The QR code and how you can use it to market your online services and products
By Alladream74
Sample of an artists QR code
What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response)code visually,is a block made up of squares of different sizes generated by computer software. Technically, it is information re-configured into the afore mentioned visual "object".
The QR code can hold information such as, an url, text information,an image etc. To view this information, you just scan it with one of the thousands of barcode readers out there like Shopsavvy , Redlaser and many more. Of course you will need the mobile device to be connected to the internet to view the information. The barcode reader will then display the webpage,image or text that the creator inserted when creating the code.
How to get a QR code
There are many sites that provide the service of turning your information into a QR code. Just google the term and you will right on your way to getting your first code. A good QR code generator can be found at Mobile barcodes. Usually it is a matter of simply inputting your information and the code is generated right away. On most sights you can then right-click and "save as" if they do not already offer the option to save. Then you are ready to join the QR code marketing generation!
Ways of using the QR code
On your website or blog
Simply uploading this code as a picture for a blog or website can be a great marketing tool if you have published content that people may print out for future reference. It can also be used simply as an end point to an article. The beauty of it is that even if not printed out, the QR code can be scanned directly off your computer screen. This has the added benefit of sending out you link in another medium, that is the mobile device. You can also input other information about your website or blog that you would rather have as additional information.A great example is a QR code vCard-your information will be available to "carry" along with. A map could alos be uploaded and re-configured in a qr code.Sometimes the actual map maybe a bit distracting on the page so the QR code comes in handy there.
On your printed material
Printed material is my favourite. If you sell stuff online and have to print out invoices and receipts, then you have a great way to further market yourself with the QR code. The code may include your contact details or a link to your website (trust me-its easier and more fun to scan the QR code and go directly to the website than to ..sit down,start typing,delete the typos, then hit "enter"). Your website could then offer your other products!It a pretty curious thing to have at the back of your business cards, human beings are a curious bunch and you are sure to benefit from that curiosity!
Back of paintings/ products sold.
I am a maker and cataloguing products is not exactly my cup of tea. With the QR code, I simply create my code for the particular product,go into Microsoft Word or Photoshop and create a sheet with multiple copies of the codes.I then cut out these and put them at the back of products. Usually it will be a link to my website where the product is documented-voila!
Why bother having a printed QR code in your wallet or purse?
Times have changed, people are more technical than ever. All you need to exchange information with a QR code is a free barcode reader on your mobile device and it is done. It is even more fun when you are asked for a business card and you simply ask them to scan your QR code for quick connectivity.It makes you look technically savvy and environmentally friendly as you do not have to print out a batch of business cards. Saves time, saves money, saves the environment.And also gives you something to do when you are bored at a social event.
Comments
Hi Justom,To my knowledge it is best for mobile phones because the qr code scanners or barcode scanners are free. I am not too knowledgeable about any other device,sorry.I am happy to help you intergrate the QR code into your business.Think about what you would want customers to take away with them.Is it a website link, your contact details, or information about the products? Let me know and we can work out how to do this.I also do graphic design so working on the cards will not be a problem.
Justin has the card design ready, he also has a degree in graphic design. I've seen this image on things but never had any idea what it was. I'll try to figure it out and get back to you because I'm pretty sure Justin doesn't know about this either. Thanks for you kind offer, I appreciate it! Tom
I am pretty sure he knows! Good luck with it.
I've been meaning to look into this for a while as I am an artist too and want to put one on my business cards and maybe like you say use it for the certificate of authenticity on the back of my paintings. So thanks a lot for the info.
@ Azure11. You are most welcome,I would say jump on it, there is no easier way to authenticate a work of art (and market yourself at the same time) than sticking the code at the back of it. It also adds a professional touch to the finished work. Thanks for passing by and leaving a comment.
I saw one of these codes on a planter stick the other day, of all places. It looks handy for those with smart phones.
I'm such a dinosaur when it comes to tech. This was really useful - there's a chance I'll know what my techno-geek husband is talking about now! Thanks for well-put info.
Very useful! I have used these codes for different purposes for a while now on my Motorola Droid phone. They definitely are useful. Great article!
JSMatthew~
@ J.S.Matthew -Thank you for sharing your experience,I think they are great too.
What a great idea. Has many applications and i can actually see it useful and being applied.
I've seen these but did not think they were useful to individuals, which you've dispelled with your hub. Voting this Up and Useful.
Good Hub on a piece of technology that I think is really going to benefit businesses everywhere.
I just really discovered the usefulness of these this weekend when I downloaded an App for my Mac and a reader for my iPhone/iPad. They're brilliant! I pointed the reader at the QR code and - bang - straight through to my website! I need to go and sit in a darkened room now and think through all the uses for these things!
@ Alocsin. Hope you get to use these for offline advertising,they are great.
@ Paul. Thanks for passing by.I think they go a long way in marketing off-line to get clients and traffic online. Good luck with them and fill us in on your experience through a hub someday! Thanks for passing by
justom 11 months ago
I'll have to read this again Victor but it looks pretty cool. Forgive my ignorance but is it just for mobile devices? I'm working on a new business card for those gilded tiles and I think this is a great idea, if it can make me look tech savvy it's a miracle :-P! Great info! Peace!! Tom