Have you seen those bar codes in magazines or posters and wondered what they are all about? Here’s a quick explanation.
A QR Code is a type of barcode that is used to store useful information, like web URLs and contact details, and transfer it to your smart phone.
To use a QR code, you’ll need to download a QR code reader app to your phone. Two free ones are TapMedia’s QR Reader for iPhones and Google Goggles for Androids. Once you have the app, use it to take a picture of a QR code. It will automatically perform the action the QR code asks you to.
QR codes are a quick, easy way to access changing content. The code can take you direct to an up-to-date website or LinkedIn page, unlike print material which goes out of date quickly. QR Codes are also a great way to avoid typing in long URLs.
They can be useful on:
- Business cards – scan a business card and easily add a person to your phone contacts or Outlook
- Print advertising – go direct to product videos or promotions, or to social media pages
- Product packaging – access useful resources, like customer service phone numbers and user manuals
- Event tickets – link to a Google map, RSVP page, or materials that attendees need to bring.
Despite the advantages, QR codes have been slow to catch on, perhaps because businesses need a mobile optimised website to use them, the codes can take up a lot of space on print items, and there is as yet no standardised reader for users.