What are QR Codes?<\/strong><\/p>\n A QR Code 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, URL or other data. (via Wikipedia<\/a>).<\/p>\n This doesn\u2019t seem to be too exciting, does it? QR codes have the ability to store more complex information than a standard barcode. So what? It has been used in the transport and logistics industry for tracking, for over 15 years. However, recently marketers have put their thinking hats on (doesn\u2019t happen too often), and came up with ideas to not only measure ROI on certain campaigns, but also spark the attention of some early adopters (geeks), and get them to scan these funny-looking barcodes, to see what happens.<\/p>\n What usually happens is that the code behind the image is linked to a URL, or a website, with more information on the product or the company. Since the code is scannable by any smart phone (or camera phone), scanning the code can start a phone call, deliver a vCard, etc. Still not that exciting, is it? 2.\tLabeling<\/strong>. Somewhere, a restaurant patron is enjoying wine from your vineyard. They notice the QR code on the bottle and quickly scan it. That takes them to a mobile site where they can learn more about your wine, your vineyard, and links to where you can buy a case for delivery…all before the bill comes.<\/p>\n 3.\tStorefront displays<\/strong>. Few retail businesses are open 24\/7. Don’t (fully) disappoint potential customers after you’ve left for the day. Create a Shop Online Now! QR code and put it in your storefront window. One quick scan and you’ve turned a potential lost sale into an online customer who’s going to share a lot more of their contact information with you.<\/p>\n 4.\tBuild your email subscriber list<\/strong>. Use your QR code to send people to your email signup. Just make sure you give people a compelling reason to subscribe to your list…otherwise you will have just wasted their time. Not the best way to engage your audience<\/p>\n 5.\tOn the same note, increase your Facebook likes and Twitter followers<\/strong>. Linking your facebook page or twitter account to a specific QR codes, you can use it in product or POS promotion, with a short message: \u201cScan this code to join our facebook community\u201d, or \u201cScan this code to get notified of future promotions on Twitter\u201d. QR Codes were invented to control inventory, as they can hold over 4000 alphanumeric characters (compared with the 10 digit barcodes). Wollongong University (South of Sydney, Australia) have been using QR Codes in their library, directing student to specific content, and directories.<\/p>\n Google <\/a>and Facebook <\/a>have been experimenting with QR codes for Google\u2019s applications, and Facebook\u2019s geolocation application, so far it is just an experiment.
\nHere are some examples, to show how QR Codes can be used for marketing purposes, before talking about ROI:
\n1.\tQR Codes on business cards<\/strong>. OK, not the most creative idea ever. In fact, this is probably the de facto way many businesses use QR codes. Rather than overload a business card with all of your contact info you could include the bare minimum for reaching you, then create a QR code that leads people to your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. or to your profile on the corporate website.<\/p>\n
\nI think you get the idea. There are more creative ideas on Rich Brooks blogpost on FastComp<\/a>![\"\"](\"http:\/\/tctechcrunch.files.wordpress.com\/2010\/10\/likify-phone.jpg\" "\\"Join")
<\/a>any.<\/p>\n
\nThis is a short video that demonstrate how easy it is to create the QR Code, and read one:<\/p>\n