Japanese advertisers take notice of the effectiveness of NFC technology
Public transportation is a popular form of travel in large cities. The reasons people favor public transit are numerous, ranging from financial concerns to convenience, but its popularity has not gone unnoticed by marketers. For years, marketers have utilized public transportation as a way to reach out to a large number of consumers. As more of the consumers make use of mobile technology, marketers are beginning to adopt mobile marketing schemes to reach these consumers. In Japan, NFC technology has proven itself to be a popular marketing tool.
Shunkosha introduces Strappy
QR codes have been popular in Japan for many years. Though the codes will likely always hold favor in the land of their birth, Japanese marketers are beginning to implement NFC technology to reach out to mobile consumers. Shunkosha, a printing and technology development company in Japan, has introduced a new product dubbed Strappy to the country’s network of overland trains and subways. Strappy is a type of hanging handle that is common in many trains. Unlike conventional train straps, these are equipped with NFC chips.
NFC-based advertisements able to connect with large number of consumers
The NFC chips that are embedded within Strappy can be programmed to link to a variety of content that can be useful to consumers. Using NFC-enabled mobile devices, consumers can activate this content. In this way, consumers will be given immediate access to a wealth of digital advertising materials from companies that have launched mobile marketing campaigns. Shunkosa began testing the NFC system last month in many of the country’s train networks. The company claims that NFC-based ads used with the system have already connected with a large number of consumers.
Shunkosha believes the use of NFC in advertising can be expanded beyond public transportation
NFC continues to grow in popularity as a marketing tool. Shunkosha notes the merits of the technology, such as its ability to engage consumers in a seamless and quick manner, and believes that its use can be expanded throughout Japan.
