QR Codes are becoming more popular and prevalent in the U.S. and you’re going to see a rapid increase in their use. Why? They’re the perfect coupling of print advertising and Smart Phones and you can do all sorts of things with them. So get ready.

What are QR Codes?

QR Codes (Quick Response Codes) were originally developed for inventory tracking and control, these two dimensional codes, are like bar codes on steroids. If you look for them, you’ll see them all around you. On machine parts, on shipping packages, and now-a-days on all types of marketing materials. They’ve gain popularity because they can “contain more data” than standard bar codes - but more importantly, they can be scanned and read quickly - especially by today’s camera equipped smart phones. The ability to be recognized and scanned by smart phones is why they’re so popular and increasing in use.

Smart Phones + QR Codes = Easy

Smart phones are terrific, they let you jump on the internet when ever and where ever you’d like. However, the downside, they can be tough to type long or awkward URLs into. The solution, simply point your camera on your phone at a QR code and you can be directed to almost anything - no typing required. It’s that simple. The QR Code can be configured to take you to a website, send an SMS text message, provide a phone number, or take you to an upcoming movie preview. Next time you walk through the movie theater, look at the coming attraction posters…you might find many of them now include QR Codes. And ads in newspapers and magazines and billboards are joining in the fun too. To see more examples click here.

But QR Codes can offer even more. They can allow quick “location check-in” or provide special discounts or provide unique URLs that offer daily information. The benefit is, you don’t need to type in any information, so you’re more inclined to participate. Which is beneficial to you and to the retailer or advertiser who’s trying to reach you.

So how do you read them?

Some smart phones come with built in QR Code reader applications. If your phone doesn’t come with it, there’s no shortage of QR Reader Apps available. One of the most popular on the iPhone is QuickMark (.99¢) but there are other alternatives too. Once you’ve got an app…simply point at the next QR Code you see and you’ll be joining in the newest marketing adventure.

So how do you create them?

You can do it free online…or pay a little and get some tracking data to go with it. But it’s really simple to jump into QR Coding for individuals and for small businesses. Of course creating them is only half the job - you also have to offer some compelling destination or offer on the receiving end. But that’s another story of course.

• http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
• http://icandy.ricohinnovations.com/rocket2/
• http://createqrcode.appspot.com/

Small businesses should start using QR Codes today

More and more people in the U.S. will start to realize what the funky patter blocks are - so early adopters will be the first to get noticed. Be creative and be bold and you can start to gain traction among younger clientele and discover an inexpensive and easy way to engage customers.

Further Reading:

• A scavenger hunt via QR codes for a Ford Fiesta