<p>Mobile tagging guidelines Outline of best practices for the use of mobile tagging technology</p><p>Purpose of plan This document is intended to outline best practices for the use of mobile tagging technology, such as quick response (QR) codes, for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. </p><p>Overview Mobile tagging is the process of using a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by smartphone cameras to automatically pull up text, websites, photos, videos, music and other resources.</p><p>While mobile tagging can be used for a large variety of purposes to direct mobile devices to resources, not all resource types are as valuable to a mobile device user, so consideration needs to be given to the audience and purpose of using mobile tagging.</p><p>Mobile tagging presents an opportunity for ISU Extension and Outreach to direct stakeholders to additional resources, such as websites, documents, videos or other resources. Mobile tagging can be used in a number of ways, such as on printed materials or at an event. </p><p>Usage Mobile tags should provide some kind of value to the end-user. While it may be easiest to direct tags to a website, that’s likely not the most engaging place to send people. Think of tags as a way to be more interactive with a target audience. Consider offering resources that add to an event, display, etc., such as a video, or consider resources that the end-user can take with them to learn more, such as a PDF download. Mobile tags can be used as content entry points or as a means to sign up for newsletters, etc. If websites are the destination, consider if the site is mobile-friendly or if a mobile site should be used.</p><p>More and more people are starting to associate the tags with action, but never assume customers will know what to do. Spell out how to scan the tag, and help instruct customers on where they can grab scanner apps. A quick Google search, such as for “QR code generator,” is all it takes to find a plethora of places to go to generate tags and many smartphone apps are available to read tags. Some tags, such as Microsoft Tag, require a specific app, so try to use more open source options, such as QR codes. </p><p>Measurement Mobile tags can be used in measurement, such as tracking numbers of scans, number of website visits, numbers of video views or number of document downloads. Consider goals and objectives and pick the most appropriate measurement metric.</p><p>Revised: September 2014 Mobile tagging guidelines 1 | P a g e</p>