QR Codes - What Are They?

From Wikipedia: A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers, camera telephones, and to a less common extent, computers with webcams. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.

So what does that mean to you? What are they for?

These little graphics can be used in marketing materials on either paper or on the web to lead people to the places you want them to go on their mobile devices. Just about any mobile device with a camera and "apps" of one sort or another can read these codes. I use an app called "QuickMark" on my Droid Incredible 2 - it reads several formats of codes, is really fast, and is pretty tolerant of errors and poor printing. It also has sharing and some other functions that make it a great all-around free application that feels professional.

So, if you get a scanning app for your mobile device and point it at the little green code to the upper left of this post, you will be taken back to the home page of our website. Imagine someone seeing your code on a sign, flyer, or other location while they are out: they can immediately save this location right on their mobile device to return to later. If they had to remember a URL, they would probably never go there. You can get creative in the placement of these graphics to add a modern twist to your printed or electronic marketing materials while making it easier for your potential customers to find you.

Want to make a code of your own? There are a lot of free sites that will do it for you; you just need to be careful to get a code that points to YOUR website and not a service that redirects to it, just in case that service goes away, your QR code will still work. Here's the site I used to create the code above: http://goqr.me/

As always, if you have any questions about this or other technology related topics, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Here's one more - Follow this to our Facebook page and "like" us if you found this valuable: