If you are going to use mobile marketing you need to familiarize yourself with QR codes, what they do, and why you should use them. QR is short for Quick Response, as they can be read quickly by a cell phone that is set up to read them, which can be any android or iPhone, or basically any smart phone that can run apps.
QR codes give your cell phone information or details about your business. This might mean the ability to search for nearby locations, or take you to a URL to see the information they want, or even provide you with a coupon code for purchase. The possibilities are endless, basically the code generates digital information, and you can choose what information that is. The possibilities are endless, and the uses many.
Why would you want to use QR codes instead of a standard bar code? The biggest reason is that they can store more data. This also means that they can digitally present more data including url links, geo coordinates, text, etc. then a standard barcode can. This is great if you have a lot of information you want to pass on with your mobile marketing. In addition, they can be scanned by the modern cell phone, and do not require a hand-held scanner.It means passing more information along in smaller packaging, which is perfect for mobile marketing.
How does the cell phone read the code? Most of the time you have to install an application on your smart phone that can read QR codes. However, any iPhone or Android phone will have a free app available for this, and then it is simply a matter of downloading the app and putting it to use.
If you want to use QR codes in your marketing campaign, how can you generate the codes? You usually do so with a third party site like Kaywa.com or an Open Source code generator. There area lot of Google tools and other tools you can use to generate your QR codes, so if you have a good developer on staff, they can probably do it, if not, you may want to look to a third party to create the codes for you.
QR codes are still fairly new, so many people will not be using them yet, but just like all technology, it is smart to be ahead of the curve, rather than behind it, and those who do know how to use QR codes will appreciate having them. A great way to use them is to generate one for each product on your website that contains product information, a URL link to the page, and other pertinent information.
QR codes can be used for any aspect of your marketing if you need to provide details about a product, contact information, events or offer details, coupons, links to videos, social media pages, etc.