05 Aug 2011

t2 Integrated Agency looking at Near Field Communications

NFC – New Faster Communications/Connections/Commerce Already having a QR code outside our building, t2 Studios is always looking to keep up to speed with the latest advances in the technological world of mobile marketing. We are therefore moving into Near Field Communications (NFC) which is the next logical step after QR codes, offering marketing solutions in even more areas than before.

The success of QR (Quick Response) codes as a quick and easy way to access hoards of information at the click of a button has been proven across the globe. It is an excellent marketing asset for many of t2’s clients.

An example of the diversity of QR codes comes from Tesco’s branches in South Korea, which managed to increase their online sales by 130 per cent in one year, without opening any new stores. They instead used billboards on the subway with images of supermarket shelves which allowed commuters to order their shopping from Tesco whilst waiting for their train.

However, the Tesco customers still had to photograph a QR code for each product and pay for the total basket afterwards. NFC could make this process even faster, the idea being that the chip inside each product need only be scanned by the phone (or tablet) to be bought and paid for automatically.

Contactless credit card payment is only one of the amazing developments offered by NFC tags. To scan these tags you simply hold your phone nearby and the data will be sent straight through. This allows your phone to work not only as a credit card but as a key card or ID card, meaning customers can easily purchase products and transfer secure information.

Written, audio and video information can all be provided by simply scanning an NFC tag. They can be used to improve a variety of online activities, such as social networking, eCommerce and the provision of higher speed wireless.

Many companies now use NFC in conjunction with QR codes, allowing them to save time and money in terms of staffing, printing and sales costs. t2 has gained a better understanding of the ideal uses of NFC for companies by researching  the benefits and testing it for ourselves, meaning that we can confidently advise how it could be used as part of your mobile strategy. Just as we have the technology to generate QR codes, we can also create individualised NFC tags.

Just one great way that NFC is being used effectively for marketing at the moment is in Smart Posters, which can offer information or a service to passers-by. These either rely on peer-to-peer marketing, where a person chooses to download the information available and then pass it on to others, or performer-to-peer marketing, where the poster automatically sends a video or similar information straight to the phone.

t2 Studios can use our extensive marketing communications skills to help you integrate this advance in mobile marketing in the most advantageous way possible into your company, driving customers and sales your way even faster and more easily than ever before.

For more information on what t2 Studios can do for you, please call us on 01733 313166.