You might already realize it, but QR codes are all the range. Their presence certainly seems to have increased in recent years, which indicate an impressive adoption rate among marketers. In fact, in June 2011, 14 million mobile users in the United States scanned a QR code on their mobile device. But does this mean that you should start using them?
Defining the QR Code
The concept behind a QR code is not exactly new because it is basically a barcode. And just like any barcode, a QR code can store encoded pieces of information that can be decoded with a special reader. Design Shack easily describes how a QR code works:
“One big difference is that standard barcodes are made to be read with a beam of light while QR Codes are meant to be seen as an image. The scanner essentially takes a picture of the QR Code, then aligns the picture using specific identifiable patterns and finally uses the rest of the pattern as a binary code.
“They might look random, but if you look close you’ll notice that all QR Codes share four very specific squares. These are used to give the scanner information on the alignment, rotation and skew of the code so that it can be sure to interpret the information correctly.”
Benefit of QR Codes
QR Codes both benefit the customer and business, and in so many ways. Affordable Web Design gives a clear view of how it can be of help to both parties.
Benefits for the customer –“ They don’t have to fumble around for a notebook and pen to write down your URL, phone number or physical address. By making it easy for them to find the information they need, you save them time”.
Benefits for the business — “Having a great mobile website design and using QR codes to bring people to it is a great way to get the word out about your business, improve customer experience and bring in more sales”.
Creating a QR Code
Now that you know the numerous uses of QR codes in engaging others with your brand and bridging the gap between outbound and inbound marketing, you can now start with your first foray of creating QR codes to bring your print media into an inbound marketing world.
1. Find a QR Code Generator
There are many out there, but the key is finding the right one for your needs. Some things to look for when choosing a QR code generator are whether you can track and analyze performance, if it allows you to design a code that is unique to your brand, and if it is compatible with common QR code readers.
2. Create, Design, and Link It Up
The fun part of creating QR codes is customizing the design of the codes to your brand. Want your code to look like your logo? Go for it. Want it to reflect your website’s design scheme? No problem.
3. Test It
In all the excitement of creating your first QR code, don’t forget to check to see if the QR code “reads” correctly, and be sure to try more than just one reader. A good place to start is the free tool Google Goggles, which takes a picture and then tells you what link or item it “reads to.”
4. Track and Analyze
Just like any marketing campaign, track and analyze how much traffic comes from each specific code. Are people scanning your code but not redeeming their offer once they get to your landing page? Or are they not even compelled enough to scan your QR code? Knowing this will help you troubleshoot and adjust your poorly performing QR codes to more closely mirror those that work well.
Linking your mobile website design with QR codes can put your business first in line to net the customers who are already out there using their smart phones to search for products and services. It would be a shame to miss such a huge potential market.