QR Code is short for Quick Response Code because they can be read quickly by a mobile device. They originated in Japan where they are widely used in advertising.
You will already have seen them appearing in the UK on magazine adverts, in newspapers and even on advertising hoardings.
A QR Code is similar to a barcode, but it is read by a mobile device and are capable of storing far more data. It can also be printed onto any printable finish, at any size which means you could add a QRCode to a business card, a leaflet, a magazine advert, a poster, an advertising hoarding or even a T-shirt. The options are limitless!
A QR Code looks like this:
Use a smart phone, scan the code and you will be taken to further information in for form of a web page, an e-coupon, a video or any online content.
You can read the full information on QR Codes on Wikipedia here .
How does a smart phone read the code?
The phone needs a QR code reader, such as the one from Kaywa. It would take just a minute for someone with an Android phone or an iPhone to find and install a reader. One QR code reader app that works well on the iPhone is i-nigma, which claims to be the most widely used reader worldwide. For the android, one example is Barcode Scanner.
How do you get a QR Code?
You can generate a QR code easily using a site like Kaywa.com or with Kimtag or with Create a QR Code Appspot.
How can you use QR codes be used to market your company?
The ideal way to use the code is to take visitors directly to a web page or to an online special offer coupon or a sign-up form for joining your newsletter mailing list. They are a swift way of getting a mobile-user to find out more… easily.
You could add them to:
- A business card to take the recipient directly to your website
- A leaflet to link to a special offer online coupon
- Create a link to your YouTube Video
- Link to your Twitter or Facebook
- On adverts to link to competition details
- To link to Customer Feedback Forms
- On a poster to link to event details and a Google map for how to get there
- On a business card to link to contact details including a number of phone functions including email, instant messaging and SMS
- On a web page next to a product to link to product details or Installation instructions
- On the side of your delivery van to link to a web page or contact details
The most important thing to remember is that these should not simply be used as a gimmick.
Two important considerations:
- If you add one to an advert, don’t just repeat the same information on the web page that it takes the visitor to. There must be a reasons for using the smartphone to visit your site… further details on a product, a special online offer, a sign-up form etc
- Make sure that the web pages you are sending visitors to are mobile friendly. You should design a page which is easy to view and navigate on a phone or potential customers will just become frustrated.
