QR Codes are popping up every where! Maybe you’ve seen one of these funny looking signs and wondered what the heck these little things are. The funny looking signs on the movie posters, in the weekly grocery coupons, they’re taking over.

Well, they’re QR Codes (Quick Response codes.) And they can be a fun addition to your communications arsenal and will no doubt enhance the customer experience if used correctly.

But how do you know if your campaign is using a QR Code correctly?

Here are 4 QR code mistakes should should avoid or stop making right now:

1. You have a QR Code on your website that leads people to your website

This is probably one of the silliest pieces of QR code marketing I have ever seen!

Let’s think about this for a moment: Does a customer who is on your website already really need the QR Code to direct them back to your website? I sure hope you said “No!”

So let’s make a promise to never ever violate this QR Code faux pas, ever. Matter of fact, lets leave QR Codes OFF of websites in general because it makes no sense.

2. You have a QR Code that doesn’t go to a mobile web optimized page.

Using a QR Code requires a QR Reader most often found on mobile devices.

If a client or potential customer were to scan your QR Code and get directed to a website that their mobile platform doesn’t support, you’re out a potential customer and you now think QR Codes are a complete waste of time and money.

When the truth is, that if your QR Code landing page is optimized for mobile platforms, you may win a very impressed customer.

3. Leaving out your Call to Action

Home Depot Does it RIGHT!

Many people are still unfamiliar with what to do with a QR Code when they see it. It is your responsibility to the client to education them and tell them what you want them to do! Do you want them to scan? give? visit?

A QR Code standing alone is NOT a call to action.

4. Not letting your audience know how to use the QR Code and not giving alternatives when they don’t have a QR Code reader

The Few, the Proud DO IT RIGHT!

Again, using the Home Depot model, tell your clients what you want them to do and tell them how to do it.

If by chance, your customer doesn’t have a fancy QR Code reading phone, provide them with an alternative so they don’t feel so left out. Either an SMS short code or the web address that they can view more information.

Too many businesses don’t properly utilize new technologies. When used correctly, QR Codes are a very effective marketing tool.

Maybe you’ve heard that all the cool campaigns are using it.

Maybe you’ve heard that Barack Obama successfully leveraged Social Media in his run for the Presidency in 2008 and want to know how he did it.

While you may or may not be a candidate for President at this moment, you are looking to incorporate Social Media into your political campaign.

Before you do that, you should know how Social Media can benefit your campaign efforts.

#1: Engage With and Activate Your Base

The real draw of Social Media is the ability to directly communicate one-on-one with your constituents. Social Media is for having conversations and sharing information. People LOVE having direct access to their representatives/future representatives. They especially like it when they ask you a question using social media and get a real response!

#2: Help Shape Your Message

Active listening and monitoring is your greatest weapon in Social Media. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Listen twice as much as you speak,” and Social Media is the place to do that. If you’re running for local office, type in the name of your town into the search box on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or LinkedIn to find conversations about what people are feeling and thinking in your town and use it to craft your campaign message.

#3: Know What’s Working in Real Time

Did you just put out a new campaign ad on Youtube or in traditional media? Want to know how successful it is and what people feel about it? Ask your followers. Using the same search method as above, search for your name to learn what people are saying about you. Is it largely positive or negative? Do people even know you or your campaign exist?

Do not go into Social Media blind. You need a real, actionable plan. Political Social Media is much more than just “tweets” and “likes.” It’s about engaging in conversations that will bring you more volunteers, more donors, and turn out more voters.

Enroll in Hope Academy’s Free Social Media Training