What You Should Know About QR Codes

There are many different ways that you can approach QR codes for your marketing strategy. Sometimes, it is hard to decipher which tactics, tools and practices work most effectively. With some education and experimentation, you will find what’s best.

What is a QR code?

A QR code is a 2-dimensional barcode image that can be scanned by a mobile device. The barcode encapsulates data in two directions and the person who is doing the scanning can do it both vertically and horizontally. Your QR codes connect your web presence with the offline world that we live in.

What types of data can be stored in a QR code?

QR codes can store over 7,000 numbers. In addition to numbers, they can store several other types of date, including calendar entries, Email, contact information, phone numbers, MMS/SMS messages, hyperlinks, and text. Because of their capability of storing data, that opens up a door to all sorts of other possibilities. Videos can be viewed, apps can be downloaded, the person with the mobile device has the ability to check in, Twitter status can be updated, the person can “Like” Facebook pages, etc.

Where are QR codes found?

The barcode can be placed almost anywhere on a surface in almost any location. If you put barcodes online, you should keep in mind that they should enhance the reader’s experience. You should try to make it as easy as possible for them to get to where you want them to be. Wherever your barcode sits, it must always be easy to scan. Remember to always consider physical properties around the barcode so that nothing interferes with the scanability.

Are QR codes becoming more popular?

QR codes are becoming more and more popular. More and more people are scanning codes for all kinds of information and companies are beginning to realize very quickly how much they can strengthen their position in the marketplace.

Are there other types of two-dimensional barcodes other than QR codes?

There are several different two-dimensional codes, such as QR codes, ScanLife EZcode, Microsoft Tag, and DataMatrix. There are, of course, some major differences in the different codes. For example, Microsoft Tag and ScanLife EZcode can only be decoded by tools that are sold by those companies. QR and DataMatrix, on the other hand, are more open and can be decoded by several different devices. QR codes have taken on a dominant role in the world of two-dimensional codes and many people are using them more and more often.

Is there a cost involved with barcodes?

There are tools available for most mobile devices, many of which are either free or cost very little. If you wish to run a two-dimensional barcode campaign, this is what you will need:

• Output (download file type, size, color, etc)
• Code format (Microsoft Tag, QR, ScanLife EZcode, etc)
• Stored data (SMS, contact information, hyperlink, etc)

Is there a way to track metrics?

Web analytics and URL shorteners for two-dimensional barcodes are a good place to start to track metrics. If you want an array of tracking information, you will need to have a barcode generator tool that has a analytics tracking feature built in. Some of the management tools that are available only track the number of scans that people do while others are more sophisticated and offer more detailed analytics, such as geolocation, demographics, repeat scans, etc. There are many different tools that are either inexpensive or free:

• Microsoft Tag
• QReate and Track
• Paperlinks
• Tappinn
• QReateBUZZ

What is the value of a QR code to the customer?

The value to the customer is in all of the coupons, discounts, special content and helpful hints and tips that will be available through scanning. That information is not available to anyone who cannot scan. A clever idea is to include a QR code on your business card so that it is extremely easy for your customers to get what they need with one scan.

Is it easy to scan two-dimensional barcodes?

With all of the barcode possibilities out there, it can be confusing sometimes. Many people have the capability to scan barcodes with their mobile device but don’t know how to do it. The easiest way to educate your customers is to show them how to 1) Get the reader application (app), 2) Scan the code and 3) Take a look at the information that appears.

Should the scanability be tested before it is released into the world?

As a business owner, if is imperative that you make sure that your QR code(s) work before you give the information to anyone else. Make sure that whomever you are working with to institute the barcodes into your marketing material is competent. Going through the work of setting up the barcode campaign only to find out that it isn’t functioning would be disastrous.

Conclusion

Now that you understand how important barcodes can be to the success of your business, you need to make sure that the result that they produce is exactly what you want and that you should have the customer in mind before you do anything. The easier you make the path to obtaining the much-desired information, the more people will want to connect with you and your business in that manner. It is well established that QR codes enhance engagement and it is definitely worth exploring and using in some capacity.

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