Mobile Marketing Plus Local Marketing

10 Ways to Use QR Codes at Parade of Homes Event

  

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You may have seen these funny little codes on anything from wine bottles to sides of trucks. What is their purpose?  You might think they are replacing the old bar code on consumer products, but they are actually a powerful marketing tool.

Think of the QR Code as a virtual connection between the customer and information you want to share with them.  A way to access the internet from printed materials.

Using QR Codes at your Parade of Homes event allows the home to be the expert.  They assist the new home marketer in telling the home's story. It creates interaction between the home and the visitor and keeps them interested longer. The more you educate the visitor, the better chance they become a buyer.

Here are some ideas of how you might use them in your next Parade of Homes or Showcase event. I would not suggest you use them all at once!

Ways to use QR Codes at Your Parade of Homes Event

1. Showcase subs and affiliate members - Place QR Codes at areas where your sub-contractors did their finest work.  Maybe a code on the heating system that links to a video that explains the functionality and benefits of having this system in the home. 
2. Place in all print advertisements - If you use an event map and booklet that shows each home, place a QR Code next to each home and link to a video with a welcome message from the builder.
3. QR Code for each home - Place a large code at the door that links to a mobile website for the builder, showing bio, contact information, images, and anything else you want the public to know.
4. Use for voting - Create a mobile webpage to collect votes for each home. Direct visitors to the voting station where you have the QR Code posted.
5. Highlight options - Place a QR Code on various items in the home, such as flooring and cabinets, and link to mobile web page that shows additional standard options for the item. Could also show upgrade options.
6. Showcase custom features - Place on a unique custom item, such as a fireplace mantel, and link to a video of how it was produced or the process used by the artist.
7. Show warranties - Place QR Code on appliances and link to any warranties or key features.
8. Use for promotions - Create a code to be linked to a mobile webpage that enters the person into a special drawing or giveaway.
9. Create walking billboards - Create an event commercial or announcement and link to a code that can be printed onto hats and shirts. Wear at public events 2 - 4 weeks before event.
10. Create mobile billboards - Create a large temporary magnetic sticker with QR Code and place on vehicles.  Link to commercial or promotional give away - or both.

Make the Most of It

As with all marketing there needs to be a plan.  A QR Code marketing plan for your Parade of Homes is no different. Here are some things to consider from the beginning of your planning sessions.

• Make sure your QR Codes are linked to mobile friendly pages. Might be a video, form, or webpage. People will be viewing from phones so think small screen.
• Educate your staff that will be at the homes on how customers will interact with the codes and how it will benefit the users.
• All uses should be coordinated and planned.  Don't use all the ten suggestions above at once!  That would really confuse your visitors.
• What are your expectations? Do you want greater interaction with visitors? Or maybe using to gather marketing lists or as an educational tool. Know why you are using QR Codes in your marketing plan.
• Show those that are afraid of technology how easy it is to use.  QR Codes are one of the simplest tools they will ever use. It is simple point and click.

Share any stories you might have with using QR Codes at your events. I am thinking the possibilities are endless!

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Sandi Sturm sits on the board of the Mat-Su Home Builders Association in Wasilla, Alaska and is co-owner of Alaskarama Web Marketing and MobilePlusLocal. Her team created the Online and Mobile Marketing Plan for the 2011 Fall Parade of Homes event.