Pictured here you see a QR code. It looks somewhat like a square barcode.
A few months ago, Google had "Favorite Place on Google" campaign. Businesses that were frequently searched on Google were sent two-sided window decals that said, "We're a Favorite Place on Google" and included a QR code to take them to a Google business profile.
The problem I had was that my Blackberry Curve 8330 couldn't read the code because it didn't have a QR reader. So I began my search to find a QR code reader and test my first QR code. I ultimately ended up downloading a reader from www.BeeTagg.com. Depending on your phone, there are many to choose from and are free to download. It took a little while, but after several tests, I got my reader to work.
But what the heck is a QR code?
Like a familiar barcode (one-dimensional), a QR code is a two-dimensional barcode. It can contain a great deal of information and will likely include a website URL. The QR code pictured here will take you to this blog. The QR symbol can be "scanned" by using a cell phone camera and taking a picture. The camera activates the decoding software, reads the information, and opens the browser directly to the website.
The codes are being found in places like product labels, billboards, and buildings. Marketers are using on business cards, marketing collateral, newspaper and magazine advertisements. Some believe that QR codes will take interactive print communications to a whole new level. During my testing, I was like a kid with a new toy. My mind was racing about the many ways this could be used as another tool in the marketing toolbox.
Imagine the possibilities. Many businesses spend a great deal of money on newspaper advertising. These decisions are based on numbers of circulation and no way to track the results. A QR code is one more method to track newspaper responses along with a tracked 800# and PURL.
How about yellow pages or city visitor guide? A restaurant could include a QR code in the yellow page advertisement. Imagine you're in a strange town on business and you're hungry. You scan the yellow pages and find the restaurant QR code. You scan the code and it takes you to the menu so you can find something you like, the phone number to call the restaurant, and the Google map so you can find your way.
What about a museum? As you stroll the different areas and find something interesting, you can scan a QR code to find out more detailed information.
The QR code can bring static communication to life. Print becomes interactive by the recipient choosing to participate and request more information. Simple things like business cards, postcards, posters, and even t-shirts take the communication to the next level. QR codes provide innovative possibilities for combining print and web.
If you would like to incorporate QR codes into your print communications, give me call or email david@advantageprint24.com and let's talk ideas.
Advantage Printing is a commercial print and marketing service provider serving churches, nonprofits and small to mid-sized businesses.
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidamoore
David A. Moore
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