It seems as if QR-Codes are popping up in print media wherever I look. In magazines, on cereal boxes, business cards, even covering the back door of a delivery truck. If you haven’t noticed them yet, you soon will. My first questions after learning of this new form of “mobile communication” were many. What is a QR Code, how much does it cost, how practical are they for my clients to use on their websites, how are they created, what are practical ways for my clients to begin seeing results from their use.
So begins my first blog post about how one goes about unlocking the power QR Codes.
What is a QR Code
A QR Code is a picture that is similar to a bar code. Notice the square QR Code images included on this post. When translated by a Smart Phone Camera or Tablet, the image directs the device to a webpage, an email, a text message, a phone number, or other places that we have yet to dream up. In short, anyone with a Smart phone, i.e. Android device , iPhone, iPad, can point their camera at the code and they will be directed to what you hope for them to read, see or hear.
How Much Do They Cost?
It’s FREE!
To generate a QR Code you simply find a website that allows you to generate the code. In fact, I’ve included a free generator on this website at: http://www.billjacobson.com/free-qr-code/
Let’s say you would like the code to point to your website, just enter your website URL. Or perhaps you would like the code to activate a phone call to you…. just click on the Phone tab, and you can generate a code for your phone number.
Next, you need to copy the image (just right click on the generated image), save it to your computer, and now you can copy, paste and create and print copy of the code.
How Do I Know If It Works?
Now that you have a printed copy of the QR Code, install a QR Code “Reader” on to your smart phone. Once installed, launch the app, point your camera over the code, and you will see your result.
How Can I Use Them for My Business?
This, of course, is the $60,000 question, and the place for us to be as creative as we wish.
Tune in to next week’s blog post where we can see some successful examples, and discuss ways in which we can use mobile devices to communicate in new and creative ways.
PLEASE add a comment to this post if you find it helpful… or not… Together we can find some GREAT NEW WAYS TO COMMUNICATE!
Thank you!
Bill
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