WHAT IS NFC?
NFC technology (or Near-field communication technology) is a wireless technology that enables fast and secure data transfer between two smart devices.
WHERE DO WE MEET NFC?
NFC is more widespread than you think. If you've ever paid with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Wallet, you've used NFC technology.
The NFC Forum has announced a huge increase in NFC certification. In fact, there were 2 billion NFC-enabled devices in use at the end of 2019, and 9 of the top 10 best-selling smartphones in the world had native NFC capabilities. These impressive increases are likely due to NFC being the driving force behind mobile payments.
Towards the end of 2019, Apple made headlines when it announced "basic NFC" in all iPhones with the launch of iOS 13. In the past, Apple has not always fully supported NFC. The feature was there, but it was mostly hidden on the phone and only used with Apple Pay. Now the capabilities have been fully expanded to match those of Google and Samsung.
Not only that, but Apple showed its commitment to incorporating and using NFC technology by using NFC to log in attendees to WWDC (Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference), even though it could have used paper tickets or barcodes. Having Apple as the driver of NFC helps move the market faster.
Brands are constantly looking for new ways to engage customers and build meaningful relationships. NFC technology is a durable and effective means of communicating with customers that is changing the way businesses sell.
1. NFC EQUIPMENT FOR FITKA
Not only hospitality and product-based businesses are taking advantage of NFC, but many gyms are also choosing to place NFC-enabled cards and stickers on their equipment. After tapping on NFC, the user goes directly to instructions on how, for example, to use the machine correctly. With the Qcard, this process can be taken one step further, as the software can not only open a YouTube video with detailed information on how to use the machine, but also run you through specific workouts and exercises.
2. NFC TAGS
One of the leading advantages of NFC technology is its versatility, especially the ease of its integration into various products. NFC Tag technology works in the same way as Qcard business cards, but the size makes the Tags more portable. Both of these products are ideal for instantly sharing data such as your social networks, bank details for payment, or any digital content. It's a simple and effective way to increase your brand awareness and stand out in a crowded market.
3. NFC PRODUCT LABELS
NFC can also be used creatively to increase sales and conversions. By attaching an NFC card or sticker to a product along with a label, you can direct potential customers to a landing page that provides more information about the product and convinces them to buy. Recently, Adidas ran a campaign that involved attaching NFC-enabled tags to their sneakers. When a customer tapped the label in-store, it redirected them to a home page where they could learn more about the product, including how to determine if the sneaker was the right choice for their needs.
4. NFC CARDS FOR NETWORKING
Digital marketing is very vast. Brands are constantly looking for new ways to engage customers and build meaningful relationships with them. NFC technology is a cheap, durable and secure means of communicating with customers that is changing the way businesses sell. Not only that, but NFC tags can be embedded into almost any object and transformed through digital interactivity. This in turn increases the value of the product. This gives brands an easy way to add value to their customers through pricing, marketing and consumption.
5. RESTAURANT MENU
NFC has been adopted by the restaurant industry as a way to allow customers to order and pay directly from their table. All you need is an NFC-enabled card or sticker on each table to take the customer directly to the specific order or payment page. Qcard technology means NFC can also be used to allow customers to easily look up allergen information or even leave a Trip Advisor review.
In a similar vein, KFC's recent marketing campaign used NFC-enabled posters placed at strategic locations in cities (next to their competition). When a smartphone was attached to the poster, NFC technology transmitted directions to the nearest KFC restaurant.