Oct 5, 2011
I am sure you have noticed QR codes on real estate signs, flyers, and business cards. What you probable have not figured out is what good they do. In general marketing with QR codes provide what should be an easy and effective way for those with smart phones to navigate from the real world to the digital world. Scanning a QR code is a one way ticket to any digital media we desire. While it is an easy way to give customers information what does the marketer really get out of spending time building content and providing QR codes.
Building content for Marketing with QR codes
Maybe real estate agents have not realized that QR codes require creation of specific content to be used most effectively. Remember QR codes are only scanned by a mobile platforms like cells phones. So content specifically designed for the smaller screen size must be created. This is time consuming and can cost a good deal of money.
So, is it worth the time and money yet? In a recent study 14 million U.S. Adults scanned a QR code in July 2011. That is only 6.2% of the total mobile phone market. Just the tip of the iceberg. While usage is relatively low, it is high enough to use QR codes if the implementation cost can be kept at a minimum.
What’s in it for the Marketer ?
The real estate industry is a numbers game. The more people you talk to, the more business you do, and the more money you make. It all started with talking to people. Our customers are unique in that 90% of them go with the first person they talk to. Makes the game simple if you think about it. So when it comes to Marketing with QR codes, agents are losing out. They are losing out because QR codes kill a great way to talk with new clients. If we provide a way for customers to get all the info they want with out ever talking to us, we are really making ourselves obsolete. So while marketing with QR codes can be very inexpensive it may cost you more than you think.
The REALTOR in this example needs to get something out of providing all this info. A name, phone number, and email address at the very least. If you don’t have that info you can’t follow up to see if the prospect has anymore questions. A lot of REALTORs want to use QR codes to eliminate the sign call. I have even seen signs that have nothing bet a QR code on them. If no body calls, how do you make the sale? Just hope they find your email address somewhere?
Turn Marketing with QR codes info lead traffic
The goal of QR code marketing should be to create leads. Either by capturing demographic info or by strictly capturing contact info of the user. By simply redirecting the user to an HTML form we can capture that info and send the user to the info they have requested. Then we can follow up and make sure they got the info and it was exactly what they hoped it would be. By asking for users to give up their name and email we have a way to follow up with them for more info. Maybe we can sell them the house we have listed, or help them find another one. The potential for a transaction from QR Code marketing will sky rocket if this is done effectively.
No such thing as a free lunch
In a world of “give it to me now!”, and “why should I have to pay?”, we need to remember that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Lunch always cost somebody something. QR codes save people a lot of time getting from paper to the digital world. They should be willing to “pay something” for it. Giving up a name, phone number, and email is a very small price to pay. Especially for those who are really looking to buy a home.
Quick Links to Other QR code Info
About Ed Neuhaus
Broker and founder of Neuhaus Realty Group. I started working in real estate as soon as I could push a lawnmower and help clean up investment properties for my parents. Investing in real estate has always been a passion and now I have turned that passion into a way to help others. Buying and selling homes for others is just one way I think I can make the world better. No sales pressure, no gimmicks, just an honest work ethic gets the job done. Let me know how I can help you. Give me a call today at 512.366.3720
