QR Codes, Fad or Future

QR codes, which stands for Quick Response codes, is a technology that was invented in Japan almost a decade ago, but is just now gaining exposure in America as a sales and marketing tool.

So what are QR codes and what would you do with them? They are square, two dimensional images that are similar to barcodes and can store data. This data could be anything from a name, address, phone number, URL or even something more sophisticated like a coupon. What you do with them is put them on your marketing material so that users who see that material can scan the code with their smartphones and access that information. Now if for example that code contains a URL to a landing page for a specific campaign you are running, you can then track those click-throughs.

The question becomes, how many people in your target market would actually make use of this technology. That is harder to answer, however, it is becoming much easier for people to make use of this technology. For anyone who has an iPhone, there are many free applications that will scan these codes. If you have an Android phone, this application comes pre-loaded on the phone. So the high-level answer to this question is that it really depends on your target audience, but that in general, it is a marketing tool that is gaining popularity and I would recommend you take a closer look if you haven't already.

Here are just a few ideas on how to use QR codes:

• Include it on the back of your business card, have it link to your website (as I do myself)
• Place it on a direct mail piece that sends users to a specific landing page so you can track the results
• Incorporate it into your traditional ads
• Print it on products to provide the user with additional information or direct them to a contest or promotion

You start to get the idea. So, is it Fad or Future? Well, things change quickly on the Frontlines of the Internet; that means for the moment... they are the future.

If you want to give it a try, visit this website to create your very own QR code:

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

If you have questions, please contact Ken Sabey by phone (303.506.3406) or email (Ken@WebptOh.com).