Evolution of the Quick Response (QR) Code
The Quick Response (QR) Code was created in 1994 by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave and was initially used to track parts for vehicle manufacturing – and, at the time, was considered ahead of the curve in inventory management innovation. Flash forward 17 years, Toyota sought a barcode technology to extend their marketing efforts and get ahead of the innovation curve. With the adoption of SpyderLynk’s SnapTag™ branded 2D mobile barcode technology, dubbed the “ToyoTag,” Toyota delivers customized marketing campaigns to on-the-go mobile consumers while creating valuable one-to-one mobile relationships with them.
The Quick Response (QR) Code was created in 1994 by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave and was initially used to track parts for vehicle manufacturing – and, at the time, was considered ahead of the curve in inventory management innovation. Flash forward 17 years, Toyota sought a barcode technology to extend their marketing efforts and get ahead of the innovation curve. With the adoption of SpyderLynk’s SnapTag™ branded 2D mobile barcode technology, dubbed the “ToyoTag,” Toyota delivers customized marketing campaigns to on-the-go mobile consumers while creating valuable one-to-one mobile relationships with them.
With a culture of innovation, Toyota sought a solution that would allow them go beyond the capabilities of the QR Code to truly connect with their consumers, providing them with compelling, easy-to-access, content-rich information. Enter SpyderLynk and the SnapTag.
“We’re delighted that Toyota is adopting the SnapTag across so many marketing channels and using it in so many innovative ways,” said Nicole Skogg, SpyderLynk Founder and CEO. “They are truly unlocking the potential of this new technology and their full scale adoption of SnapTags puts them in a position to optimize their engagement and relationship models.”
Toyota is adopting the SnapTag technology with a newly-coined name, the ToyoTag. Consumers with any camera phone can snap and send ToyoTags, while those with iPhone and Android devices can download the SnapTag Reader and scan to get the information, promotion or content that Toyota is offering. ToyoTags put consumers in the driver’s seat, as they get to choose if, how, and when they want information.
“ToyoTags enable consumers to engage with us wherever and whenever they want information,” said Michael K. Nelson, Interactive Communications Marketing Manager at Toyota. “Our goal is to develop campaigns and content that best meet the needs of customers at different stages of the purchase cycle. We looked at different 2D mobile barcode solutions and chose SpyderLynk’s SnapTags because they provide the most sophisticated marketing capabilities and analytics tools, coupled with a simple user-interface.”
Powering the ToyoTags is SpyderLynk’s Smart Marketing Platform which provides Toyota with the opportunity to customize campaigns using sophisticated algorithm-driven responses that are contextual and can be based upon a myriad of factors – or more simply said, Toyota can use smart marketing at its finest to engage in true one-to-one conversations to build brand awareness and loyalty. From providing vehicle and safety information, vehicle quotes and vehicle care information to offering mobile giving campaigns like the Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund and the US Tornado Relief Fund, Toyota is embracing mobile in a big way. ToyoTags are being prominently used to engage consumers through print publications, online portals – including the company’s website – and on product display signs at events such as the LA and Detroit Auto Shows.
SpyderLynk activates branding to drive marketing results. SpyderLynk, the creator of the branded, algorithm-driven SnapTag™, enables brands such as Coke Zero, Revlon, L’Oreal, MillerCoors, Warner Brothers, Toyota, Bud Light and others to engage consumers and accelerate purchase cycles. SnapTag technology turns brand logos, featured on any type of packaging, advertising, signage or screens, into interactive marketing tools. Consumers with smart or standard camera phones can activate SnapTags to instantly access offers, content, promotions, and information. Based in Denver, Colorado, SpyderLynk was founded in 2006 and can be found online at www.spyderlynk.com.
