Social media is universally recognizable. More people are connected to some form of social network than ever before, partly due to the expansion of mobile technology. The extreme popularity of social media sites has never been more apparent to businesses that are beginning to adapt to a changing world, both socially and technologically. Now social networks have become a popular venue for marketing campaigns, particularly those looking to capitalize on interactivity through the use of QR codes.
Radisson Edwardian, a prominent hotel chain in the UK, is one such company incorporating social media into its marketing efforts. Earlier this year, Radisson introduced QR codes to their new menus, allowing their guests to scan the codes for detailed food information, recipes, and even allowed them to order room service via their mobile device. The initiative was met with success and the company now has a new plan that will expand its use of the codes to social media.
Called “Hotel Champions,” the campaign tasks the hotel’s staff with actively promoting social media activities, such as “checking in” via Foursquare. Staff accomplish this task through a variety of means, but most prefer to include QR codes in some fashion. The codes link to the various social network presences Radisson holds and guests are invited to make posts therein. Every month, Radisson executives meet with the staff member that has had the most success in promoting social media in the attempts to get feedback on the campaign and learn what else could be done to drive people to the hotel’s social sites.
Radisson will continue the campaign and will likely expand the use of QR codes to give guests more opportunities to interact with the hotel socially.
