The approach of summer could mean big things for mobile marketing, according to Sharesquare CEO Matthias Galcia. Sharesquare is a startup based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in mobile marketing with an emphasis on QR codes. As the days grow longer and warmer, people are more inclined to go outside and adopt more active lifestyles. While they may be stepping away from the TV and magazines, they won’t be letting go of their smart phones. Galcia believes that summer will show a massive increase in QR awareness as consumers face more opportunities to interact with the barcodes.
“We’re really starting to see the market accelerate,” says Galcia. The majority of QR codes are found outside of the home, either plastered on the sides of buildings or on signage at local stores. As people venture outside, they will be exposed to the codes. Summer is also an ideal time for big concerts and movie releases. QR codes have become popular with both the music and entertainment industries, appearing in a number of marketing campaigns.
There is no doubt that QR codes have become popular in the U.S. but they still remain unrecognizable to many. The codes must also compete with NFC tags, which are a relatively new mobile technology that allows consumers to buy products via their mobile device. Galcia says that consumers will likely choose one over the other, regardless of which one may be better. The widespread acceptance of QR codes, however, is what Sharesquare will be focusing on most, Galcia notes.
