Written by: Administrator Account
3/22/2011 8:38 AM 

Have you heard of QR Codes or seen them yet?  If not, you will.  QR, short for Quick Response, Codes are becoming very popular.  If you are not using them, you very well may be missing a great, inexpensive marketing tool.

What is a QR Code?  A QR Code is a 2 dimensional barcode that was created by Toyota over 10 years ago as a way to track car parts.  The barcodes you are used to seeing are 1 dimensional in that the code is read horizontally.  QR Codes are read vertically and horizontally giving them the ability to hold more information.

What’s so great about QR Codes?  Until recently they were still only good for specialized use.  However with the increase in cell phone technology, specifically the inclusion of cameras and internet access, scanning and using QR Codes is much more accessible.  By simply downloading a QR Code reader App for your phone, you can use your phone to “scan” the code and the App will decode it.  That’s where it becomes a great marketing tool.  The code has the ability to hold enough information to display text messages and even internet URLs.  Most of the reader Apps will recognize the URL and automatically open the designated web page. 

How are QR Codes used?  In marketing, these codes can be printed and placed on exhibits, in ads, on POP displays, etc.  When an interested party scans the code with their phone, they can get marketing messages, coupons, web pages (with more info) and much more.  What a great way to “strike when the iron’s hot?”  Smart marketers will set up web landing pages specifically for these codes so they can track the response easily.  In our business we do a lot of touch screen kiosks for museums.  Starting this year, each kiosk has an “About This Kiosk” button which contains a QR Code which links to a page on our web site.  The jury is still out on how much traffic we’ll get, but with such a low cost to try it’s well worth giving a shot.

Do you have an application for QR Codes?  Give it a try.  At the least you’ll look like a cutting edge company.  At best, you’ll see some great marketing ROI.

NOTE:  QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED

Chris Meyer, Editor

editor@budgetbusinessmarketing.com

Copyright ©2011 C.D. Meyer, Inc.

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Tags: qr code , qr marketing , marketing with qr codes

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Location: Blogs Business Marketing Tips and Services on a Budget

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