What Are QR Codes?

QR code is a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by a Japanese automotive component manufacturer in 1994. This technology is recently becoming adopted by the marketing world.

Common in Japan and Europe now, “QR” is derived from “Quick Response” and it allows users to access additional information products through mobile devices.

How Do They Work?

QR codes work in conjunction with smartphones. Simply scan the QR Code using the camera or scanner in your smartphone and (if you have the application loaded on your smartphone) you will instantly have access to special   information about the product (usually in the form of a dedicated mobile website).

QR codes can:

• Send people to a URL
• Offer coupons
• Give product details
• Provide event details
• List contact details, with links to directly connect
• And more!

Two great examples of how QR Codes are used:

• Demo video found on YouTube
• Lego video showing how QR codes work and how Lego was able to make their product uniquely relevant to the QR code itself

Benefits of QR Codes:

• Keeps you current in new technology
• Makes you a leader in your industry
• Offers your customers and prospects quick access to useful, additional information in a new convenient way
• Is a unique way to extend print/online campaigns
• Allows your audience to take your information with them and keep it always at their fingertips to easily pass it along to others
• Trackable and measurable for results
• Starting to become more popular in the U.S.; experts believe a big increase in the next 12 months
• 42% of Americans use smartphones (up almost 30% in just 3 years)

Is your company currently using QR codes? Contact us on how. We would love to tell your marketing story.