Clicks Internet Marketing Magazine for Small Business Clicks Magazine 32 | Page 17

QR Codes Use QR code image Another thing you can do is to combine mobile marketing with direct mail by including a Quick Response (QR) code on your mailer. A QR code is similar to a barcode but it can store up to 100 times as much information as a tradi- tional barcode. The people on your mailing list can scan the QR code with their smartphones and from there, the sky’s the limit. You can use your QR code to direct people to a PURL or landing page, provide them with personalized coupons, or give them access to exclusive content. QR codes are easy to create, and they’re an especially good marketing tactic for local companies and companies with ecommerce stores. Interactive Mailers While it’s definitely a good idea to try to combine digital marketing with print marketing, you can still create interesting and compelling mailers without a digital component. For example, you might try creating a mailer with multiple folds that recipients have to open to reveal relevant information. They’re more interesting than sending a flat postcard or letter – and they can be a great way to create suspense and surprise. Another option is to create an unusual mailer that changes in some way as the recipient inter- acts with it. Here are two suggestions: 1. Use a magnetized mailer that encourages recipients to move one piece of your mailer (an attached cutout of an image, for example) and put it in a designated spot on the card. When they do it, the embedded magnet moves the object. Bonus points if you can use this one to illustrate one of the benefits of your product or service. 2. Use interesting shapes to create movement. If you’re advertising an event that includes a meal, you might have a small round envelope shaped like a plate with food showing through a window. When the customer pulls out the insert, the plate is empty, and the food is in their hand. These are just a couple of examples, but you can really get creative with this idea.