2D Barcode Buzz

There has been a lot of buzz around mobile coupons and QR codes in the past few weeks. I wrote about 2D barcodes way back in 2008, and its nice to see a second movement in that direction Target announced a national campaign to increase mobile coupons and the use of QR codes in their print ads, Sprint followed with a similar announcement, but particularly there was the launch of a company called stickybits.

Stickybits is a new company that produces a custom 2D barcode which you can print out and place somewhere, people can then use their compatible camera phones to “attach” a message or a link to an associated page that is tied to the physical location of the Stickybit you scanned. The location based implications of this technology being adopted by businesses is very exciting.

Businesses could place stickybit codes inside their physical location and could use that to store specials and “insider-type” information about their business. They could also use the stickybit to force a “check-in” to actually take place inside their business. They could use the location of the code to prompt reward systems and loyalty programs, adding a location based and mobile aspect to their existing program.

Sure the idea that individuals could leave “stickybits” all over the place behind them as they travel, leaving notes and tips is exciting and novel. Actually pretty darn cool. But for me and my train of thought, I can’t help but see the applications of this for local businesses.

With a simple way to approach it (I will creat an account and order some stickybits and report back on the level of simplicity), local businesses can be making a valuable and big step into local mobile marketing, while reinforcing their existing loyalty programs and driving in-store foot traffic, two things that mostly signal more business. And more business is something everyone can use.