QR codes are a phenomenal tool for advertisers. Enabling businesses to directly connect with consumers and engage them like never before has proven that QR codes are the wave of the future. The versatility of the code itself is remarkable in that it can be used for just about anything. Text, video, website – the possibilities are only limited by a users imagination. As such, these little black and white boxes aren’t exclusive to marketing endeavors. They can also be used to tell a story.
Occoquan is a small town in Virginia. It is a rural town with a population of less than 800 people. It would be hard to imagine that something like a QR code would end up there, but Mayor Earnie Porta has found a use for them.
Earlier this week he installed the very first in a long series of QR codes in front of the Bicycle Tea Room in Occoquan. The code is being used to tell the history of the town. Scanning the code brings the scanner to the Occoquan Historical Society website where anyone can find information and pictures of famous historic events. Each code will have information on a specific event or location but users are free to browse the site at their leisure.
According to Porta, this is the best way to show the towns’ historical culture. Monuments and signage can be expensive and could clutter the already small town. The QR codes are an unobtrusive means to connect the residents and visitors with the heritage of Occoquan.
The total cost of this campaign was $5. Over the next few months, Porta will display more codes around the town.
