QR Codes: Scan, Bamm, Thank you Ma’am!

In case you don’t know what a QR (quick response) code is… let me be the first to tell you that they’re VERY cool, geeky and we’ve only just begun (not a Carpenters song). They’re like a bar code, but 3 dimensional and you can pretty much put them anywhere (shirts, scarves, stickers, napkins, skin, Realtor “for sale” signs, business cards and much more!) When you scan a QR code (via your smart phone) they’ll resolve to any Web page you like. You create your QR code online (at many places) for free! Everyone likes free! They takes a mere few seconds to create at most… you enter the URL you wish to associate with your QR code, click “create” and that’s about it! Most QR code apps can also store the URL for later in case you get *scan happy* and want to check out all your “scans” later at your convenience (say you’re at a huge convention where everyone has a QR code, you scan em via your phone, save it, go on to the next booth and repeat!) You can have them E-mailed to you as well, this is where the functionality of the different scanning apps come into play.

Official Definition of a QR Code

Here is the wiki definition of a QR code in case you want to do your homework. The Japanese have been using them a looong time (the initial use was for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing) and have some pretty far-out uses for them actually and as usual, they’re just starting to get popular here in the US.

Cool QR Code Uses for Realtors

So say you’re a Realtor. You can add a QR code on those *for sale* signs that you plunk in someones front yard. Me, “Miss Looking to Buy A Home” could then drive around aimlessly looking at houses, scan the QR codes and be taken to a Web page that has ALL the information about THAT particular property! Joy! Rapture! That’s just ONE use of them. Since most QR apps let you save your stash of URLs you can spend quality time later reviewing all your saved “homes” you were interested in that day. Send them to a friend! Your husband/wife for review! The possibilities are endless here.

Keli’s QR Code

Yep, I had to get my own QR code of course, it was the geek thing to do. It resolves to a page within my Web design Web site that is only accessible via the QR code. I need to add some unique information there and track it just to see if people use it. I suspect there’s not a lot of activity as it’s only on my Twitter page for now. My idea is to have links that go to to key areas of my Web site or other information I deem important The wheels are spinning!

Download a QR Reader App for your Phone

All you do is search your app store for “QR code scanner” or “QR code app” – that should take you to a nice collection of free apps – easy peasy!

Generate a QR Code Online for FREE

Here are a few “no hassle” places to create them:
-Create a QR Code at StickerScan
-QR Code Generator
-QR Generator
and there’s many more… just Google *QR Code Generator*.

QR Tag Articles

-This is a great article by the Danny Sullivan team over at Search Engine Watch titled “Top 14 Things Marketers Need to Know About QR Codes” and as usual, there’s some great info there.

-What Is A QR Code And Why Do You Need One?

-QR Codes Are a Smart Marketing Choice – A SPN Exclusive Article

-What Business Card? Just Scan My QR Code

-101 Uses For Quick Response (QR) Codes

7 tips to using QR codes at Trade Shows

1. Place them on your trade show graphics where they can be seen and easily scanned – if you’re going to use them, really use them
2. Give show visitors a reason to scan the QR code, such as “Get more info” or “Sign up for our newsletter” or “See the movie” or “Scan to enter contest,” and then link to a show-specific landing page or a Web page that has the great content you promised
3. Explain how they work to your staff…and ensure each staffer has a smart phone in case the attendee doesn’t
4. Make sure your staff knows to approach anyone who is scanning your QR code and use it as an opportunity to engage them in a conversation
5. Test if the QR codes launch the internet inside the show hall every show … before the show starts
6. Set up the links so that “click” counts can be tracked during the show days, such as with bit.ly
7. Track them especially close the first few shows to see if they work for your audience
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Cool QR Products & Unique Uses

-This site sells QR stickers, and you don’t have to buy bulk either (if you’re a Realtor, you won’t need a billion of them right? Hopefully that home sells fast!) Check out ALL the uses they have! It’s a brilliant site.

-NapScan! A site that makes QR imprinted napkins for your bar or restaurant. As the site boasts: “The ScanNap “web-enabled” Napkin from Napkins-Only. Finally! Printed Napkins That Actually Make Me Money, Rather Than Adding An Expense”

-YouScan.me allows you to add all your info like Facebook profile or fan page, Twitter, YouTube, etc. and connect with others. With YouScan.me you can track and follow all your code activities like scan count and countries from where the code has been scanned. The build in code analytics will provide you with important insights which will help your measure your success.

-30 Interesting ways QR Tags are being use actually shows someone with a QR TAG TATTOO!! GO Tattoo Dude!!!! Talk about never getting lost on your way home from the bar But seriously, check out their list… there’s some pretty cool QR Tag ideas there.

-Scan2 Action Codes are a unique sales tool that combine QR codes with a specific call to action (Scan2pay, win, save, buy, learn, play…) and a mobile enabled landing page for lead generation or E-commerce.

-5 Creative Uses of QR Codes

Other Places QR Codes are Popping Up

I’ve also seen QR tags in catalogs (Sephora has them) so in case you want more information about a specific product or want to order it? Bamm Scan ThankYouMa’am! Instant info! Instant order! Hook em while they’re hot.

As shown above, people are getting QR code tattoos, getting shirts made, scarves, bags, hats… the possibilities are endless. If you have a cool/clever use for them, hit me up with a comment below please, I’d love to know!