Smartphones have taken over nearly every aspect of life. More businesses are tailoring campaigns specifically targeting smart phone users than ever before. One of their primary tools in the constant struggle to gain consumer’s attention is QR codes. The black and white, blocky 2d barcodes have been cropping up all over – in magazines, newspapers and real estate signs – and are now showing up as part of the Murfreesboro Half Marathon in Tennessee.
According to race director Melinda Tate, runners will be able to register for the marathon by using the codes. “So many of our participants are wired,” she says, noting that QR codes will make it easier for runners to find out information about the marathon through online video content. “We want to make it easy, and that’s what this is all about.”
Tennessee has not been shy in their use of QR codes. They have appeared on realty signage all over the state and on flyers promoting properties. They have proven to be a powerful boon to realtors as the economic climate begins to lighten and more people begin to shop around for houses.
The codes have also been used at the Middle Tennessee Medical Center. They were first used as part of the “Built Around You” campaign, an initiative to reassert the medical center’s devotion to patient care. The hospital will also be using the codes in their upcoming heart survivor campaign.
While the Murfreesboro Half Marathon will use QR codes in all of its print campaigns, Tate has loftier aims. She wants to see the codes printed on T-shirts the runners can wear throughout the marathon.
