The Next Generation Of Tech-Savvy Agents Use QR Codes – Are You?
by Real Estate Zest on October 21, 2010
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Guest article by Terence Richardson of Atlanta Real Estate
If you aren’t using QR codes in your business yet, don’t worry, most agents aren’t yet either but that’s about to change soon. What is a QR code? Simply put, a QR code is a bar code that when scanned by a Smartphone camera will direct people to a destination. The most common destination is a website link but it can also be a text or SMS message or a phone number. Another way of looking at it is that a QR code is a way for you to serve information to people on their mobile phones and devices.
There are many ways of implementing QR codes. Each method should have a little blurb on how to use the technology and instruct people with Smartphone’s that they’ll need a QR reader application. So far, every major Smartphone brand has one (Blackberry, Android, iPhone, WindowsPhone, etc). There are a plethora of new QR Code services sprouting up around the Internet with comprehensive tracking abilities and so forth. These tools and resources range from being free to requiring a monthly membership at a cost. The good news is, you can get started with the technology for free and use free resources to track everything while you decide if you’d like more comprehensive reporting.
Some of the best current implementations of the technology are:
1. On Yard Signs – Picture the following: a young tech savvy couple pull up to a listing in their car and want more information about the property. They see the QR code with brief instructions on how to use it. They point their phone’s camera at the QR code, use their QR code app and snap a shot. Instantly they are brought to a mobile version of your listing’s website and retrieve all the information you wanted to share about the listing. A good resource for creating mobile-friendly versions of your listings is http://www.Vyoo.it. With Vyoo.it, you will quickly and easily optimize your listings for mobile access and the service is free.
2. On Business Cards – This is a trend you’ll see more and more for agents who want to differentiate themselves in their market place adopt. Having a QR code on the back of the card that links to your website or another online resource will set you apart as a tech-savvy agent.
3. Printed Marketing Material – On printed material, you have an opportunity to add a whole new level of richness and potential interactivity to your business. On property flyers, you’re already giving them the nuts and bolts about the listing. A QR code could enhance the flyer by linking them to a virtual tour or neighborhood video introduction on YouTube where you have a chance to connect with prospects and brand yourself further. Direct mail pieces are another media that could benefit from having a QR code that links to a video introduction as well. It’s all about creating relationships with people and video is a great way to create an instant connection.
While there are countless other ways to implement the technology, these are the most common ways agents are doing it today. How do you feel about the technology? Is it something you’ve implemented successfully? Share your thoughts!