In 1994, a Toyota subsidiary designed a new type of bar code in order to track car parts called the quick response code. A two-dimensional bar code featuring black modules in a square pattern over white space, the QR code is designed for quick decoding. It can hold text, URLs, links to compose messages, and other data and has much more storage space than the traditional linear bar code. For years, it was a useful but limited tool.
With the invention of the smartphone, everything changed.
Now, the QR code has an endless array of uses, and companies are only scratching the surface. Many free apps, including QR Reader, Scan, Google Goggles, and Barcode Scanner are available and can read QR codes. With one of these apps, using a QR code is as simple as holding your phone over the square. Your phone's camera will read the code, and you'll be directed to the link, URL, text, or elsewhere that the company behind the QR code intended. It's that simple.
Making QR codes for your business is just as easy. Bit.ly, a website that makes short URLs, will make free QR codes for your URL. Qrcode.kaywa.com will as well. The apps Barcode Scanner and Optiscan will create QR codes on your smartphone. Qrstuff.com and other similar sites offer QR code analytics to help you track your QR code progress.
There are many ways QR codes can help your business. They can eliminate cluttered text on advertisements; instead of giving all pertinent details in an ad, draw a customer's attention with something simple and include a QR code with a link to the rest of the information. Put a QR code on your business card with a link to your website. Use Likify to make a QR code that users can click on to "Like" your Facebook page. Bands can put QR codes on flyers for shows with links to download their music. Restaurant owners can put them in their windows with a link to their menu. Designers have even put QR codes on clothing!
Can you think of any new uses for QR codes? The possibilities seem endless. For more Web 2.0 marketing tips, check out Hudson Horizons.
Talk back - leave a comment
