QR Codes, this is just the start.
Article Contents:
What is a QR code?
Why would you use them?
How Do My Potential Clients use this?
Quickstart for QR code scanners!
Like a typical Barcode found on just about any product in the supermarket, a QR Code is a pattern that can be read by machines. The QR Code, developed in 1994 by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave stands for Quick Response but you may have heard them referred to as tags or ‘tagging’. Unlike typical barcodes, these highly sophisticated QR Codes can store a lot of information in a tiny square, including instructions, words, letters, numbers, and more. A popular use for them is as a supplement to advertising. App’s on almost any smartphone can use the phone’s camera to scan QR Codes and follow instructions hidden within.
In short, you will be able to supply a potential client a quick and convenient way to access additional information that might not normally fit on your printed material or even store it quickly for later use. Capable of storing as much as 7000 numeric characters in a single code, QR Codes have nearly unlimited uses. For example, one might add a QR Code to their advertisement that included some or all of the following:
- vCard
- URL
- Compose an Email
- Display Text
- Send SMS
- Maps
- Phone Numbers
The uses for QR Codes is endless and the best part is that you can use any one of dozens of online generators to create your own QR Code absolutely free. But, once you have your QR Code, you must consider how to place it in front of your potential clients in a way that catches their attention and causes them to take notice. sodipop studios has the specialized professional skill set to maximize the effect of including QR Codes in your advertisement media. Afterall, it’s all about getting noticed and standing out from the crowd.
How Do My Potential Clients Use This?
Small, free, specialized applications available for any smartphone turns the phone’s built in camera into a magical barcode scanner. For iPhone alone there are over 50 free apps available for download. I personally recommend Optiscan but feel free to try several until you find one you like. If you are using a newer BlackBerry, you likely have a app that was pre-installed when you purchased your phone, but if not, you can download one called QR Code Scanner Pro. The Android App Market also has several offerings, including one that is commonly pre-packaged with your phone simply named Barcode Scanner. Other popoular Android choices include ZXing and QR Droid. Nokia has palced built-in barcode scanners in some of their models and they should be able to read QR codes.
QUICKSTART for QR code scanners: Find an app for your phone. I bolded a few options in the above paragraph.
There are usually two options you can do; One if you have the image of the QR code in your photo gallery, you can load it into your scanner app.
Secondly, you can use your smartphone’s built-in camera. Load the app point the camera at the QR code, and it will capture the QR code usually leading into some sort of action. Options tend to be, save QR code, share QR code, Or go to whatever the QR code is leading. If it’s a URL then it will lead you to the website. If it’s a vcard, it’ll ask if you want to create new contact, or add to existing, if it’s a map coordinates, it will take you to your map app for the location, phone numbers will just ask if you want to phone this number, etc.
The point of the QR codes is to reveal something extra that is found on your print products like a business card could have all your contact information stored in it, you scan it on your phone and it’s in your contacts list, allowing you to share information without having to give up your business card.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us through the website, or hit up some comments on facebook, we’ll do our best to answer your questions.
Contact us we have a lot of ideas to help you get noticed!
