First off, what is a QR Code? A QR Code is a two dimensional bar code which can be scanned with the camera of a mobile phone. QR stands for Quick Response and allows for it’s contents to be decoded at high speed. What type of information is stored in a QR Code? Typically a QR Code will store address information in the form of a URL, text, or phone number. Once a QR Code is scanned it will be converted into a link and redirect the user to a web or mobile landing page as defined by the QR Code’s creator, display a phone number to dial, or simply show text.
So how do we apply QR Codes for our personal or businesses use. Well, for starters you need to make sure your smartphone has an app capable of scanning QR Codes. For Android phones I recommend Google’s Barcode Scanner. Once installed you will be able to scan everything from Pepsi cans to checking in at your favorite restaurant on Foursquare. Soon enough QR Codes will be a standard feature of your Facebook profile. The cool thing is that a QR Code can provide seamless transition between any of your off-line marketing efforts and the digital world. So here are some of it’s benefits for business. Reviews, feedback, and reputation are now the currency of the internet, which could have a significant impact on your brick and mortar business. If you run a restaurant soliciting customer feedback might be challenging yet very important. How about inserting a QR Code at the bottom of all customer receipts. Ask just a couple of questions about the dining experience your patrons just had and upon completion email them a 10% off coupon for their next visit. The landing page can be your own or a popular review site like Yelp. Place QR Codes on the menu to let visitors get more information about a new wine or dish. Own a local pizza shop and want to grow your fans and followers, put a QR Code on the front of the register that will take people to your Twitter profile or Facebook Fan Page.
As smartphone usage continues to increase, so will the use of QR Codes as an extension of existing marketing efforts, especially on the SMB level. Time to get creative!
