Best Practices in Using QR Code

Social and economic trends often go hand in hand. MySpace, Google, Facebook, and YouTube all drew upon a social network that soon became media moguls and the standards of doing day to day business. So, perhaps you’ve heard of "qr code" and how they are revolutionizing corporate industry and want to learn how to use them? Or perhaps, you think those chaotic two dimensional black and white squares are simply neat and want to access their design structure? Whatever your reason for wanting to use "qr code" you have stumbled upon the next big trend and it is changing the way people purchase products, interact with each other, and live.



Created in Japan in the mid-1990s to keep track of auto parts, the "qr code" quickly caught on in other areas of life and soon became a marketing sensation. Though, QR codes have been slow to catch on in the West, because of the use of the Data Matrix, it has started to make its mark. So, however you choose to use them you should first look out how your audience is going to perceive them. This way you will get the best use out of your "qr code".



"qr code" can store almost anything from pictures, GPS coordinates, maps, URLs, addresses, greetings, and text. Today’s smart phones come pre-equipped with "qr code" reader technology or merely require the end-user to download and use an App. If you are using a URL link in your "qr code", make sure that your URL for target response is a mobile site optimized for view on a mobile phone.



Some of the best practices in use today for the "qr code" are:



a) Marketing & Advertising: Say it fast and clear with a "qr code" that directs potential buyers and audience members to your websites, videos, products, business, and/or services. The "qr code" fits nicely onto business cards, postcards, T-Shirts, posters, stickers, and just about anything that is already in use today to attract people’s attention.



b) Scavenger Hunts: Applying the technology in an interactive way that pits your target audience against each other is not only fun, its strategically brilliant. Designing unique scavenger hunts may take some imagination, but there is no better way to bring your audience directly to you than with destination marketing.



c) Product Enhancements: Providing a "qr code" next to your products or directly on them is a quick and effective way to provide additional item details, promote coupons and give-a-ways, and generally supply your customers with more information.



d) Building E-Commerce: With the right e-commerce solution you can bring your customers right to your checkout page with a shopping cart fully loaded, making it easier for consumers to purchase your merchandise.



e) Generating Subscribers: Use your "qr code" to send people directly to your email signup. Though, make sure that you have a very good reason as to why they should bother, otherwise you are just wasting their time.



f) Labeling: Provide instant contact with your points of interest and/or products by adding your "qr code" to your merchandise or item inventory and labels. Because simply by scanning the code with your phone your potential consumers can instantly learn more about you.

g) Making a Statement: Perhaps you have a personal message that you want to release or are championing a worthy cause. With a "qr code" you can direct your audience to your voice, thoughts, points of view, and social concerns.



There a lots of ways to use "qr code" in your small business or marketing campaigns. The only thing that is required to make it successful is for you to expand your imagination by using these dynamic little social devices!