The Growth of the QR Code

In recent months it feels as if we have been invaded by QR codes. They lurk everywhere from the corners of magazine adverts to name tags, tickets and business cards.   For some they represent another exciting digital tool but for the silent majority they are another example of technology leaving them behind. Here we will try to shed some light on this new development, why they are proving to be very popular, and how Broadsword Communications has been using them with their clients.

What are QR codes?

QR codes stands for Quick Response codes and that is exactly what they are – 2 dimensional bar codes that are scannable by a camera enabled mobile device, linking the user directly to digital content on the internet.

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Broadsword's site mobilized

Broadsword's site mobilizedRecently we've noticed that more and more people are visiting our site on mobile phones.  Never ones to be afraid of embracing the new marketing trends, we've mobilized our site for quick and easy access to key elements of our site:  simplified Home, Services and About Us pages; a contact form; and our blog.

We'll be rolling out more pages as we go.

Why mobilize your site?

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Driving site traffic with content

facebook fans up 129%, 14,000 post views; main site visitors up 28%

During this year's BVI Spring Regatta, the Broadsword multimedia and digital team ensured that Nanny Cay's web site (the event's presenting sponsor and host) was kept up to date with news photos and video from the week-long event.

The home page was re-designed to bring the latest photos, news, tweets, facebook posts front and centre and also incorporated a pop-up "party cam". 

Email subscribers were mailed before the event encouraging them to visit the site during the event and a free sweepstakes was run on the facebook page to encourage "likes" and general engagement.

For the 10 days straddling the event, facebook fans increased by 129% with over 14,000 post views.

Compared to the same regatta period last year (whick also saw a large traffic uptick), visitors to Nanny Cay's web site increased by 28%, with page views up 13%. Average time on the site was 6 minutes and 28 seconds, up 68%.  Bounce rate (where visitors visit the home page but don't go any further) was down 12%.

Fresh and timely content, including the only video of the 40th anniversary fireworks, were the keys to success.

Scrub Island Advertising and Awareness Campaign

Click to enlargeIn January 2011 BVI Sotheby’s International Realty engaged Broadsword Communications to develop and execute an advertising and awareness campaign for the real estate opportunities available at Scrub Island, the first new luxury resort to be built in the BVI for over 15 years.

Scrub Island offers a range of ownership opportunities from estate lots to two bedroom suites overlooking the marina to five bedroom Long View Residences located on the surrounding hillsides.

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The sol/RBVIYC t-shirt

Click to enlargeHere's the Broadsword-designed t-shirt that the youth sailors wore in their fundraising efforts during the BVI Spring Regatta assisted by sol.