Whether you’re shopping in a mall or reading through the newspaper, you’ll notice these funny looking boxes everywhere. Sometimes they’re black and white, sometimes, they’re beautiful pieces of art. What are they? QR Codes.
QR is an acronym for Quick Response. First used in the auto industry in Asia, QR codes are now widely seen in display advertising as a way to bridge offline and online content. They’re essentially a new form of 2-dimensional bar codes that store more data and are easier to scan than a standard UPC bar code. Instead of a clunky scanner, you just use your smartphone. How?
Follow these steps on how to scan a QR code:
- Download a QR reader app to your smartphone.
(For Android, you can download Google Goggles. For iPhone, you can use download the Kaywa Reader.) - Launch your QR reader app and scan the code below with your camera lens.
- That’s it!
Businesses can use QR codes to supplement print advertisements by squeezing in more information using the code. Once scanned, consumers have an opportunity to learn more about the business! To incentivize consumers to scan your code, you may consider including an offer like, “Scan this code to receive an instant $5 off your order!”
QR codes can take users to:
- Website URL
- A coupon
- A Facebook page
- A link to a YouTube video
- Product details
- Phone number
- Map/Directions page
- Contact Information
- And much more…
It’s easy to create your own QR code. There are a number of resources available for you to generate a QR code for free! Generate one using Kaywa today and include it in your next print advertisement!
