
QR codes are set to take the world of marketing by storm this year. But what is a QR code, and more importantly, how can you make money out of QR codes?
What is a QR code?
QR codes are a great tool for boosting traffic to your website and to promote special offers. It’s simple: QR code stands for “quick response” code, and is a two dimensional barcode (compared to a one dimensional linear barcode, which is just your generic barcode).What can SMEs do with QR codes?
Many of today’s mobile phones have the capability to decode QR codes through their built-in digital cameras. This means that mobile phones can be used to snap the QR code, which could contain a URL that automatically redirects the user to a web page. Awesome practical applications for QR codes:
- scanning a QR code on a food product to get a recipe on your phone
- scanning a QR code in a travel brochure for the hotel to call you
- scanning a QR code on an appliance to get the manual from the manufacturer’s website
- creating “great show” response QR codes for attendees to tweet to their friends, complete with a “Next show details are…”
- sending direct mailshots out with pre-printed codes for “phone us”, “watch a video” or “launch our website”
- scanning a QR code on an advert for a book links you to an excerpt from the book
- scanning a QR code on a DVD box in a shop links you to the trailer for the film
- scanning a QR code on your business card enables people to get hold of and store all your contact details immediately, or could link to your LinkedIn profile
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