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.