One of the most interesting new media trends at this year’s SXSW was the evolution of the mobile 2-D tag. It’s grown up from a clunky, relatively unattractive tool, into something more sophisticated that marketers can customize and use to go deeper with their consumers.

Mobile 2-D tags are scan-able barcodes that can be printed on anything from products to advertisements to promotional materials. Consumers use smartphone apps to scan the barcode and are often rewarded with incentives, exclusive content or automatic status updates.

Infographic courtesy of Microsoft Tag

As you start thinking of ways to leverage new media technologies to help your clients, think about mobile 2-D tagging as a way to extend the conversation, educate consumers and drive new forms of online traffic. Below are some quick ideas on how mobile tagging can work for you:

• Tell consumers more about where your product came from and its environmental footprint
• Create menu-pairing options for a food or beverage
• Use mobile tags in a sweepstakes or as a contest-entry tool
• Tease a product, as Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes did at his keynote
• Drive donations
• Create a gaming experience
• Provide schedules
• Leverage tags as a rewards vehicle, for couponing or driving retail engagement

--Alex Nicholson, New Media Director, @Alex20001