They’re in ads, they’re on products, they’re on television, but what the heck is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D barcode that contains data. This data is available when the QR code is scanned with a smartphone. (Wikipedia has a lot to say about QR codes.)
While there are several uses for QR codes, here are 6 ways they are most commonly used.
Website
Advertisers and brands will often use QR codes to direct you to their website. This is often the case for contests – the QR code will take you to a contest page where you can enter to win some kind of wonderful prize.
Video
Video is the most common use I’ve seen for QR codes. How-to videos are often the destination of the codes, as are behind-the-scenes footage. The movie industry has started to use them to promote movie trailers recently.
Store Contact Information
The back of my business card has a QR code. When it is scanned, it stores my contact information in the phone of the recipient. This is a great way to ensure that your contact information is stored and environmentally friendly.
Download an App
I was recently handed a palm card by an app developer with a QR code to download their app. I’ve also seen this in several malls and even in magazines. It is a great way to mobilize your audience to quickly and easily download an app.
Connect on Social Media
Just as you can share contact information via QR code, you can share your social media pages. One QR code can allow your contacts to connect with you in one scan instead of spending the time to find you on each of your social media sites.
Calendar Event
Want people to save the date of a major event? Create a QR code calendar event. When scanned, this will create an event on the recipient’s smartphone calendar.
QR codes will become an even more popular means of sharing content in the future. Watch this video to learn how to read a QR code.
