What are those things? They are everywhere. What do I do with it?

Those things are called a “Quick Response” code, or QR code. It is a two-dimensional bar code that was first introduced in 1994 by the Nippondenso Company of Japan. It was developed with the major objective of making the process of reading codes easier by scanner equipment.

The QR Code carries information in both vertical and horizontal direction, thus allowing the QR Code to carry a considerable amount of information compared to the ordinary bar codes. In fact, each QR code can hold up to over 7000 characters or about 4300 letters/numbers. The typical one dimension barcode get wider as more data it has to encoded.

Due to its unique structure, QR-Codes can store many different types of data, such as a website address, contact information, videos, phone number dialing, sending SMS, bookmarks, and much more.

This ability makes QR codes an easy and affordable way to create an affordable online marketing campaign for your products and websites. Many of today’s brick and mortar stores are using these codes inside their stores to drive traffic to their online presence maximizing their marketing strategies and creating a positive interactive experience.

QR codes are scanned by smartphones, such as iPhones, android phones or Blackberry phones. To “read” a QR code one must have a QR code reader installed in your smartphone. As of yet, QR readers do not come preinstalled. However, there are several apps out there that can be downloaded for free. Pick a QR barcode reader that works best for your needs. To find a reader for your phone, check out the list compiled by mobile-barcodes.com

Check the compatibility between your phone and the reader. Not all phones are compatible with this technology so be sure to check your phone manual as well. Pay particular attention to the download instructions. There are various methods of delivery to your phone, some require you to download to your computer then transfer the app to your phone using either a Bluetooth connection or USB connection. Others download directly to your phone.

Once the QR reader has been installed, open the app and find a QR code that interests you. They are everywhere, from store products to newspapers to magazines. Even Home Depot takes advantage of QR codes’ ability to inform you about their products.

Hold the device with the camera pointed toward the QR code. To assist in reading the QR code, your app will display either four corners in your viewer or an actual frame. Make sure the QR code is aligned within these guides. Follow any and all onscreen instructions. Some cameras may require you press the photo capture button or other feature to begin scanning.

It does not matter from which angle you take the picture. The software will automatically read the code and open the information on your phone.

Enjoy.

If you would like help in developing a QR code campaign, please feel free to contact us for more information.

For more on QR Codes, read:

1. Using QR Codes in your Internet Marketing
2. 5 Tips for Effective Marketing with QR Codes and Mobile Landing Pages
3. QR Codes and Mobile Marketing: What you Need to Know

If you still have questions, we can help you establish your online marketing campaigns using QR codes.