Schertz Residents were Introduced to QR technology in 2011 in Schertz Magazine
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The growth in new methods of communication has achieved epic proportions. New methods of improving and pushing up-to-date information are all the rage. Since his early days on Communication at the University Star and KTSW radio, Brad Bailey has sought out new and creative methods of communication. Along the way social media has been a huge method of getting the word out, but it is some of the more unique methods of communication that catch the attention of the average consumer.
Among the more innovative system Bailey used for "getting the word out" are QR codes (Quick Response Codes). In the era of smart phones and mobile communication, using codes, are offer businesses, government entities, hotels, retailers, and even media outlets the fastest means of getting information directly to the intended audience.
The concept of QR codes is simple, and you have probably seen them everywhere and don't even realize. They are those funky square boxes that look like an old-fashioned video game.
Chances are, you've seen them on the back of coke bottles, on bus stop signs advertising your local attorney, fliers, posters, stickers, and even clothing.
The technology isn't new, but it didn't make it to the States for years after it was pioneered in Japan in 1994: Just as the internet was being born.
So, what are QR codes? Essentially, a QR code is a snazzy bar code that directs your smart phone to some specific topic or web page without the user having to type a website URL address on your keypad. So, in the era of instant gratification, a QR code makes makes the lazy man even lazier while getting your information right to them.
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| The Schertz Trailz project was launched in 2011. Residents and tourists can scan a code and find out more about the city. Also, discounts to local eateries and other establishments are available after scanning. Everything is remotely updated by a single person. |
The good news...slapping a QR code on anything is dirt cheap! And the user gets it even cheaper. To use the technology, the user has to download an app from the iPhone or android story. There are hundreds of free apps, so it doesn't take much. Then all the user has to do is aim their phones camera at the code, press click, and open sesame...they get to the info the want!
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| A QR Code designed especially for the City of Schertz. City colors and the recognizable "Z" are embedded in the code. While QR codes must maintain a certain integrity, adaptations are available. |
Instead of having to surf the over-complicated websites of yesterday which require clicking on page after page to find what you are looking for, Businesses use QR codes to direct customers to everything from Instruction Manuals and product registration to the latest coupon or special offers. But the technology can be used for so much more!
QR codes can be used to direct individuals to instruction videos, maps, email address, or chat rooms for customer support. The everyday user can use a QR code on letters, envelopes, or even business cards to direct clients or potential employers to their mobile-enhanced websites, portfolios, client lists, references or resume.
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| Brad Bailey's personal QR Code which, if scanned, directs curious individuals to this website |
In the public sector, the options for QR Code usage are in their infancy, but the possibilities are extraordinary. The technology can be used are used to promote city events, updated activities or services, and even to promote retailers, restaurants, and hotels with mobile discounts. Public meeting agendas, links to applications, and specific city resources are the inevitable next step in the QR code evolution. I can even envision a day when an entire city services guide can be a single sheet of QR codes that directs users to live video feeds of public meetings, and even customer service representatives.
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| In Schertz, QR Codes are used to keep residents appraised of bond projects, such as the Playscape project approved by voters in 2010. Information about the project can be remotely updated and residents can always know what's going on. |
In 2011, Bailey was invited to speak to the Public Relations Society of America in San Antonio, as well as numerous other communications groups to show uses for this creative method of communication. Among the uses presented from his own work were thoise implemented in Schertz, Texas. Today, city's such as Schertz are using QR codes on their parkways and trails. hikers, runners, bikers, and nature enthusiasts can pull out their phone and scan the code and find out just about anything in that city. In parks, such as Crescent Bend Nature Park, bird watchers can scan a code and learn about the different varieties of birds in the area. Furthermore, the city is able to update that information from a remote site without ever having to visit the park.
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| In 2011, QR Code signs were added to Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz. The park, which is a habitat for numerous bird species attracts bird lovers from allover. By using QR Codes, we were able to update bird watchers about the species in the park as well as their habitats. All the updates could be done remotely by one person. This same tech could be used at historical sites, markers, and even local businesses. |
Will this technology be around forever? Doubtful. New methods of communication are invented everyday. That is why falling behind the technology curve is not something anyone wants to do. It is important to experiment with new concepts and test the waters for the most successful means of getting your message out there.
In 2007, while serving as the Public Affairs Director and representing the city on a local, state and national level, Schertz was recognized by CNN/Money Magazine, as one of the top places to live in the U.S., and Number 1 in Texas. This was documented in the congressional record by representative Henry Cuellar.
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| Schertz Magazine is a monthly advertise-supported publication with thousands of subscribers. But, like every monthly, it only comes out once a monthly. In order to keep the community updated in real time, SchertzMagazine.com was launched in late 2011. |
Social Media ~ Online Communication
Social Media and Online Communications focuses on the Online PR communications efforts surrounding a product, service or event in the communications arena. Online communication can be a variety of things: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, e-mail, blogging, chat rooms, and discussion groups. Today, there are an unbelievable number of ways of we use to communicate in the online environment.
Brad Bailey got his start in the online world in 1993 as a student at Texas State University. In 1996, while working for the University Star Newspaper, Bailey programmed the online edition of that paper daily utilizing pure HTML code. Sine that time, programs ranging from Hotdog (way back in the day) to the more modern WordPress and Blogger have opened up the world to a utopia of information, and made it easy for anyone to get online.
While working for political candidates in 1996 and 1998, Bailey brought the candidates and online donations to the forefront of the campaigns. Additionally, with nearly live updates, supporters could follow the candidates around the district and even see photos and comments from events. Media entities not able to cover multiple stops utilized the online picture gallery for their publications.
In 1999, Bailey was one of the first individuals to bring an entire governmental entity online with his IT Department. Residents were able to make requests for services and find out about open meetings and upcoming activities.
In 2002, Bailey championed online chat rooms as a method for constituents to communicate with their representatives. More than a dozen candidates and elected officials held online chats with this program in the forthcoming elections.
Other online projects undertaken by Bailey, include management and development of numerous online webpages and social media websites. While in Schertz, Bailey supported efforts to utilize Facebook and websites such as VisitSchertz.com and SchertzMagazine.com to push information directly to the customer. Under his tenure, other direct means of communication such as an online web question and answer system were launched.
Along the way, online projects ranging from the University Star til today have taken home honors, most recently from the Texas Association of Municipal Officers recognized work by the City of Schertz on a website.
Web site Design Honors
2012
Received from Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
Awards and Honors
In 2011, Brad Bailey was awarded the El Bronce Award from Public Relations Society of America in San Antonio, and Honors from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers for web design.
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