page.

According to Mediapost, this is a high-tech alternative to couponing for people with good incomes:

Could It Be "Quick Response?"

According to a recent survey of smartphone users, commissioned by MGH to determine the usage of QR codes, 72% of smartphone users indicated that they would be likely to recall an ad with a QR code. A what?... an emerging technology that uses barcode-like images containing a hidden message that can be unlocked by using an application on a smartphone.

Demographics of US Smartphone Users Who Have Used a QR Code (% of Respondents, February 2011)
Demographic	% of Respondents
Gender
Male	51%
Female	49
Age
18-34	39%
35-54	48
55+	13
HH Income
< $25K	6%
$25K-50K	23
$50K +	71
Education
High school or less	11%
College/associate	26
University +	63
Source: MGH Survey, March 2011

Most respondents reported seeing QR codes on a product, followed by in a magazine or on a coupon. And they were typically used to get coupons or discounts, or to access information.

32% of smartphone users surveyed said they've used a QR code, a much higher percentage than various other previous surveys of QR usage. Top usage of those who said they've used a QR code was to secure a coupon, deal or discount (53%). Other uses of a QR code included:

• Access additional information (52%)
• Enter a sweepstakes (35%)
• Sign up to receive more information (26%)
• Access video (24%)

Reason For QR Code Use by US Smartphone Users (% of Respondents, February 2011)
Reason for QR Use	% of Respondents
Get coupon, discount or deal	53%
Access additional information	52
Enter sweepstakes	35
Register for more information	26
Access video	24
Make a purchase	23
Interact with social Media	23
Other	11
Don't know	2
Source: MGH Survey, March 2011

70% of respondents said they plan to use a QR code again or for the first time. The top usage (87%) would be to secure a coupon, discount or deal. Other desired usages included:

• Entering a sweepstakes (64%)
• Accessing additional information (63%)
• Making a purchase (60%)
• Signing up to receive more information (53%)

MGH President, Andy Malis, concludes that "... while QR code usage is... still a relatively new marketing tactic with little to no statistics about how consumers are using them... results demonstrate that consumers are embracing the mobile marketing tactic... and even those who haven't used QR codes are interested in engaging with them..."

For additional information, please visit MGH here.

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