QR Codes are on the rise.  They are showing up on specialty menus at Applebees, advertisements in Macy’s, and brochures from many of the companies you engage with.

So here’s the question … What is a QR Code?  Created by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary in 1994, a QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix bar code.   It was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.  When printed on business cards or brochures, readers can use an app downloaded on their smartphone to scan the QR Code to unlock the information hidden in the matrix bar code.  To date, QR Codes typically have been used to direct readers to a company website.

During the last year, QR Codes have been used with increasing frequency in marketing – both traditional and social media marketing.  As part of a marketing campaign, QR Codes have the potential for use in many, highly creative ways.  Unfortunately, many companies, put little effort into QR Codes – plastering them on all printed materials to simply drive the reader to a website.

Here are a few ways to use QR Codes with purpose and distinction:

1. What if … during fundraising events, QR codes were displayed on decorations that drive attendees to a special donation page set-up to accept payments online via smartphone?
2. What if …  restaurants had QR codes printed on the customers’ copy of the receipt that directed the reader to the company’s page on Yelp!  This way patrons could quickly and easily leave a review for their friends.
3. What if … department stores or clothing boutiques added QR Codes to the price tags of new fashion trends that directed the reader to a YouTube video featuring models showing different ways to wear the clothing items.
4. What if … pharmacies used QR Codes on the packages of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that provide additional product information and side effects.
5. What if … B2B businesses use QR Codes on business cards that lead to a YouTube video containing a 30 – 60 second infomercial about the business.  Who they are … What they do … and Why your company needs them.

If you have used QR Codes in a creative way, send us an email or post a comment.  Tell us what you did and the result yielded.  If you are still trying to figure out a way to integrate QR Codes into your Social Media Marketing contact Project Socialize today.

In the meantime, see how Tesco stepped out of the proverbial box and used QR Codes to significantly grow their business.

References:

QR code. (2011, October 16). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:54, October 22, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=QR_code&oldid=455856973