14 Minute Marketing Idea

In homage to 7 minute abs of There’s Something About Mary fame (if you haven’t seen it, there’s a video clip at the bottom, NSFW at the very end), I’m taking the 15 Minute Marketing Idea from the PADI Instructor News site and sharing a couple more ideas regarding QR codes, specifically their usage with Google Local Places. In 14 Minutes. If you aren’t completely satisfied, I’ll send you one more minute of work with QR codes.

This tip shouldn’t take you 14 minutes unless you enjoy playing with technology like I do.

What’s a QR Code?

I first mentioned QR codes briefly when I discussed Google’s failed attempt to buy Yelp. As Wikipedia explains QR Codes, they are:

… a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. The “QR” is derived from “Quick Response”, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.
Although initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR Codes are now used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users (known as mobile tagging).

Is This Really Important?

Today, maybe not so much. I live in tech-savvy Portland, frequent tech-savvy businesses and read tech-savvy publications and I still rarely see these. But if Google likes them, you can be sure they’ll become more prevalent.

If you have a tech-savvy (read: smartphone carrying) staff or client base, it wouldn’t hurt to start using QR Codes now. If you like to be an early adopter, this is your new toy.

Your 14 Minute Task

Go to the Google Local Business Center and create a profile for your business. They will walk you through the process of claiming your business. Eventually, you’ll have a Google Places Page for your SCUBA business.

(Here’s the 7 Minute Abs video clip I promised, remember the end is NSFW)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vntyaIWlbmQ