QR Codes are now becoming mainstream!
First a definition of QR codes, a QR code is a specific matric barcode (two dimensional code) readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera/smart phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.
You may have noticed these black-and-white squares showing up in subway ads or in pages of magazines, coffee cups, on buildings in NYC, posters, storefront window displays, TV advertisements, business cards, websites, and yes even libraries. Thanks to our growing addiction to our smartphones, you'll likely be seeing more of them. When accessed with your smart phone, a QR code takes you to a landing page where you usually find special promotional content.
Here's how the QR codes work:
First, you must download a QR scanning application for your smartphone. If you have an Android based OS smart phone you can follow this link Android QR Code App. If you have a smart phone with a different OS you can follow this link for the top supported mobile phones QR Codes for other mobile phones. Another popular site is RedLaser which are available for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry and Symbian phones. When you see a QR code on a poster or billboard, open the scanning app and use the phone's camera to focus the code on your screen. The application will recognize the code and automatically open up the link, video or image in your phone's browser. You just need an internet connection to access the content.
Generating your own QR code:
There are a lot of sites that are available for generating your own QR codes. Some of the more popular sites are ZXing, KAYWA, and QR-Stuff. You can get started generating QR codes relatively cheap for under eighty dollars. You can purchase QR labels and printers fairly cheap at Newegg. Once at Newegg website, in the search box just type in “QR codes”.
Brands and companies are increasingly taking advantage of this relatively low-cost marketing tool. A recent issue of Wired magazine included an ad by watchmaker Tag Heuer that contained a QR code that led users to images of its latest collection of timepieces. Magazine ads have used QR codes to promote everything from hair-care products to sheepskin boots to diamonds.
Measuring success
Like internet ads, QR codes can help companies measure how many people are using the code and at what time. By having easily traceable analytics, marketing firms can view results and know if their QR code campaign is successful. While some consumers know how to use their phone cameras to scan, many do not. Libraries are gearing up to offer 1on1 training for QR codes as they provide computer training for their patrons. I feel QR codes are here to stay and will revolutionize the way companies and libraries market their services.
