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QR Codes – What are they and how can this low-cost tool be utilized?

by sarahmillican, Community Moderator

  • Created: August 29, 2011, 11:25 am
  • Updated: August 29, 2011, 11:39 am
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4 comments

QR-codes are multi-dimensional barcodes that can be read by barcode scanner applications available on most newer smartphones, or they can be downloaded for free online.  According to Nielsen.com we are at the beginning of a new wireless era where smartphones will become the standard device consumers will use to connect to friends, the Internet and the world at large. The increase will be so rapid, that by the end of 2011, Nielsen expects more smartphones in the U.S. market than feature phones.

With the rise of smart phones overtaking feature phones, small businesses stand to benefit from the use of low-cost tools like QR Codes for activities like marketing, communication, and even product tracking. With a QR Code generator you can easily embed URLs into QR Codes and use them as great tools to tie real-world objects to online content. They can be located anywhere-on things like receipts, signs, advertisements, business cards, and products.

Most QR Code creators are free for download online and allow users to create their own QR Codes in (most times) less than a minute. You might also hear QR Codes referred to as paper-based hyperlinks. QR stands for “quick response,” because when a person comes across a QR Code, he or she can scan the barcode with a smart and instantly be direct to online content with the click of a button.

But do QR codes work? How much time time do people need spend reading and scanning the information accessed through a QR code?What audience groups are most likely to engage in QR codes?And how can your business take advantage of the benefits of QR Codes?

We’ll be exploring these questions in the coming weeks and hope you’ll join in the conversation of how your small business is utilizing (or thinking of utilizing) QR Codes for your products or service activities.

About the Author

sarahmillican's Profile Picture
<p>I&#39;m a digital strategy consultant with ENC Strategy (www.encstrategy.com) and work full-time to support the Small Business Administration in growing and developing this online community to the best that it can be.</p>
Tags: Community Blogs, Small Business Cents

Comments

DavidJo | Window Shopper | 5/1/2012 - 5:44 pm

I did try to start using QR codes, but they brought not increase in sales.
The only thing their implementation brought was additional spends.
Professional Web Site: Replacement Windows

QRQueen | Window Shopper | 1/9/2012 - 5:45 pm

My company specializes on consulting to businesses on the use of QR codes in their marketing strategy. We have a secure virtual business card exchange at conferences and events using QR codes on name badges, we organize corporate scavenger hunts, and trivia games and other corporate building events, we run couponing programs and daily deal programs, we produce multiuse QR codes that perform more than one function at a time (ie, make a telephone call, compose an email, or simply direct someone to a mobile friendly website). I am barely scratching the surface with these examples. When you open your mind to the innerworkings of this technology, the options are limitless. Think of them as real world hyperlinks. Our company is www.blacknetgroup.com.

adamwellborn | Window Shopper | 12/8/2011 - 5:58 pm

Audience groups that use QR codes vary. Think about it, if you display an eight foot by eight foot QR code in the middle of a parade, the result could be that many people will at least access your information. However placing one on your website may prove a waste of time. Considering, your user is already on the location where you have all of your information! If you need a company to advise you in the future, contact our firm; Web Design Atlanta We keep up to date on our blog about current tech and customer interaction trends.
Professional Web Site: http://www.designtoads.com/

gianez | Window Shopper | 12/6/2011 - 12:59 pm

This post has been removed from public view (Spam). Please review the Community Rules of Conduct for more information.

qr_code_generator | Window Shopper | 10/19/2011 - 1:55 pm

I'm currently using this QR Code generator.. uQR.me is the best Free QR Code generator: - rounded corners - gradient colors - dynamic qr code ( you can change his content without re-generate your qr code ) - stats - community - premium plans
Professional Web Site: http://uqr.me