Print ads are a huge part of a real estate agent and brokers marketing plan. Making the most out of the dollars spent on print advertising is very important. The best way to get the biggest bang for your buck is to make your ads interactive. In today's world there are 2 major ways to get this done, QR codes and Digimarc. In this article we will explore both options and how they can improve the effectiveness of your print ads.
QR Codes
What are QR codes? They are the bar codes you see here and there that are square and comprised of a mess of shapes inside. Read more about QR codes, if you dont know what they are.
QR Code are great. They are becoming better as time moves on and more people realize what they are when they see them. They are easy to make, online generators are every where. I use http://goqr.me/ because its free and has good options to choose from.
QR Codes can be embedded into your print advertisement to give someone your vcard (virtual business card), send them a text, or even send them to another URL and more.
Digimarc
OK so you have heard of QR codes and you are feeling pretty advanced. Have you heard of Digimarc yet? They are a digital watermarking system. They describe themselves as "The Bridge from Print to Online Doesn't Have to be Square". Basically what it does is embed the "QR" type code into the digital image or ad. So its not seen by the naked eye but a QR reader will pick it up. So you can do all the things that QR does without a tacky black box. Now there are some more robust features that can be added into your costs like tracking, customization and security. An ad agency or Digimarc can help you with this product, it is not for the small marketing budgets.
Here are some examples of how to use QR and Digimarc while marketing for real estate in California.
1. Sales sheet or brochure.
2. Yard signs.
3. POS or POP display.
4. Business Cards
5. Your car.
6. Your website
7. Magazine Ads
8. Newspaper Ads
9. Snail Mail Pieces
10. Office Door/Window
