10 Ways To Use QR Codes On Signage

White Horse Pike Signarama

For the purpose of this article, I’m going to use the phrase ‘QR Codes’ to encompass all mobile tag readers. Technically speaking, QR Codes (see image at left) are a black and white ‘Box Code’ (think: Bar Code but with boxes instead of bars). QR Codes were created by Toyota and have been popular in Japan for centuries (well, since 1994, but that’s practically centuries in techy years). QR is the acronym of Quick Response. Check out the Wiki article on QR Codes for more geek history.

Thus, I will use ‘QR Codes’ to also refer to Microsoft Tags which is a color version (below) of the QR Code technology providing much of the same functionality. Who will be the dominate creator and distributor of mobile tags and the readers that support them? I don’t know. What I do know is that the development of this technology is an exciting step in the two way communication between businesses and consumers.

Before we get started, you should probably install a couple of the code readers on your smartphone. I’m a fan of Microsoft’s Tag Reader which you can find by searching your relevant App Store. It’s handy to have the MS Tag Reader plus at least one of the pure QR Code Readers on your device because I haven’t seen a reader that can scan all of the QR Code technologies effectively.

On the consumer side of things here are my top five practical ways to use QR Codes on signs:

1. Real Estate – For signage, this is probably the current most common use of QR Codes in the United States. When shopping for homes or property be aware of any QR Codes that are on the real estate signs. This could take you to information on how to contact the realtor, in depth info of the house (360deg walkthrus, interior pics, etc)
2. Coupons and special deals – A favorite of retail stores and bars. 10% off your purchase is always a welcome thing. Look for these coupon codes at the entrance of the establishment on windows, sidewalk signs, or yard signs.
3. Shopping – Especially for electronics, shopping is enhanced by QR Codes. Check out this blog article on checking reviews via scanning QR Codes at BestBuy. Point of Sale signs or Point of Purchase signs can also use QR Codes to educate the shopper about other products that are similar or other items that are supplemental to the products they are looking for.
4. Public Transit – Evansville, Indiana, is a woefully inadequate city when it comes to public transportation. However, QR Codes in subway and train stations, bus terminals and shelters, and airports, could be used for information and entertainment while you are waiting for your ride.
5. Events, Zoos, Museums – Want to see videos on Pygmy Hippos? Scan the QR Code accompanying the basic information sign at your local zoo. At the next festival or sporting event you attend, check out the QR Codes that will likely aid in providing information about your favorite team or band.

Business Card with Microsoft Tag

For businesses, you have a special responsibility to cater to the ubergeeks as well as the casual users on the lookout for QR Code specials and information. Here are 5 practical ways you can use QR Codes for your business signs.

1. Develop a plan – Uggh. Boring, I know. But as with everything else in marketing and customer interaction and indeed, business, without a plan, you’ll flop about aimlessly and miss some golden opportunities. So before you even begin creating your QR Codes, get your team together and brainstorm how your customers could potentially use them. Get with your marketing/graphics/IT department to determine where you will store all of the created tags, your naming conventions and who will have access to create and distribute tags. Will your customers benefit from engaging you through QR Codes? QR Codes aren’t for every business in every industry. Some businesses will benefit far more from the traditional logistics uses of QR Codes than from the marketing uses. That’s fine. Do what benefits your customers and they will love you for it.
2. Business Cards – Every business card has a front and a back . Many times the back of your business card is blank. By including a QR Code on the back of your card, you can direct your customer to your website, send an SMS with your contact info, add your contact info the the customer’s smartphone (depends on the reader), or even use the smartphone as an actual phone and have it call your phone number.
3. Vehicle graphics – Please be careful with this one. We don’t want to encourage people to be using their smartphones while they are driving. However, QR Codes on vehicles can still be a really good idea if your vehicle is parked much of the time in a high pedestrian traffic area.
4. Trade Show Displays and Banner Stands – I love attending trade shows. What I hate is all the stacks and stacks of papers and fliers I get from all the vendors. Why not have a QR Code in your booth that takes the visitor to a website where they can sign up for info to be sent to them. You can track how many people scanned the code, how many people took whatever action you wanted them to take, and how many leads you got from those folks.
5. Learn how other industries are using this technology. Let’s start out here: the city of Manor, Texas. And then we go to Winter Park, Colorado to see how they integrate QR Codes to inform skiers and snowboarders of current conditions. And now mosey on over to Microsoft Tag Reader site to check out their showcase of how they envision their tech being used.

QR Codes have great potential for business to consumer engagement. How are you using QR tags?

Taking the Mystery out of LED

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a semi-conductor device which converts electricity into light. LED’s have been around since the 60s, they are cheaper to operate than flourenst and neon.
LED lights are tougher and more damage-resistant than other lights. Also, LED’s aren’t subject to flickering. There are numerous reasons why you should consider them for your home or business:
• They use 90% less energy than neon
• Individual LED’s are considerable more cost efficient and last longer than incandescent or fluorescent lighting
• They don’t typically burn out as traditional lights do; instead they gradually decrease in light output
• Average life span is 50,000 hours and deal extremely well with frequent on/off cycles
• They are non-heat producing
• Low energy consumption
• Long life
• Durable
• No infrared or UV radiation. (UV attracts bugs)
• Safe and environmentally conscious. (LEDs contain no mercury and do not produce heat)
• Fully dimmable
• Range of color available.

Warranties tend to range from three to five years depending on the manufacturer. If you have questions or concerns about installing them, feel free to stop by our store at 34 So. White Horse Pike, Somerdale, NJ 08083

Vehicle Signage – It works!!!

Vehicle Signage: A Powerful Marketing Tool

Using your vehicles to advertise your business or organizations makes sense. It gives

value for money with a high visibility in the community. Your vehicles become moving

billboards. And they work. You will get noticed.

The whole point of advertising is to get the message out to the people who need your

products and services. Television, newspaper, direct mail and radio are the traditional

ways of increasing your brand awareness. But this is changing. More and more the

internet becomes a tool of choice and it is cost-effective with the ability to reach many

customers. And so is adding vehicle wraps, lettering or magnets to your vehicle.

Sometimes a full wrap is not needed to have impact and get attention! A partial

wrap, vinyl lettering or a combination of both, with the proper design can

accomplish the intention of bringing attention to your business.

Apart from the obvious benefits, vehicle signage will enhance your business in many

ways:

 Vehicle graphics turn your vehicles into valuable assets. Wherever they go your

name goes with them – through the suburban and city streets or out on the

highway – people are everywhere.

 Vehicle signage is cost-effective. Though the upfront costs may be higher, think

of it as a long-term investment in your business. Then there are the tax benefits;

and, not to mention, the advertising benefits.

 Any branding increases community awareness and your business will have an

increase in inquiries that you can turn into sales.

 On-car signs last for a long time (so make sure it looks good) and are visible 365

days of the year with no ongoing costs if the vehicles you use belong to you.

 Vehicle signage has a huge range of options from small magnetic signs to full

body vehicle wraps.

Vehicle Signage: A Powerful Marketing ToolUsing your vehicles to advertise your business or organizations makes sense. It givesvalue for money with a high visibility in the community. Your vehicles become movingbillboards. And they work. You will get noticed.The whole point of advertising is to get the message out to the people who need yourproducts and services. Television, newspaper, direct mail and radio are the traditionalways of increasing your brand awareness. But this is changing. More and more theinternet becomes a tool of choice and it is cost-effective with the ability to reach manycustomers. And so is adding vehicle wraps, lettering or magnets to your vehicle.Sometimes a full wrap is not needed to have impact and get attention! A partialwrap, vinyl lettering or a combination of both, with the proper design canaccomplish the intention of bringing attention to your business.Apart from the obvious benefits, vehicle signage will enhance your business in manyways: Vehicle graphics turn your vehicles into valuable assets. Wherever they go yourname goes with them – through the suburban and city streets or out on thehighway – people are everywhere. Vehicle signage is cost-effective. Though the upfront costs may be higher, thinkof it as a long-term investment in your business. Then there are the tax benefits;and, not to mention, the advertising benefits. Any branding increases community awareness and your business will have anincrease in inquiries that you can turn into sales. On-car signs last for a long time (so make sure it looks good) and are visible 365days of the year with no ongoing costs if the vehicles you use belong to you. Vehicle signage has a huge range of options from small magnetic signs to fullbody vehicle wraps.

Our truck

Why Do I Need a Sign for my Business?

“Why should I have a sign?” is a question often asked by business owners. The answer will vary depending on your business type and format. In a highly impulse oriented business, good signage can be the difference between the success or failure of the business. The profile of your trade area also impacts your signage needs.

Happy 2010!

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2010. I just wanted to show a picture of our work in progress truck wrap, which is quite amazing. Todd has done a great job with the design and installation, and I am very excited to start of the new year with our new wrap. Please let us know what you think.

Have a great new year with your families and friends, and I hope to see everyone after the new year. Make 2010 the best possible year for you and your businesses and consider a wrap, or other advanced signage to stand out from your competition. We can help!

Give us a call at (856) 627-5352, or visit www.signarama-somerdale.com. Have a great 2010!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a great holiday. We here as SAR want to wish Camden County a very Merry Christmas, and an even better New Year. Make 2010 the best year ever for you and your businesses!

When the new year comes, please keep in mind that signs, banners, and vehicle graphics can be the most cost-effective way to advertise any business.

Have a great holiday season!

Some Vehicle Graphic Statistics

Here are some quick statistics that we have compiled from some vehicle graphic research sites and venders. This is to show how effective vehicle and mobile advertising can be for your company. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (856) 701-1719 or visit www.signarama-somerdale.com.

Mobile advertising can be the most effective and efficient form of outdoor advertising, reaching more consumers at a lower Cost Per Thousand Impressions (CPM) than any other form of outdoor advertising.

More than 95% of Americans are reached by media targeting vehicle drivers and passengers.

 

The average American has traveled 302 miles in the past 7 days.

 

One vehicle wrap can generate between 30,000 – 70,000 impressions daily.

 

Federal Highway Administration study forecasts a sharp increase in the amount of time spent in personal vehicles and the number of trips per household.

 

Fleet vehicle wraps are ideally suited for various types advertising campaigns, including new product launch, and event marketing and are increasingly being used as part of the marketing mix.

 

Fleet vehicle advertising boosts name recognition 15 times greater than any other form of advertising.

 

30% of mobile outdoor viewers indicate they would base a buying decision on the ad they see.

 

Transit advertising has grown to be the second largest segment of the outdoor advertising industry in terms of dollars spent (as of 2003) representing 19%. The Outdoor Advertising industry has nearly doubled since 1993 from $1.19B to $2.09B in 2003. These numbers continue to grow each year.

 

Eight out of ten Americans report they have walked in a town, city or downtown area, on average 6.1 miles in the past seven days. This pedestrian traffic represents a significant reach opportunity for advertisers.

Please let us know if you have any questions, please give us a call!

Post and Panel Signs

Post and Panel signs are perhaps the most cost-effective and widely used signs in the commercial market. They are simple, durable, come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and can be easily installed.

Post & panel signs are generally not internally illuminated but can be illuminated from the ground or from other sources of light. Extruded aluminum components can give the signs many design options and make a wide variety of post configurations possible.

Most post and panel signs carry vinyl lettering. This is the most cost-effective type of post and panel sign. However, three-dimensional lettering can also be used if more character and elegance is desired in the appearance.

Post and Panel signage is a great opportunity, if you are interested, please visit www.signarama-somerdale.com or give a call at (856) 701-1719. Thanks again!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy thanksgiving! Have a banner weekend!

Vinyl and Digital Print Banners

The custom Digital Print BANNER remains one of the most economical signage systems available in the market today!

As the workhorse of the commercial signage industry, custom vinyl banners remain one the most versatile and durable forms of indoor and outdoor signage. From the simplest “For Sale” sign to the most complex four-color hi-resolution photographic banner, The White Horse Pike Sign A Rama has the experience to design, print and finish, and install, any shape or size your message or promotion requires.

If you are considering vinyl banners for your trade show exhibit, wayfinding graphics program, weather-resistent outdoor use, backlit or 2-sided application, special event or a construction site venue or any other signage program, you’ll want to partner with an experienced sign company with the know how that can get exactly what you need printed, finished and installed or delivered to you.

Use our imagination to spark ideas

Spark your imagination with a few of our other signage product products including, floor graphics, window graphics, construction signage, light pole banners, street signage, event graphics, trailer and vehicle graphics, wallscapes, and building wraps.

We make your banner projects easy

If you need some cost figures to get your vinyl banner project started, please call us for more information, or visit our location at 34 S White Horse Pike in Somerdale NJ. Call on our experience and expertise by dialing (856) 627-5352 or visiting our website at www.signarama-somerdale.com. We’re glad to answer any questions about printing, materials and installation. You can also contact one of our sign specialists with any of your questions or comments. We can help you make the most of your vinyl banner ideas and concepts.