QR Code Madness!
QR codes were invented in Japan in 1994 and have recently started becoming popular in the United States. QR codes have quickly become useful in the advertising and marketing industry. As the popularity of smart phones has spread, QR codes are being used more and more. Smart phones have allowed the mass populations to basically have a barcode reader at their fingertips!
What is a QR Code?
QR stands for Quick Response, and that is exactly what they are capable of… they can be read quickly using a smart phone or other device quickly and effectively. QR codes differ from barcodes in that barcodes record data on a horizontal plane (measuring the distance between lines and how thick lines are, etc.), whereas QR codes can record data on both a horizontal and vertical plane storing data into the little squares that make up a grid. Barcodes have to be aligned exactly with their scanners, but QR codes can read from any side or angle. The advantage of QR codes over barcodes is much more than just the ease of use; it is also the amount of information and data that can be stored.
There are a number of QR code generators across the web that are easily accessible and generate your code for free. Kaywa (http://qrcode.kaywa.com/), QRstuff.com, GOQR.me, ZXing Project (http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/), Delivr.com (http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator) just to name a few. These codes then link back to any URL that you designate, this could be your website, or registration forms, directions, contact forms, customer feedback forms, etc.
What you can put QR codes on is limitless, but here are a few ideas:
- Business Cards
- Packaging
- Brochures and marketing materials
- Product tags
- Posters
- Ticket stubs
- Receipts
- Menus
- T-shirts
- Banners
- Billboards
- Vehicles
The possibilities are endless!
QR codes can help maximize your sales, and get more info about your business to your customers. They make finding your business information as easy as taking a picture.
