#qr code fail

[osservatorioqr]

@bolso, qui bologna

[marketingshmarketing]

Another 10 epic QR code fails

Hey! It’s been almost a month since the last post. But don’t worry, Marketing Shmarketing is back from vacation and ready to hunt more marketing fails. 

Two months ago we posted 12 epic QR code fails and everyone loved it. Who wouldn’t laugh at a plane with giant QR code attached to it? A very positive feedback from fans showed the need for sequel (maybe after that I’ll post another sequel, then prequel, then reboot (like they do in Hollywood)).

 #1. Why ruin a perfectly good e-mail with a regular link when a QR Code will do just fine?

Here’s a response for those defend this “marketing” idea. Imagine those guys who get this email and read it using smartphones or tablets. Think. What do they need in order to scan a QR code? A camera, right? And where that camera is? It’s on a back of the phone. Where is the QR code? It’s on the screen, a.k.a. THE FRONT OF THE PHONE. Camera on the back, QR code - front.  See the problem? Remember - a QR code is an alternative to a link click. Just put a link in your email.

#2. Impact your world. Stop using QR codes.

A: “Jeff, I don’t think viewers will understand what they need to do here”

J: “What are you talking about? It clearly says - “Scan here”. It’s fine”.

A: “No, it’s not. The call-to-action here is too weak. We need to add another one. NOW”.

J: “But there’s no space”.

A: “NOW”

#3. 404 - marketing not found

Rear of the bus is a perfect spot for a QR. The smaller code - the better. Amazing marketing idea. 

#4. Using QR codes for the website that does not support mobile devices - genius!

#5. Finally, a perfect place for a QR code

#6. Let’s put QR codes on billboards in the freeway.

I bet the numbers in the report of this “marketing campaign” are solid. 3 QR code scans, 27 deaths. This billboard actually reminded me of this fail.

#7. Uh, what? A cookie?

The taste must be terrible.

#8. A poster underground with no mobile signal. Yeah.

Your perfect job search will end the same way as your underground QR scanning: in a dead end. 

#9. QR codes all the way!

This got me an idea. A lottery. Only one QR code is lucky, others contain a link with virus-infected website. Grand prize - a T-shirt with QR code.

#10. Houston, we have a problem.

No, I take my previous lottery idea back. This one is better! Let’s see who’s the lucky one to scan this code.

Follow Marketing Shmarketing on Facebook, Twitter.

[osservatorioqr]

Un QR code attaccato a... una porta mobile automatica. Cattivissimi!

[qrcodelols]

First class use of QR codes in The Square Mile - London

[thatsocialmediablog]

This is wrong......

[thatsocialmediablog]

[qrcodesareawesome-blog]

Many marketers have a really bad case of shiny object syndrome, when it comes to using QR codes. There are many ways to completely fail with these codes. For starters, all QR codes should be tested and go to a mobile-friendly landing page. There are plenty of other big mistakes marketers are making. Learn more here.