As the number of people with web access via their mobile phones has passed the tipping point, more and more people are using mobile phones as their primary communication tool to connect with Face Book and other social media. Now people are connecting from anywhere, including being “online” while shopping, dining or at entertainment venues.

By scanning a QR code with an application that is built into their phone or easily downloaded one time, consumers now have the ability to quickly access online content to learn more or further enhance their experience in real time.  For example, QR codes can be used to link to daily specials or promotions at restaurants by connecting a QR code placed in the restaurant lobby or on table tents to visually show with great appetite appeal items like appetizers and desserts which will build the average guest check and profits.  Once online with a properly constructed mobile web site, it can be made very easy for the viewer to forward on pictures and comments to friends and family through their social networks.  The instant pass along effect is a huge marketing advantage and very economical way to promote. Since the communication is instant and does not require anyone to remember a long URL and does not require any typing, the ease of use makes it very appealing and can enhance the overall dining experience by giving the customer something to do so their wait appears to be shorter. By inserting “opt-in pages” on the mobile site and getting customers to “opt-in” or “like” your Face Book page in exchange for special offers or promotions, a data base can be built up which can be used very efficiently for future promotions.

QR codes can be used in hundreds of other applications, including virtual tours of the inside of real estate from a code posted on outdoor signage, car facts that can be viewed from a code posted on the window sticker of a car viewed by someone when the dealer ship is closed, or “how to” or recipe instructions on packages. Since the content being viewed is all digital and the viewer is connected online, it can be made very easy for them to click social media share buttons to show the great dessert, spread the word of a good deal or visually show a purchase they are considering, getting instant feedback from their network.

To make sharing easy it is recommended that videos on sites viewed be short and concise, usually no longer than ninety seconds. Links to other more detailed traditional sites can be added so the viewer can view those later if they are interested in major research.  Adding humor, new information and valuable offers all add to the pass along effect. Since the average Face Book user has over 120 contacts, the ability to greatly and efficiently accelerate “word of mouth” is tremendous.

September, 2009

Pazazz, the the forward thinking and environmentally conscious printing company recently printed the Cascades Rolland Opaque50 and Rolland ST50 sample books. These books were printed on the KBA 56" UV six-colour press on 50% post-consumer fibre paper, a transformation that benefits nature.

UV printing is a more environmentally friendly process then conventional printing. UV inks and coatings are completely solid and friendlier to the environment since they are free from VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and HAP's (Hazardous Airborne Particles). UV inks are fully recyclable. The UV printing process requires similar or lower electrical power than Infrared/Thermal Air systems. It yields less ink and wash-up waste than conventional print since there isn't any waste from incidental drying. As well, difficult print jobs that typically require two passes on the press are now achievable on the KBA 56" six-colour UV press in one pass, utilizing half the energy.

Because being good is never enough, Cascades is improving the environmental attributes of its 30% family by increasing the post-consumer content to 50%. Rolland Opaque50, Rolland Hitech50 and Rolland ST50 are now made with 50% post-consumer and 50% virgin FSC certified fiber. This change creates a new environmental alternative for digital and commercial printing of high quality documents.

As the production of recycled paper consumes less water and energy and generates less waste and air emissions than its virgin counterpart, the overall environmental attributes are naturally enhanced with the increased recycled content.

Cascades Fine Papers Group Inc. is a Canadian leader in environmental and security fine papers manufacturing, with a century-long reputation for craftsmanship. Green by nature, the Group produces fine papers that contain 50% and 100% post-consumer fibers and works on an ongoing basis to reduce our ecological footprint on the planet. By buying recycled-content paper, you help us save more than 1.2 million trees each year.