SiteCrafting, Inc.
23 Nov
QR Codes and You
They may look like a nightmare game of reversi or something sent out by SETI but, to your smartphone, QR Codes are full of all kinds of goodies that can connect the real world to the digital one. Read on to find out what these little checkered gems can do!
QR Codes have been around since Toyota invented them for use tracking the movement of car parts in their manufacturing process. Today, we have the capability to help you create them for your needs via a SiteCrafting content management system. But as smartphones are increasingly being loaded with reader apps QR Codes are starting to hit the mainstream. So what can these things do?
They work well to bring the print or physical world to the digital one in a standardized way. QR Codes can be generated and used in print ads and promos, ironic t-shirts, and even on live TV to refer viewers to something related to what they're currently watching. Add them to a business card to link to an e-portfolio or to museum/zoo exhibits to link users to an informational video or even to donate right then and there to help keep the doors open. You can even track stats if you're linking to pages on your site setup for QR Code promotions or even via short URL generator stats.
The possibilities are fascinating and endless. But are people actually using QR Codes and do they even know what the heck they are? Right now it's a toss-up. However, the more they appear the more people will learn and inquire about them. But QR Code popularity may be short-lived given that smartphones are only getting smarter and more able to read and process the "real world" as seen through their cameras via apps, the likes of which can already read info off normal business cards for adding to your address book. I recommend gently peppering them here much like Twitter or Facebook icons on your website or brochure. Track some stats and see if they're worth it for you.
Search for a free QR Code reader for your smartphone (I recommend this one for iOS devices) then try these examples out for yourself: (and feel free to give us a call to brainstorm the possibilities anytime!)
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by Kevin Freitas | 11/23/2010 9:07am | Comments (10)
by Kevin Freitas | 11/23/2010 9:07am | Comments (10)
Great blog, Kevin! What does the QR stand for?
Thanks.
Left by Julie Forth | Dec 2, 2010
Thanks for this informative blog. How do you generate a Qr code?
Left by Denise Ploof | Dec 2, 2010
Best uses I've seen:
-- Sending people to a video on their mobile phone. Many catalogs are using them this time of year - saw one in Toys R Us next to a robot and it led to a video that showed it in action.
-- Also great examples on Microsoft Tag site.
-- Many applications for real estate to use these... imagine being able to follow a link on a for sale sign to a video tour right there on your phone while standing outside the home.
Left by Kacie McKinney | Dec 6, 2010
Thanks everyone for your comments!
@Julie: "Quick Response"
@Denise: There are numerous free generators out there if you do a search on Google for "qr code generator". We can also build them into any of our content management systems so you can easily get QR Codes for your events, blog entries, employee contacts, etc.
@Kacie: Great examples! I've seen them on real estate listings and love the idea of these adding context to something like a product or museum display via a video.
Left by Kevin Freitas | Dec 8, 2010
For those of us without smartphones, the process is a little more involved but still pretty fun. Take a picture of the QR code with your phone's camera. Send it to Photobucket, Twitpic, or any other photo hosting site you're partial to. Then upload the photo file to the ZXing Decoder site: http://g3r.me/NaV.
Left by Mandi | Dec 15, 2010
It's more complicated-generating QR codes with smartphones.
Left by Paul Harris | Dec 20, 2010
5fdiV0 Muchos Gracias for your blog post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Left by Buy Cheap OEM Software | Mar 7
51cMr7 Muchos Gracias for your blog article.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Left by Buy Cheap OEM Software | Mar 7
Yet, much is unclear. Could you describe in more details!...
Left by windups | Mar 8
Thanks:) Cool topic, write more often! You manage with it perfctly:D
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