Quick Response code (QR Code) is a type of matrix barcode. QR codes storing addresses and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) may appear in magazines, on signs, on buses, on business cards, or on almost any object about which users might need information.
How do you use QR codes?
Users with a smart phone with a camera and loaded with a QR code reader can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone's browser.
You can download free QR scanners
(Note older version phones may have problems downloading QR scanners).
- Blackberry: QR Scanner Pro http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/13962
- iPhone: QR Code Reader & Scanner : http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/qr-code-reader-and-scanner/id388175979?mt=8
Or : (source: http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/)
- KAYWA Reader
- Nokia Reader
- nigma Reader
- Lynkee Reader
- UpCode
- QuickMark
- SnapMaze
- BeeTagg
- NeoReader
- ScanLife
- MobileTag
Why would you want to create a QR Code?
They are a fast and immediate, easy to use way of getting people to information. They can be added to any print (advertising, flyers, posters, and invites) or even digital displays, (TV ads, Social Media ads, and website ads etc). The can contain:
- Product details
- Contact details (Vcard)
- Offer details
- Event details (Vcalendar)
- Competition details
- A coupon
- Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, MySpace IDs; A link to your YouTube video; Itunes
- Website URL
- SMS Message
- Google maps location
- Wifi login (Android only)
- Buy Now paypal link
How do you create it?
Contact the marketing department to discuss the use and generation of QR codes so that they are effectively managed and promoted.
- QR codes should have one defined purpose to be effective; Only one QR code should be displayed on material at a time to avoid confusion
- QR codes work best when used for real-time, immediate access to information
- Note that if you are sending users to a web page you will want to ensure that the page is mobile device friendly (set up so that it is easy to view and navigate from a mobile device)
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