Catalonia trains become host for a new QR code campaign
Train goers in Catalonia, Spain, are beginning to see more QR codes pop up around them. The codes have begun appearing on trains throughout the region, encouraging travelers to scan them with a smart phone and access free content. QR codes are somewhat common in Spain as a marketing tool, but consumers have been shy to embrace the barcodes because of their unfamiliarity. Consumer interaction with QR codes is highest when they can receive something of value. As such, the new codes appearing on Catalonia trains aim to take advantage of this mentality.
Random House teams with Spanish government to promote reading
The codes come from publisher Random House. The expansive publishing company has teamed with the Catalan Government Railway to promote the Spanish Department of Culture’s National Reading Plan. The initiative aims to promote reading throughout Spain by providing citizens with access to literature and other printed works. In many cases, these works can be obtained for free. This is the case with Random House’s QR code campaign and the publisher expects to see a great deal of interest from Catalonia residents.
Twenty books available as part of Spain’s National Reading Plan
Random House is offering a selection of 20 books for those that scan the train-bound codes. The books include studies on sleep disturbances, self-help and political commentaries and cover genres from mystery to fantasy and everything in between. When the codes are scanned, smart phone users are directed to a mobile website where they can find and choose one of the available publications. The books are available for download or as a physical product, which can be delivered to a chosen address in Catalonia.
Random House will continue participating in the National Reading Plan for the foreseeable future. The publisher believes that QR codes will be useful tools in promoting the initiative. This may be true considering the popularity of QR codes in marketing and information distribution. Over the past few years, consumers have shown interest in interacting with QR codes that offer discounts or access to free products. Random House believes that coupling this trend with the National Reading Plan will produce favorable results. Depending on these results, the publisher may expand the reach of its QR code campaign to areas beyond Catalonia
Article: QR codes begin to appear on trains in Catalonia, Spain
Article Source: QR Code Press
Author: Jorge Gonzalez
