QR code stands for quick response code - it is a 2 dimensional bar code that can be scanned by a smart phone camera and can store a lot of information. It has been used in Japan since 1994. If a phone user scans a QR code it can be used to take the user to a web page, a video, place a call, or just pass information like a business card.
How Can I Create QR Codes
Businesses can easily create QR codes using websites like:
And many more just put create QR code into Google.
All these sites are free, so you can test out the idea before buying any more software.
How Do You Scan A QR Code?
Firstly, you will need a SmartPhone with a camera.
Secondly you will need to install an App on the phone to enable it to scan the QR code. It then need sot turn that scan into an action, which may involve going to a website, displaying information or even generating a phone call.
Can My Phone Download The App?
Smartphone users can download QR code apps so that can take an image of the QR Code. This allows them to make sense of the code to access the embedded information.
Many of the Apps needed to scan and read the QR codes are free. Apps have been developed for Android, Blackberry, iPhone and Nokia phones. Here are a few suggestions for Apps for different SmartPhones:
Android Phones – Search for Barcode Scanner Barcode Scanner allows you to scan normal bar codes like you see in the supermarket as well as QR codes as well. You can also use an image scanner like Google Goggles.
My advice, as always is to plan before you dive into using QR codes. Here are a few suggestions of how other people have used QR Codes:
Business Cards. This allows you to add much more information to your card and give it a novelty value. It also allows the reader to scan it quickly into their contact list on their phone.
Promotions, Discounts & Giveaways. You can promote discounts, offers for free shipping or merchandise or downloads. You might be able to grow your e-mail market database. These codes might be used in advertisements or put on posters throughout your store.
Offer Hunts. This is a new version of the old blue cross offer. The offer is hidden in the scan code on products and gives people added discounts. The aim of this is to get people looking further around a shop.
Information Labelling. If you have a wine you like in a restaurant you can scan it in to buy it again later. Alternatively you can use the QR Code to take the client to a mobile friendly site to let them learn more about a wine, its vineyard, and where they can buy a case for for themselves.
Shop Displays. If you have an online shop as well as a physical shop you can display a QR Code in the shop window. This means that during the hours when a shop is closed so that potential customers can find out how to buy the product online..
Direct mail. By having a QR code on letters and cards for mailing campaigns you can help boost response rates. If you use an envelope you have the QR code printed on the outside of the envelope. This can help increase opening rates.
T-shirts. We are used to having promotional T-Shirts for our staff, so why not also put your QR code on your staff T-shirt. Also you could have some T-shirts printed and give them to a group of people to attend a public event like a soccer game, exhibition or walk around town. If you put different messages on the shirts you could encourage people to scan more of your codes.. When code is scanned the potential customers could be taken to a webpage highlighting offers. You could also give away free T-shirts so people wear them in public and promote your business.
Innovate With Your QR Code Design. It is possible to have a very unique QR code by customising the code there are specialist who can do this for you. An example of this one of the QR Codes used by the BBC. You can also adapt QR code with an image editor such as Photoshop to integrate your logo.
Get Likes And Follows For Facebook. By using a mobile-friendly Facebook landing page taking them to your Twitter page you can generate likes or follows.
Retail Marketing. QR codes can be used to pass additional information to potential customers. You could use a YouTube video to show how t use tools, equipment or products. Grocery stores can give more information about the products. Historic venues, museums could use QR Codes to supersede audio tape tours. By placing QR Codes next to displays a more dynamic set of information and be served to visitors. Electronic shops use QR Codes to get external about their products. Book stores could provide more detail about the books or link to book reviews or download a short extract of the book.
Printed Materials. A QR code can be incorporated on most printed marketing material; such as fliers, brochures, posters, and magazine ads.
Build An Email list. You could add a QR code to your email marketing. It is another way to encourage people to subscribe to your list.
Guerrilla Marketing. Imagine having 1000 business cards oriented with just a QR code on that offers something to attract the reader to your business. The last audacious and cheeky version of this that I know of is a Cafe that had 1000 business cards printed with a QR Code saying come to our Cafe and this card will get you a free coffee. The cafe owner dropped the cards on tables in competitors shops – 300 came back and many became regular customers. The lady also dropped similar cards to the local market stall holders – with similar results.
Film Posters. Use QR codes to link to a webpage to give a summary or extract of the film.
Garden Centre. Provide useful information about planting patterns, growing information, how to keep plants and grow them.
And a more novel one a Clock!!!
Addendum. Just found this post at Social Examiner and it contains this video:
I chose Gordon to build my cruise website because of the feedback I had received from other satisfied site owners, and also because I liked the look and functionality of other websites he had built. He was very good at teasing out of me exactly what I wanted the website to offer, and he came up with a proposed layout for me. He then listened to my suggestions and either made the amendments I was asking for, or explained clearly why they couldn’t or indeed shouldn’t be done. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gordon.
QR code stands for quick response code - it is a 2 dimensional bar code that can be scanned by a smart phone camera and can store a lot of information. It has been used in Japan since 1994. If a phone user scans a QR code it can be used to take the user to a web page, a video, place a call, or just pass information like a business card.
