The results are in and I'm disappointed. I was hoping that QR codes would draw a more diverse audience. But, it's fairly clear that it will take time – unless, of course, the next shiny new product comes along and does a better job.
The ideal audience for using QR codes is… young and male.
Although men and women report equal awareness of QR codes (77%), men who are aware of them are 75% more likely than women to have used one (28% vs. 16%) to access product information, according to survey results released in February 2012 by BrandSpark International, in association with Better Homes and Gardens. Looking at age groups, 18-34-year-olds (85%) display the highest awareness of QR codes, with 30% of those having used one. 35-49-year-olds are next, with 80% having heard of QR codes, and 23% of those respondents having used one.
The good news is that 77% of survey respondents are aware of QR codes. Awareness is step one. But, overall, only 19% of those people have used one.
Have you used QR codes in your marketing communications? Tell us what results you've had.
Every year, during Fashion Week in the fall, the Pantone Matching System (PMS) unveils its "Color of the Year" for the following calendar year. In 2012, that color is TANGERINE TANGO.
“Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy. ”
Even though its color selection affects the fashion and home decor industries, Pantone is still considered the resource for all things color. In the marketing communications world, PMS colors are used to determine a brand's color palette. So, when Pantone comes out with 175 new colors, as it did this year, that's big news.
The challenge in using trendy colors for marketing communications purposes is longevity. What's hot this year may be stale in a year. If marketers choose Tangerine Tango as part of a new product, service, or business brand identity, it's important that the color matches the brand personality.
What do you think of these new colors? Do any of them resonate with you? What type of brands (products, services, or organizations) would be good choices for any of the colors?
















