QR CODES

back to Bar Codes              See a unique use of QR Codes

About

QR Codes (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) are the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry. They are widely used to point a mobile device to a web page.

QR code Readers are apps that work on mobile devices like cell phones.  For the iPhone, I like  i-nigma, which claims to be the most widely used reader in the world.  It accommodates virtually any type of camera phone. For the android, you can try any Barcode Scanner.

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QR Code Tips

• Tell the consumer what they will get if they scan the code
• Assume this is the consumer's first time scanning (this is no longer as important as it used to be)
• If you are directing the consumer to a website, make sure the site is mobile friendly
• Custom QR codes are scanned 2.3 times more than regular black and white ones
  

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How QR Codes SHOULD be used

How QR Codes Should NOT be used

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Ways to use QR codes

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QR Code Applications

Sharing – There’s no limit to how, or even how much, you can share with QR codes.  While a video or landing page is easily shared, you could go further and share an entire eBook and even multiple pieces of content that share a common link.

QR code for a FaceBook Like button.
Community – Sharing is how you build community, and one of the favorite arenas for doing this is Facebook.  You can use Likify to create a QR code that links your mobile device to a fully functioning LIKE button for your Facebook page.This greatly simplifies the process of merging your other communities with your Facebook page – and it is all accomplished in one click.Additionally, the accompanying signature “thumbs-up” clearly suggests the purpose of the code.

Calls to Action – After building a community, the next logical step is to mobilize them to take action.   Link your QR codes to landing pages. You can combine then with email opt-ins to build your list.

SEO and SMO – QR codes enhance both your search engine and social media optimization.  Use them to increase traffic to your site or specific pages or ojbects.

Social Proof – Use QR codes to link to specific blog posts that have earned an abundance of activity.

Analytics - QR codes most commonly link to urls, which is why link shortening services bit.ly and goo.gl now automatically generate a QR code for sharing your shortened links.  Using goo.gl as an example, you simply click on the “more” link after you create your shortened link, where you are taken to a page that not only gives you the QR code, but useful analytics.

Practical Uses of QR Codes

• The back (or front and back) of your business card.
  
• Your brochures and other marketing materials.
  
• The sides of trucks and trailers.
  
• Product tags and packaging
  
• Convention and event nametags
  
• Restaurant menus
  
• Event ticket stubs
  
• Point-of-sale receipts
  

QR Codes can link to:

• Installation instructions
  
• Sources for replacement parts and service
  
• Directions to your business
  
• The process for hiring your professional services
  
• Valuable coupons and special offers
  
• Recommendations for complementary products and services
  
• Free mp3 downloads
  
• Customer feedback forms
  

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How QR Codes can help your love life.