QR Codes: the next generation of COOL!
Have you seen these funny looking boxes in magazines, newspapers, or supplier catalogs? They are called QR Codes, and are the next great "cool techie tool" for marketing your business. A QR Code, or the abbreviation for Quick Response, is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, website or other data. Although initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now used in a much broader context. QR codes can be used to display text, to add a vCard contact, to open a website, an email, or text message. Users can also generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR code generating sites like qrcode.kaywa.com. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR Code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone's browser. Recently, QR codes have become more prevalent in marketing circles and have been integrated into both traditional and interactive campaigns. Media where QR codes have been deployed include: billboard ads, in-store displays, event ticketing and tracking, trade-show management, business cards, print ads, contests, direct mail campaigns, websites, email marketing, and couponing. QR Codes can direct an otherwise passive viewer to take immediate action: make a purchase, visit your website, register for an event, or take a survey. Instead of posting a long website address that your audience is likely to forget by the time they get to their computer, place a QR Code on your printed piece or even in your store window. Whether it's an advertisement, direct mail, business card, flyer, or exterior street sign, your potential consumer can immediately gain access to what your company is about, what you're promoting, and you can nudge them to act now instead of the dreaded "maybe later." And to top it off, you can track and analyze the results of your printed pieces.
Tip: Need a recommendation on a QR Reader app? For iPhones, try Red Laser or Tap Reader. For Android phones, try QR Droid or Barcode scanner. You can also download a free QR Reader for any phone by visiting http://get.neoreader.com from your smart phones internet browser. These are all free and available in your "apps".
Have you seen these funny looking boxes in magazines, newspapers, or supplier catalogs? They are called QR Codes, and are the next great "cool techie tool" for marketing your business. A QR Code, or the abbreviation for Quick Response, is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, website or other data. Although initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now used in a much broader context. QR codes can be used to display text, to add a vCard contact, to open a website, an email, or text message. Users can also generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR code generating sites like qrcode.kaywa.com. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR Code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone's browser. Recently, QR codes have become more prevalent in marketing circles and have been integrated into both traditional and interactive campaigns. Media where QR codes have been deployed include: billboard ads, in-store displays, event ticketing and tracking, trade-show management, business cards, print ads, contests, direct mail campaigns, websites, email marketing, and couponing. QR Codes can direct an otherwise passive viewer to take immediate action: make a purchase, visit your website, register for an event, or take a survey. Instead of posting a long website address that your audience is likely to forget by the time they get to their computer, place a QR Code on your printed piece or even in your store window. Whether it's an advertisement, direct mail, business card, flyer, or exterior street sign, your potential consumer can immediately gain access to what your company is about, what you're promoting, and you can nudge them to act now instead of the dreaded "maybe later." And to top it off, you can track and analyze the results of your printed pieces.
Tip: Need a recommendation on a QR Reader app? For iPhones, try Red Laser or Tap Reader. For Android phones, try QR Droid or Barcode scanner. You can also download a free QR Reader for any phone by visiting http://get.neoreader.com from your smart phones internet browser. These are all free and available in your "apps".
No comments:
Post a Comment