I am well aware that by posting this blog entry I will be revealing a personal fact about myself — and that is I am a big fan of Little Caesars pizza!
Along with enjoying the taste, I also benefit from its convenience and cost. Whenever I am working on my house during the weekend, there is nothing better than being able to drive to Little Caesars, order a pizza that is then handed to me within 20 seconds, pay $5 for it, and then get back to working.
That scenario played itself out this past weekend. But what excited me more than usual this time is that I spotted a QR Code on the outside of the pizza box:
While I certainly applaud Little Caesars for using QR Codes to make their packaging and printed materials interactive, I’d also like to share a few possible tips that will help them improve their efforts to reach the mobile audience.
1. Provide some incentive/instructions near the the QR Code
There is no indication on the box as to what the QR Code points to, or why someone might want to scan it.
Of course, that may create a curiousity factor for a small group of people. It did for me, and I learned that I was directed to the LittleCaesars.com website.
However, to increase the number of scans, there absolutely should be some sort of text near that QR Code that educates and encourages people why they should take the time to scan the QR Code.
2. Direct the QR Code to a mobile website
The QR Code directed me to the normal, desktop-based website for LittleCaesars.com.
While I was able to tap and zoom to see the different elements on their page, it certainly wasn’t an ideal experience on my iPhone.
If they need any help resolving that situation, I’d love for them to check out our iFlyMobi product >>
3. Deliver more relevant value to the mobile user
While I certainly think the QR Code should point to a mobile website, I also don’t think it should point directly to a mobile version of their home page.
Rather, Little Caesars should direct consumers to something that’s a bit more targeted to them, but that would also deliver value for the business.
For example, people that are most likely seeing and scanning that QR Code have just bought a pizza. Thus, what value is there really and sending someone to the website homepage?
Perhaps a better idea would be to direct someone to a mobile form where they could enter their email address or cell phone # to opt-in for Little Caesars newsletter, or perhaps some other sort of loyalty program.
Moving Forward
I hope that you (even if you don’t work for Little Caesars!) find these tips helpful! I know that I have made many of the mistakes mentioned above on our own marketing efforts in the past. But I truly think those simple steps can help to help to improve one’s mobile marketing efforts.