Taco Bell’s QR Code Error

Last week, I raced to Taco Bell to try their Loco Taco. A taco made from a Doritos shell. I enjoyed the taco, but not the experience after I scanned the QR Code on the wrapper.

When I took out my phone to scan the QR Code, I landed on a page that was obviously a 401 error page. Most error pages are instructional or helpful, but not this page. The page portrayed an image of a man drunk on the floor that said “You Didn’t Get Served”. Was this the right experience to see after eating a taco? perhaps since it was loco? Taco Bell and the mobile company it teamed-up with had this scan up for almost an entire week after I originally scanned it.

If you are deciding to use a QR code in your marketing mix, the lesson here is make sure it works. Test, test and test as much as you can. I sent an email to the company, but did not get a response.

New Mobile App Tool Improves Your SEO

In the beginning, search engine optimization focused solely on indexing of your website. Now your website, social media and mobile apps are just as important when calculating your organic search listings. Now from the convenience of your mobile device, you can monitor your app’s search engine rankings. You can also keep an eye on your competitor’s app activity too. App Store Optimization is the new SEO tool. Thanks to CIA Mike for the tip.

Do you know how your mobile app is impacting your organic search engine rankings?
Tech Crunch App Store Optimization Story

Tim Tebow is the Mobile Revolution

Now that the NFL Super Bowl has concluded, I wanted to look back at the Tim Tebow phenomenon. Tim Tebow is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Tebow’s unorthodox style of play and extreme faith made him the talk of the town. Opposing teams simply either underestimated his tenacity or simply where beat because he scrambled and made something happen on the field. Generally, Tim’s antics occurred in the fading moments of the game when the defense was caught sleeping.

I started thinking that the mobile revolution has things in common with Tebow. Tim Tebow represents a different style of quarterback because he rushes more than he throws. His style of quarterbacking does not generally dictate sitting back in the pocket and throwing a rifle shot out to a deep wide-receiver. Below are some similarities I see between the mobile revolution and the quaterback revolution Time Tebow brought to the NFL in 2011.

Mobile Revolution (aka your Smart Phone) and Tim Tebow are:
Agile
Flexible
Different style of play for marketers/defense
Marketers/Defense not sure how to react
Getting beat not adjusting

Are you adjusting for mobile marketing in your game plan?

Krispy Kreme QR Code

Over the holidays, I had the delicious opportunity to enjoy Krispy Kreme donuts. I noticed on their packing a creative way to use QR Codes. In 2012, Don’t Fear The Forward will be exploring how to use these mobile codes and finding out what do they really mean in the scope of modern digital marketing.

Kent Library QR Code

I was in the Kent Library recently and I cited their clear use of QR codes. Those little black and white cubes keep popping up everywhere; you generally don’t know where the code will take you until it’s scanned with your smart phone.

I liked Kent’s use of QR codes because they blatantly tell you the destination URL. I think all QR need to give you a sense of context and let you know where it’s taking you. QR codes need to be clear.

Chipotle Interactive Use of Text

Waiting inline at Chipotle, I discovered they have a creative use of texting. You text “Gold” to 88822 to learn more about their commitment to serving the best ingredients. It’s a feel good way to find out about the burrito you are ordering.

http://www.chipotle.com/

Goodbye Adobe Flash

Recently Adobe announced last week that they will no longer be supporting Flash. Is this possible? When Macromedia launched Future Splash over 10 years ago, the simple program revolutionized the web viewing experience. The software soon after changed it’s name to Flash and then every website created an animated introduction using the free browser plug-in. For years I watched my analytics as Flash saturation dramatically increased from 2% to 99% of the visitors having the plug-in installed.

The mobile smartphone revolution is in full swing and is not Flash-friendly. Recent numbers from eMarketer say that by 2015, 76% of the public will be surfing the internet on their mobile phones. iPhones and iPads do not accept Flash. The recent Kindle Fire accepts the use of Flash, but in my opinion, the fact is it’s a little too late. Consider Flash the next Netscape, a pioneering technology that could not keep up with the times.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/technology/adobe_flash/

No Texting While Viewing

How do you as a business see text messaging? Is it a nuisance or something you can capitalize? Recently when I went to the movie theater this sign was posted on the entrance.

I can remember a few years back the same door had a big sign that said no cellphones permitted in the theater. At that time I wondered if there was a way the could use cellphones in an interactive way while you watched the movie. Now that I look at this sign, I wonder the same thing. Is there a sensible way that will not interrupt movie-goers viewing pleasure that can use text to interact with the movie?

The latest trend at the box office is 3-D. Recently classic Disney films were re-released in 3-D and promoted at the box office. Why not make movies “text-friendly” and give the user prompts throughout the movie to vote on the outcome? Perhaps if you text throughout a movie you could win a prize at the end. Why fight the technology, as long as it does not get out of hand, and just embrace it?

How does texting fit into your online business plan?

Walgreens Texted

I saw this opt-In text message advertisement on the way out of Walgreen’s the other day. I thought this was a good example of non-traditional means to get users opted-in to a campaign.

Mock App

Are you looking for an easy way to create handy iPhone mock-ups for your next presentation? Mock App offers you the ability to create a prototype in terms your investors will understand, a tangible image of your idea.

What can I use MockApp for?
* Brainstorm and refine a new app idea
* Show what the app should do so that it’s easy for a developer to code it just right
* Show-off your brilliant app ideas to your boss, potential business partners, investors, etc.

http://mockapp.com