Scan Me
If QR codes and QR code readers are new to you, now is the time to learn more about these great technologies! There are several apps available for free and for minimal cost to help you navigate the mystery.
QR codes, or quick response codes, seem to be all the rage these days with marketers trying to entice consumers to access additional information on their brands by revealing the data “hidden” behind the two-dimensional barcodes. You may have seen these unique codes in print advertisements, on in-store displays and at trade shows, but you may not have known what to do with them. It turns out that QR codes have been around since the 90’s in Japan.
“QR code readers and mobile smartphone’s make print-ad marketing fun again” – John Komatsoulis
Tarara Winery in Leesburg, Va. recently started using QR codes on their wine labels. This definitely seems like a practical application. Say you’re out to dinner and you want to remember the wine that you’re enjoying. It’s tacky to sneak the bottle out in your handbag, so snap a photo with your QR code reader and access it the next time you’re at your local wine purveyor.
There also seems to be an increase in marketers using QR codes in print ads, particularly in magazines. The readers can simply access the QR code readers on their phones and automatically be linked to additional data that couldn’t be included in the print ad. Marketers can track how many people are accessing the additional information and which links they are clicking on by using some basic analytics.
Business cards are a third area where one might need a QR code reader. Consider this: most business cards are only three inches wide. What if you could include access to your entire resume or a company profile by including a small QR code on one side of the business card? Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
QR code reader i-nigma seems to have just the right amount of functionality mixed with ease of use. When you launch the app, it activates the camera functionality required to capture the QR code. There are red outlines on the screen that show you where the QR code needs to be lined up. Don’t worry, though, because the reader doesn’t require that the QR code be zoomed in to fit the box and it can be a little off-center. Once the QR code is recognized, the app launches the super-secret content and allows you to click on any links.
There are several QR code readers available.
If you’re using an iPhone, simply type in QR code in the search field of iTunes. Two QR code readers that have been recommended by Twitter friends are RedLaser (free), which also scans regular barcodes, and Optiscan ($1.99).
Are you using QR codes for marketing? Do you have a favorite QR code reader?
Please share your thoughts below or by emailing me at amanda.haddaway@gmail.com
Image Credit – QR Code Readers
About the Author: Amanda Haddaway is a human resources and marketing professional with more than 12 years of experience. She is also a freelance writer for several publications. Learn more at AmandaHaddaway.com or follow her on Twitter @Ahaddaway.
I'm John Komatsoulis the founder of Learn About LLC. If your looking to grow your business with Social Media Marketing, Video Marketing, SEO or Mobile Marketing, you've come to the right place. Call me today at 570-460-8003 or you can request a free 60 minute call at 
With QR code becoming more popular, it becomes more popular to brand them and make them unique and track QR codes as well. Customize codes at http://qrlicious.com and track at http://www.qrstuff.com/?aid=2165
Amanda I have to be honest I have never used QR codes even though I have heard of marketers like Ryan Deiss talking about them and offering training. Could they be used online say a blog or website I would be interested to find out.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Yes! I actually have a QR code on my site that links to my LinkedIn profile in case people want additional information about my professional background. The QR code readers are able to read the codes from print and computer monitors. You could create a QR code to take visitors to another site that you run, your online profile, etc.
Thanks for your question!
Amanda
Amanda, I think those QR codes are an amazing little invention. Just the examples you provided are cool and the possibilities are endless when you think about it.
Your explanation was excellent. Thanks !!
Joyce
Thanks, Joyce — I appreciate your feedback!
Thanks for this great information Amanda. I have been intrigued by QR codes for awhile – not sure yet exactly how I would fit one in with my business at this time, but I’m definitely interested for the future. Thanks again!
Hi Marquita,
Thanks for reading! You may think about a small QR code instead of a logo or other image on your business card. You might also think about 2-sided printing where one side has “traditional” business card info and the other side has a QR code that goes to your personal website or online resume/profile.